I’ve got another guest blog from Jacobs Media’s Tim Davis:
Over the last few weeks, I’ve devoted a large chunk of time to checking out various podcasts – from the informational to the esoteric. One thing is certain, there IS a podcast for every taste and interest.
That said, most of them are not very good.
Just because somebody has chosen to devote time to creating and publishing a podcast doesn’t mean they’re good at it, or that the final product is worth your time.
When it comes to pure-play podcasts (i.e. they originated as a podcast and aren’t available otherwise), there’s only been ONE I’ve found that is noteworthy, and has what could be considered mass appeal – TWIT ("This Week In Tech" – which is fronted by a roundtable of technology luminaries all with TV, Radio, and magazine experience already). It’s a novel approach for a number of cable-only/Tech TV ex-pats who are beloved within the right circles, and all bring something to the table you won’t find in just any web page or news source.
That’s one out of dozens, however. Adam Curry’s podcast is also good, but the consensus online is that it’s gone too far into being an Apple/iTunes feature and the luster has started to fade (he’s paid by Apple for his Podfinder feature and calls himself the "Podfather").
There are some outstanding programs available as podcasts, but these shows initially originate from… yep, radio. Most notably, NPR or other public stations. And for all practical purposes these are simply re-treads of content that has (a) already aired, (b) was available live via a stream, and (c) is archived in streaming format conveniently at NPR.org.
Good for NPR, to embrace the technology in a way that benefits the LISTENER. Sure, it’s not "podcast-only" content, but why should it be? But, that doesn’t mean they won’t (and don’t) have plans for "auditions" – a place for the up-and-comers they’d like to try out. It costs nearly nothing, is easy to promote and publicize, and the upside is huge.
Why can’t commercial radio take a page from these podcasters and start putting more content on the air? You fill 24/7 with content – and while there are boundless rights issues with music, why not provide other material? Those "un-edited" phone calls and bits, full-interviews, outtakes and bloopers, and most of all your morning show? Your brand could really be a stand out.
Even the most cynical would likely agree Podcasting is here to stay. The time is ripe to move in the direction of what the audience wants and provide more insight into your station and most importantly, non-linear, time-shifted access to your content.
Jacobs Media has consistently walked the walk in the digital space, providing insights and guidance through its well-read national Techsurveys.
In 2008, jacapps was launched - a mobile apps company that has designed and built more than 1,300 apps for both the Apple and Android platforms. In 2013, the DASH Conference was created - a mashup of radio and automotive, designed to foster better understanding of the "connected car" and its impact.
Along with providing the creative and intellectual direction for the company, Fred consults many of Jacobs Media's commercial and public radio clients, in addition to media brands looking to thrive in the rapidly changing tech environment.
Fred was inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2018.
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