"Podcasting." Few buzzwords surrounding the Internet have moved into the mainstream more quickly than that particular term. It is said that a Google search for "podcasting" in October of 2004 yielded 6,000 results. Today, a similar search yields nearly 84,000,000 results. Podcasting has come out of nowhere and has attracted an enthusiastic and growing following.
What is podcasting? In short, podcasting is a method of creating a multimedia file and placing it online for other people to listen to. The multimedia file, either an audio program or music video, is traditionally created in an MP3 format although other formats can be used as well.
The term "podcasting" was coined in 2004 by combining two words: "iPod" and "broadcasting." The use of the word "podcast" to describe both audio and video feeds felt comfortable for some users, while others prefer to reserve the word for audio and find a new term for video files. Other "pod" derivatives include "podcasters" for individuals offering the feeds, and "podcatchers" to describe special media player software or hardware.
The New Oxford American Dictionary officially declared "podcasting" the word of the year for 2005, defining the term as "a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar program, made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player."
The essence and the primary lure of podcasting is about creating specific content, either audio or video, for an audience that wants to listen or watch--when, where and how they want! Some people compare podcasts to radio on demand. In reality, podcasting provides far more options in terms of content and programming than radio ever could. In addition, listeners can retain audio archives to listen to at their leisure.
It will truly fascinating to see where podcasting goes from here. It is really the people's radio: a chance for any person who wishes to have his or her own show without needing a radio station or being controlled by the FCC. From a different perspective, podcasting unveils a new marketplace. No one knows how, when or how much money people will start to make with podcasts. But it is certain that some people will greatly benefit financially.
And finally, what will happen when the media giants discover the successes of podcasting? Will they attempt to stop it or co-opt it? Probably neither approach would be ultimately successful judging from the past performances on the Internet. So, get some free pod software online, create an RSS feed file, and create your personal radio show.
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