Commoncraft have produced an excellent 3 minute introduction to podcasting in plain english. If you don’t get podcasting watch the featured video. Probably the biggest benefit for the listener is being able to download podcasts and enjoy them when, and where you want; at home, while travelling, at your computer or even in bed. It’s personal broadcasting on demand. We are not dependent on traditional radio media anymore to listen to our favourite shows.
There are many reasons why it’s popular. Anyone can create a podcast with simple, inexpensive and easily obtainable software and tools. There are a wide range of choices, such as music, science, business and comedy podcasts. You can subscribe to receive future shows automatically with software such as itunes. And you can download them to your computer or MP3 player, such as the ipod.
The other great advantage is the emergence of podcast directory websites. There are now quite a few, for example, podcast alley, which feature 100′s of different shows. Downloads are free, and it isn’t just music. For example, for the webmaster, there is a traffic tips weekday podcast feed. You can download as many episodes as you want. They are all listed with a short description, duration, production date and file size.
So, podcasting is good for listeners and producers alike.
