Audio podcasting involves reporting news and information through sound files that can be distributed online and on mobile devices. A podcast is an audio file that users can subscribe to for automatic delivery of new episodes. There are over 150,000 podcasts covering every topic available on platforms like iTunes. Podcasts offer an inexpensive way for anyone to become a broadcaster and provide content on their areas of interest to dedicated audiences. While similar to radio in some ways, podcasts differ in that they are not constrained by time or broadcast regulations, allow for on-demand listening, and reach much wider audiences through digital distribution.

1. AUDIO PODCASTING 101
multimedia journalism

2.  Audio Journalism: Reporting news and information
primarily with sound via radio, websites, or podcasts
• It is relatively easy and inexpensive to produce
and distribute
• Sound can take a story beyond text (just as pictures
can)
• Audio literally gives sources a “voice”
• Sound allows listeners to “see” with the best lens of
all, the mind
• Audio is a presentation form that allows the
audience to multitask = MOBILE JOURNALISM

3. What is an audio “podcast”?
A Podcast is user-selected and/or
subscribed audio content delivered to
a computer via RSS feed technology
for streaming playback or portable
files on a MP3/Video player,
computer, phone etc.
YOUTUBER video

4. Types of Audio Podcasts
o News, Entertainment, Sports, Politics, Humor,
Animation, Education & Training, Religion etc.
o No subject too big, No subject too small
o Thousands and thousands to choose from
(approximately 150,000 at iTunes alone)
o Range from “official”/corporate to 100% fan-
based
o Not just at iTunes – audio podcasts are available
all over the Internet

5. Google whatever you’re interested
in: “Baseball” + podcast, “Fashion”
+ podcast, “Healthcare” + podcast…
Almost all are free (but will most
likely request/accept donations)
Subscribing = Automatic Delivery

6. PODCAST Audio Example
Studio 360: AHA MOMENT

7.  How are audio podcasts like traditional
radio programs?
• Often they are downloadable versions of the
same show programming you’d hear on the
radio, allowing you to catch up on a
traditional radio program
• Produced like radio – the same production
techniques and strengths/weaknesses apply
• Portable like radio – offers same convenience
as traditional radio

8.  How are audio podcasts not like traditional radio
programs?
• Not hindered by time constraints – podcasts can basically be
as long or short as you want
• Often commercial/sponsor free
• Free of FCC regulations/rules
• No live programming
• Vastly wider range of topics covering areas that would never
find a home on traditional radio
• Very inexpensive to produce and distribute
• Distribution Network vastly larger
• Even more convenience – on demand programs

9.  Podcasts are just the latest in a
general shift in media towards
“Narrow-casting”; in other words,
the opposite of “Broadcasting”

10. NARROWCASTING
The wave of the future
“Time-shifting” is the latest
trend of on demand media
Eventually most, if not all,
media could come to us via
narrowcasting

11. TRADITIONAL BROADCASTING
• You're casting your programming
out into the world in a broad
sweep – you’re broadcasting it
out there and people have to be
there to catch it when it comes.

12. NARROWCASTING CONCEPT
 You're creating your programming in a
narrow arc – you’re putting it out for a
very specific audience who, more often
than not, comes to you to get it (at least
at first)

13. Pros of NARROWCASTING
Full Control
Portable
Never Miss Programming
Marketing/Advertising Focus

14. Cons of NARROWCASTING
Less chance of “happy
accidents”
Loss of LIVE programming
Marketing/Advertising Focus

15.  PODCAST Analysis Quiz
 Choose ONE audio podcast series to examine
and listen to at least 1 episode of it in which
someone is interviewed
 If there is no interview, choose a different
podcast/episode!
 (Google… “+ Podcast” / use iTUNES, etc. for ideas)
 CHOOSE A PODCAST TOPIC YOU ALREADY CARE
ABOUT!

16.  PODCAST Analysis Quiz
 Find and actively consume the podcast episode
you’ve chosen – if you get it directly from a
webpage, listen to the audio as well as engage in
any other kinds of multimedia you find there (text,
video, audio, interactivity). Report on the types of
multimedia included and how they are used. If
during the podcast you have chosen itself you are
encouraged you to interact with other media (go
their website, twitter, Facebook, etc.) do that as
well and include that in your answer.

17.  PODCAST Analysis Quiz
 Summarize the episode and answer this main
question about the podcast episode you’ve
chosen; “How is this podcast episode like or
unlike traditional radio broadcasting?” Explain
your answer with specifics.

18.  PODCAST Analysis Quiz
 Share your general impressions and what you
like and don’t like about the podcast episode
(especially the interview) in question.
 Provide a WORKING link to the specific
podcast/webpage hosting the specific podcast
episode.
 Quiz due by start of next class

19.  PODCAST Analysis Quiz
 Make sure you make proper use grammar,
spelling and punctuation - they all count
towards your grade
 Be prepared to discuss findings with the group
 Designed to expose you to the world of
podcasts and prepare you to make your own
podcasts