There is an emerging concept on the World Wide Web that is growing in popularity called Podcasting. The technical idea is not new. What is new is that like cable tv (with Tivo-like devices) radio programs can no longer be bound to the radio station's schedule, but rather yours. This brief explanation from Wikpedia explains the term
Podcasting, created by former MTV VJ Adam Curry, is a term that was devised as a crisp way to describe the technology used to push audio content from websites down to consumers of that content, who typically listen to it on their iPod (hence the "pod") or other audio player that supports mp3 at their convenience. The term podcasting is meant to rhyme with broadcasting and is a derivative of the iPod platform. While not directly associated with Apple's iPod device or iTunes music service, the company did contribute both the desire and the technology for this capability. Podcasting is not unlike time-shifted video software and devices like TiVo, which let you watch what you want when you want by recording and storing video, except that podcasting is used for audio and is currently free of charge. Note, however, that this technology can be used to push any kind of file, including software updates, pictures, and videos.
There are a growing number of "podcasters" who are not involved with radio in any way offering their "shows", yet are creating quality programs ranging from technical discussions to musical programs similar to what one hears on the radio but with more of an independent spirit. The genres of comedy, religion, music, variety, talk, discussion are all available. What is missing is old time radio.
How would old time radio fit into Podcasting? Well, several ways: First programs one hears via Internet radio such as Walden Hughes and others on YesterdayUSA with their combination of interviews, discussion and radio shows. Another might be simply posting new mp3 programs from the past on a regular basis similar to the way radio of the forties worked. A third way is one I am looking at: podcasting historical broadcasts with commentary. A sort of director's cut of historical broadcasts: very much extensions of my own web pages.
The idea, whether it be a show such as Walden Hughes' or simply mp3 programs from old time radio, would work like this : I hook up my portable mp3 player (such as an iPod, Rio Carbon, Creative, iRiver or any other) to my computer. I "subscribe" (it's free) to a special link via a piece of software (some are free) such as one called Ipodder or Doppler (for PCs) or IpodderX for the Mac. This piece of software runs in the background and if I am connected to the Internet via Broadband (this would be best) or via a dial up - the special software would regularly check for any new old time radio shows via this "subscribed" link. If available, it downloads the program automatically and uploads it to my connected portable allowing me to go anywhere and/or listen at anytime to the program.
One does not have to have a portable either. You can also simply use your computer to listen.
The concept is different from going out and targeting sites that have downloads of mp3 files available. This is why the podcast concept is more oriented toward programs such as Walden Hughes and Frank Bresee. It will work with regular mp3 files too, but only what the webmaster is offering via the special link.
This opens up other possibilities. Those in the audio drama business who offer their shows occasionally via the Internet such as Steve Lewis' Gotham Players might find it useful. When they prepare a drama, they also record it distilling it down to an mp3 file, set it up as a podcast link for anyone to pick up when they are on-line. Imagine Gotham Players want to provide a "broadcast" of a dramatic production. They record it, place it into a podcast site either exclusively devoted to their group or other similar groups. Listeners who "subscribe" to the link can pick up the latest show as it is available. Those who also have portables hooked to their computer can have the show automatically uploaded and it is available anytime all around the world to listen to. Time no longer matters. Australians getting up in the morning might have picked up the latest "podcast" and listen to it on their way to work. Listeners in the United States pick it up overnight in their own timezone and listen to it on their way to work.
Podcasting might never replace radio (we don't want it to), but it does for the radio industry what DVRs (Digital Video Recorders) have done for the television industry. It also offers more exposure to those who haven't experienced old time radio before.
I have some samples of what it might be like via my web site. However, you will need one of the free programs (unless you read blogs via an aggregator). You can check here for them (not all are free). Then if you have a portable mp3 player or not, you can check out connecting it to your computer. You will need one of these "aggregator" style programs to see this links mentioned properly:
http://www.otr.com/podcast.shtml