The Business of Podcasting

Introduction

The phenomenal popularity of the Apple iPod - a small, portable MP3 player - has given rise to a new broadcasting medium known as podcasting.  Originally devised so that users could listen to music whilst on the move, the iPod can also play voice recordings and bloggers soon realised that they could record verbal versions of their weblogs using nothing more than a microphone, some free software and a PC, and then make this available to their users to download to their MP3 players.

However, podcasts are not just used by bloggers, businesses are slowly starting to adopt them as well.  The BBC, who allow most of their radio programmes to be listened to on-line, is experimenting with podcasting some of their programmes because it allows users to listen from anywhere, you no longer need to be in front of your computer if you missed the original broadcast.  Even if you don't own an iPod you can still take advantage their podcasts: almost any MP3 player can play them, as can many PocketPC's, Palm Pilots, mobile phones and some car stereos.