A podcast is a digital media file that allows users to subscribe for periodic updates that can be played on a computer or a media player. Moreover, this media file can be a video or audio.
What is the big deal—why is there excitement over a simple Mp3 or Mpeg?
If you are unfamiliar with podcasts, it could be difficult to answer these questions, but it is simple.
Podcasts allow users to listen to whatever they want. Furthermore, they can listen to an endless variety of topics, whenever they want. This is a big deal because in turn, the user gains control.
‘When’ users can listen is also important. In an age where time is tremendously valued, this tool becomes a remarkable advancement. A car ride or casual walk can become a learning opportunity about any topic.
The other cool thing about podcasts is the ability for ANYONE to broadcast about any subject.
Due to this fact, educational outlets have actually begun utilizing podcasts to broadcast lessons and lectures. This is true even at the University of Georgia—if you are in new media with Dr. Shamp or in public relations research with Dr. Sweetser, you have the ability to listen to lectures online. So, if you happen to miss a class due to an unexpected emergency, you can acquire the lecture and listen to everything that was said in class.
Furthermore, if you are ambitious enough, you can actually create your own podcast.
A step-by-step procedure can be found on the Apple website.
What does this mean in terms of public relations?
In a professional setting, podcasts are also being utilized by organizations like the Public Relations Society of America. Learning about the latest trends in your respected industry is as easy as listening to the radio. Moreover, companies can keep their publics informed. When there is crucial news about a merger or crisis, companies can directly speak with their publics. The middle man is no longer relaying the message—direct communication can be achieved.
How can I get started?
Podcasts are easy to access. If you have iTunes, you can subscribe to any podcast topic you want, and once you subscribe, it will update automatically. Pick a topic that interests you and listen or watch away.
If you want to learn more about podcasts, you can visit the following links:
http://www.teachingpr.org/teaching_pr/2008/08/get-into-podcasting.html
http://www.podcasting-tools.com/what-is-podcasting.htm
By: Debbie Ebalobo
4 comments:
Debbie,
I like your use of the questions within your blog post. It makes the post easier to follow and makes the tone of the post more conversational - something I feel Internet writing needs to be.
Kelcie Chambers
Professor Sweetser uses podcasts now for pr research, and I've found it to be very beneficial when studying. I had never really used them prior to this class, but I've learned just how helpful they can be. I have now have the ability to virtually relive her class via podcasts. This enables me to catch any notes or comments I may have missed during lecture.
- Shannon Lazo
CNN.com has utilized podcasts for their election analyses. I've really enjoyed listening to them. Also, it adds a new medium of receiving information. It is much more exciting that the traditional television news programs, newspapers, or online articles.
Allison Key
I really valued this post because I have very little knowledge about podcasts. They seem to be extremely useful in many situations, from class notes to online news. The changing technology is enabling more and more different types of mediums and news-sharing. I am looking forward to exploring the links on the post and learning more about how to make the most of this social media.
-Brittany Raines
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