Podcasting
IST 400 | New Media & Social Technologies
iSchool
Syracuse University
Eric Hansen | ethansen+ist@gmail.com

Before we begin
This session is focuses primarily on audio
podcasts, not video
Most of the session applies to both
Definition of podcast is ambiguous
Media consumption is key

Outline
Pod-whats?
On an iPod Near You
Adcasting (Audio)
Culling ‘Casters

Pod-whats?

Technically Speaking
A Podcast is:
an audio file (“MP3”), or
a movie file (“MP4”),
and distributed/ syndicated online (via RSS)
to computers and usually synched to an
iPod or similar device (Zune, Rio, etc.)

MP3s /podcasts

Hooray! My
favorite podcast!
Yippeee!

Radio v. Podcast
Editors Formats FCC Lic. Sponsors
Maybe, if
Nope Kinda LOL!
popular
For You
Yup Totally
sure bet!

The Daily Source Code
• One of the first podcasts
• New episode every weekday (until recently)
• About 45–60 minutes
• Active community of listeners/ contributors

On an iPod Near You

iTMS Podcast directory
100k+ podcasts (MarketWatch)
Anyone can submit content (per guidelines)
iTunes integration = major strength
Estimated 50 - 200 million people use iTunes

iTunes Music Store, Podcast Directory [Mac/Windows]

Mevio.com |
Podshow.com
Music.podshow.com
Integrated social network
Anyone can submit their podcasts
Open to sponsorships, promotions...

ODEO.com
Podcast directory
Aggregates podcast content
Tool for discovery/evaluation
Doesn’t create original content

Adcasting

Sponsorship

Sponsorship
Collaboration

Sponsorship

Integration

Voicemail

Promo Codes

Misfire?

Official podcast

Official podcast

Culling ‘Casters

Radio content:
Compelling guest
Expert on particular subject
Entertainer
Charismatic advocate
Timeliness or relevant to program

Remember
Many podcasts...
have interviews or roundtables
usually represent a single person
are a labor of love
are a creative outlet, not just a soapbox
fill niches

Remember
Contribute to the dialogue, or
Help facilitate dialogue
Add value to the community, or
Add value to the podcast

Tips: Transparency
Be completely open/honest
Disclose organizational affiliations
Keep it short and to the point
Don’t ask for placement, it’s rude
Some podcasts will not accept PR

Tips: Personalize
Avoid “e-mail merges” to podcasters
Get to know their program prior
Participate by leaving audio comments
Address by the podcaster’s name
Keep in mind their audience

Tips: Networking
Listen to podcaster’s favorite podcasts
Learn about those podcasters
Podcasters are likely on social networks
Don’t always start with top shows

Never:
send an attachment, esp. Word docs
send anything “off-the-record”
ignore/fear criticism or feedback
act incredulous if they ignore you
rely on your press release

Thank You

Video/ Photo Credits
• http://flickr.com/photos/khalid-almasoud/
• http://flickr.com/photos/boothy/
• http://flickr.com/photos/tpbrown/
• http://flickr.com/photos/keithwj/
• http://flickr.com/photos/emperley3/
• TiVo.com
• http://flickr.com/photos/mr-brown/
• Stephen Eick (acm.org)
• http://flickr.com/photos/victor_sween/

Video/ Photo Credits
• http://flickr.com/photos/galaygobi/
• http://flickr.com/photos/thadman/
• http://flickr.com/photos/mvillasenor/
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/frascelly/
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/solgrundy/
• http://flickr.com/photos/tartanpodcast/
• http://flickr.com/photos/_fabrizio_/