Podcasting and the Changing Face of the Media

It is no secret that pod casting is changing the face of the independent and established media alike. Originally embraced by the tech-savvy few who were interested in what each other had to say and had the knowledge to configure their feed aggregators, the technology is now mainstream.

Just take a look at the splash page for iTunes pod cast directory. What was recently devoted to high-quality independent content now sports names like BBC, NPR,C/Net, and the list goes on. On the surface this looks like bad news to independent content providers, but there are actually two pieces of good news here.

First, unlike the bad old days when the FCC chopped up the electromagnetic spectrum and handed out frequencies and licenses to their cronies and a few other lucky folks, the Internet is not bound by the same set of scientific limitations. There is as much room for content as there is bandwidth.

A corollary to the above example is the cost of involvement. Just the equipment alone to start a new radio station is enough to bankrupt a small country. However, to pod cast all you need is a mike, a computer and an internet connection.

Good news number two. There are still a lot of the large publishing companies out there who recognize the need to get aboard this this technological bandwagon. But, many of them simply do not know how. That, my friend, is where you come in.

Offer your services, offer your studio, it has been known to turn into a full-time job for some.

What a deal for the the big stake-holders too. They can launch themselves into what will soon be a very lucrative media stream, increase their subscriber base, and join the 21st century for the cost of one employee. They do not even have to train you. To me that just seems like a deal made in heaven for everybody.

The only thing I can see that we are doing wrong right now as pod casters is presenting ourself in the wrong light. If we want to get into business, let's act like we are in business. Get a business license, trade in that t-shirt for a polo (no pink please), and for god's sake buy some new shoes!

Let's go get 'em

Cameron Weckerley

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