Memo #8-Podcasting

My experience with Podcasting is different then the norm. I have yet to find a podcast that I have not enjoyed and thus this memo will be directed to towards the qualities, in my opinion, that I an effective podcast should have. For the large part, the best podcasts in my opinion are those that are produced by professional entertainment companies. For example, my personal interests in podcasts relate to sports. The three podcasts that I listen to are the free versions of The Best and Mike and Mike in the Morning and The Big Show with Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann, both of which are Podcasts derived from the ESPN radio shows of the name, as well as the podcast version of Pardon The Interruption. The Pardon the Interruption podcast is the audio track of the ESPN television show of the same name. I listen to these podcasts because with my busy schedule, I have no time to listen to the free, over-the-air versions of the shows. The other reason is that the shows are presented largely commercial-free, an option unavailable when listening to the shows live.

The fact that the shows are commercial free is the primary reason I choose to listen to these podcasts. As an early adopter of TiVo-DVR technology, I have come to appreciate any new way to consume content without commercial interruption. Podcasts are generally inexpensive in terms of production and distribution. In the case of the ESPN podcasts, which are repackaging of content already distributed through radio and TV, the content has already been paid for through the traditional media model. this allows the podcasts to be distributed with little or no commercials. Other then The Big Show, which has a 10 second commercial embedded at the 8 minute mark, these podcasts have commercials at the end. The reason for this is obvious. The content is already paid for, and the podcast is an alternative means of developing an audience. Presenting commercial-free content is a way to draw in this secondary audience.

The second reason for choosing these podcasts is that, other then the Pardon the Interruption podcast, these are half-hour excerpts of three or four-hour radio programs. The editors pick and choose the segments from the day and re-cut them into a shorter, manageable portions before uploading to the Internet. Length is the key. A half-hour podcast works as an appropriate length. I listen to the podcasts during the bus-ride to and from Denver. Podcasts timing around 15 minutes are too short. The content is over before the trip. But podcasts that last longer then a half-hour mean that I will often be still listening to the podcasts after leaving the bus.

The final reason for choosing these podcasts is the professional nature of the podcast. I can trust ESPN to provide high-quality, entertaining content because the source is consistent and professional. Sports content depends on reporters and analysts that are connected to the teams, are able to interview players, and have a strong understanding of the sport. A professional source is the best way to deliver such content. But content is not the only aspect of a professional product. ESPN also ensures that the audio quality will be consistent, the podcasts will be uploaded and available and that they will provide metadata that allows easy searching. In choosing podcasts, I am looking for professional quality in terms of content and quality, half-hour programs, and content delivered with little or no commercials.

Other podcasts that have met this criteria are those from NPR: Fresh Air and Chicago Public Radio: This American Life. Both of these podcasts deliver high-quality content and audio quality and without commercials as they consist of repackaged content. The only reason I do not listen to these podcasts as regularly as the ESPN podcasts is the length. They are longer then a half-hour, which is outside my normal criteria.