Recently, I have found many people and radio stations in Hong Kong started podcasting. Podcasting has become a trend. After participated in production of a podcast, I am addicted to it. I began purchasing better equipments for my recording “studio” (which actually is my tiny and untidy room). I have think of why and how podcasting become so hot.
- First, making podcast is very easy. Any one have a sound card in their computer can record their own voice with a microphone and with little more knowledge, they can convert the audio clip to mp3 format and publish it and the software can be obtained at no cost (open source software).
- Second, the RSS technology enable users subscribe to any newsfeed with their computer allowing them to read them altogether which can save them a lot of time. Additionally, Apple computer has utilized the technology to let iTunes users to subscribe to mp3 files. And this step made dramatic change to the broadcasting industry.
- Third, podcasts can be subscribed and downloaded. I considered this is the most important reason for the popularity of podcasting. Listeners are allowed listen to the podcasts any time convenient to them. On the other hand, internet live radio doesn’t provide a convenient method for listeners to download the whole programme to their mp3 players and let them listen to it later. Therefore, users can take away and listen to the podcasts anywhere even there is no internet connection (such as vehicless, bathrooms(!) and offices) which make the podcast can be listened almost anywhere (while internet live radios require internet connection during listening which is not available or expensive in certain situations).
- Fourth, the popularity of mp3-capable players (eapecially iPod) and devices makes listening to podcasts is much easier.
- Fifth, the popularity of broadband network making users more willing to download larger files (like lengthy podcasts).
in fact some people consider podcasting is simply stupid (because it requires longer production time (comparing with preparing a text articles), users cannot skim podcasts, etc). But still there are rooms for this kind of broadcasting to grow (such as info-tainment programmes which is impossible to implement with text).
Of course, I haven’t mentioned all reasons of why podcasting is hot. If you find some more, you may post a comment to support this post!