Podcasting involves creating audio files called "shows" that listeners can subscribe to and download on demand or at their convenience. It grew out of RSS feeds and podcasting software that allowed people to easily distribute and listen to audio content. Podcasting provides an alternative way for people and businesses to share content that listeners can enjoy while multitasking. The document discusses the basics of producing and distributing podcasts, including recommended equipment, file formatting, hosting options, and ways businesses are using podcasts.

1. Podcasting Shel Holtz, ABC

2. What is podcasting? Audio file “ Show” format Time-shifted: Subscription-enabled through RSS Detachable Accompanied by “show notes”

3. Some background Introduced in August 2004 Enabled by two elements: RSS enclosures (Dave Winer) Podcatching software (Adam Curry) Initially one podcast: “Daily Source Code” with Adam Curry Today: 8,000 podcasts, 6 million listeners Mainstream media is podcasting July 2005: Apple adds podcast support to iTunes

4. What makes podcasts desirable? Listen while doing something else Time-shifted content (Think TiVo for audio content) Narrowcasted audiences (the long tail) Detached from the computer Alternative content Unregulated content

5. About FIR Started 01/03/05 Mondays and Thursdays Listener-driven Focuses on “the intersection” of PR/communications and online technology

6. Finding and subscribing to podcasts

14. Producing Podcasts

15. What businesses are podcasting? The Walt Disney Company General Motors Purina Virgin Atlantic Oracle TV Guide Jupiter Research Macromedia BMC Software iPressRoom

16. The technology bit The bare minimum A USB microphone (about $9) Recording / editing software (free) Audacity (Mac and Windows) http://audacity.sourcefourge.net

17. The technology bit Moderate setup: My rig Mixer (Mackie) -- $300 Condenser microphone (Audio Technica) -- $300 Microphone stand -- $35 Pop screen -- $25 Condenser – (PreSonus) $100 Backup recording device (iRiver) -- $149 Commercial recording / editing software DSP Quattro -- $149

19. ID3 tags A tagging format for MP3 files Metadata includes: Title Artist Album Track View them in players PC (iTunes, etc.) Digital devices (iPod, etc.)

22. Upload the file FTP Automated processes LibSyn (Liberated Syndication)

23. Update your RSS feed Automatic if you use a blog Simple software to use if you don’t

25. Link to your feed

26. Market your podcast Get listed Drive traffic to the podcast site Produce promos

27. Co-hosts and interviews Use Skype (http://www.skype.com) Free, high-quality Voice over Internet Supports conference calls Recording requirement: Complex “Virtual Audio Cables” setup, or HotRecorder (http://www.hotrecorder.com), or Use a mixer

29. Business Podcasting

30. The communications role Strategize the podcast Audience Goal(s) Focus Find a host or hosts Develop a format Draft agendas Coaching

31. Potential uses Corporate news updates Product-focused content Customer-focused content

32. Podcasts on intranets Corporate news updates Content for the sales staff Speeches and meetings Marketplace updates Feature material (interviews, analysis)

33. Read more

34. Hands-on We’re all going to participate in a podcast!

35. Shel Holtz , ABC Holtz Communication + Technology Web: www.holtz.com Blog: blog.holtz.com Podcast: www.forimmediaterelease.biz E-mail: shel@holtz.com Phone: 415-367-3820 (US) 020-7171-5582 (UK)