A podcast is a radio show that is downloaded straight to the computer from the internet and then listened to either on the computer itself or on any mp3 music player (it doesnt have to be an Apple ipod player.) A podcast might be a talk show, an audio travelogue, a ‘sound seeing tour‘, a dj ruminating on life whilst playing favourite songs, a weekly showcase of new comedy or unknown bands, or a combination of all of the above.
The point is that a podcast can consist of any format already found in traditional radio. Its secret, and often the key to its success, is the ability to focus on specific audience profiles – this is why it is often described as niche radio. For example the ‘Costa del Podcast’ might be a programme aimed specifically towards the expat community on the Costa del Sol.
For more info on podcasting check out the following links:
www.podcastalley.com – podcasts, forums, interviews and more
www.ipodder.org – a comprehensive directory of podcasts
www.curry.com – the ‘podfather’, including daily show and blogs on podcasting
www.scripting.com – the podcast creator, geeky stuff on blogging, the web and more, but great if you like that sort of thing
Notes from Spain by Ben Curtis 