The name is a little misleading - Pod"cast" suggests live programming, but the term refers simply to radio programs, that are downloadable in mp3 format.
Why cant i simply listen to the radio?
Well, if you want live news, especially when you are commuting, and with no access to the internet, the radio is still your best option. But then, there are many many reasons to listen to podcasts. Live radio is 25% programming and 75% annoying ads (note: percentages not scientific, it just feels that way to me). Podcasts give you many hours of solid programming, with little advertising (and you can skip the boring sections which usually are at the beginning and end of the podcast!) Also, many major radio networks seem heavily influenced by the political party that they are indirectly affiliated with, and hence, the news may not be entirely complete, and the analysis may be biased. You get the real story on podcasts, and not just by American networks, but also the BBC, and many independent organizations like Democracy now and PRI
How do i get started?1) You need an mp3 player - an Ipod is not a must. Sony has a really cute little mp3 player, and Sandisk's rhapsody is also fabulous
2) Make a folder called "my podcasts" on your desktop
3) Download itunes - You can forget the Ipod, but Itunes is essential. Download itunes, click on the itunes store and then click on podcasts.
You can search for and subscribe to many podcasts. Modify the settings so that all your downloads go into the my podcasts folder that you created. Check out the screenshots below.4) Use your mp3 player's software to import the mp3 files from the "my podcast" folder into your mp3 player
On an every day basis -
1) Open itunes, and choose the podcasts option. Itunes will automatically download all the latest podcasts from your favorite sources that you have already subscribed to2) Plug your mp3 player into your computer. Delete all the old podcasts and import all the new ones
3) Enjoy!!!
In my next blog, i'll list my favorite podcasts. Itunes' podcast homepage has all the most popular ones listed.
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