NPR Discovers Podcasting

NPR's On the Media is WNYC's critically-acclaimed national weekly program delivering thoughtful, original, and often humorous media analysis, hosted by Bob Garfield and Brooke Gladstone. The station plans to make two of its local programs - The Brian Lehrer Show and The Leonard Lopate Show - available for podcasts in the near future, as well.

"WNYC is thrilled to make NPR's On the Media, a timely, relevant, and must-hear radio show, available through this cutting-edge technology," said Phil Redo, Vice President Station Operations and Strategy. "WNYC is committed to utilizing new technologies to better serve our existing audience, while also reaching new ears. We believe podcasting is a simple, yet profound, way to expand our reach and make public radio ever more accessible."

Podcasts are audio files that listeners subscribe to using a format called Real Simple Syndication (RSS). Distinct from fee-based services like audible.com, podcasts are free and can be saved to iPods (hence, the name) or any other MP3 player. When this technology is applied to radio programs it allows fans to listen to audio files of their favorite shows independent of their broadcast on terrestrial radio, live or on-demand internet streams. Detailed background can be found at http://www.ipodder.org/

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