Podcasts
New Zealand Podcasts
For podcasting newbies, this article outlines the basics of podcasts: from how to download and listen to a podcast to creating your very own broadcast on the Web.
Are you confused about podcasts? If you think a podcast has anything to do with peas, seeds or groups of whales, then this New Zealand podcast guide is for you.
So, what is a podcast?
In simple terms, a podcast is like a radio show that can be listened to through your computer or on your MP3 player (the name 'podcast' comes from iPod, a popular brand of MP3 player). Each audiocast is available in MP3 format to download as a series of episodes. The beauty of podcasting in New Zealand and around the world, is that you can listen to a podcast whenever and wherever you want, usually for free.
What can I listen to on a podcast?
Podcasts cover all genres; there is something to entertain and inform people of all ages, backgrounds, beliefs and tastes. Take your pick from comedy, news commentary, interviews, opinion, books, tour guides, music, movie reviews, politics, fashion and much, much more.
How do I listen to a podcast?
To tune in to a podcast, simply visit a site which offers podcasts, such as Radio New Zealand National, whose news, interviews and shows are available via podcast. Once you have selected a show or episode, you can download the feed through your Internet connection. All you need is podcast software, such as iPodder, NIMIQ, Podfeeder or Doppler. Because a 30 minute audiocast can be around 20MB, you will need to ensure you know the limit of your monthly Internet downloads. Once the podcast software is installed on your computer, follow the software instructions.
Do I have to get a whole series?
No, you can listen to episodes from New Zealand podcasts individually on your computer. Alternatively, you can subscribe to a series; this means new episodes will be automatically downloaded to your computer as they are published online. If you're listening on your MP3 player, next time you plug your player into your computer, you'll be able to load new episodes on for mobile podcast listening.
Can I be a podcaster?
Podcasting in New Zealand is easy. Like blogging, podcasting gives a voice to everyone, everywhere, regardless of their training, background or life experience. This makes for a dynamic podcast world, part of the Web 2.0 phenomenon which marks the advent of more user-generated content and less centralised media. Instead of just listening or watching content, we're now creating it ourselves! To create a podcast, you will need:
- Hardware: a computer with a sound card, microphone and speakers or headphones.
- Software: an operating system (eg. Windows, Linux, Macintosh); Web browser (eg. Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox); an audio recorder and editor (eg. Audacity, an open-source tool); an MP3 encoder (eg. The popular LAME MP3 Encoder); and a podcast client (eg. iTunes or Juice).
- Bits and pieces: music tracks in the correct format; Web host or blog account; and an account with media hosting service.
How do I create my podcast?
You can create a podcast about anything that takes your fancy: the possibilities are endless. Review movies and books; interview interesting people; record audio tours for your local gallery or museum; write opinion pieces; or simply talk about something that interests you. Once you have decided on a topic:
1. Write a script
At least, write a detailed plan for your podcast. This will give your material professionalism. Listen to other podcasts to find out what format works and what appeals to you as a listener – then bring these elements to your podcast! Remember to plan the length of your podcast and keep an eye on the time when recording.
2. Record your podcast
Find a quiet place to record, then open your audio recording programme and start recording. You can add additional sounds or music for added effect (make sure these are not copyright protected). You may be able to improve the quality of your recording with editing tools on your recording software.
3. Save your podcast
Save your recording as an MP3 file. Use a file name which will allow you to keep track of all your recordings, eg. My_podcast-2007-01-15.mp3. Also, take a moment to fill out the ID3 tags, which identify your audio file by song title, artist and genre (this information will appear when your recording is played on an MP3 player).
4. Upload your podcast
Once recorded, your podcast needs to be put online. You will need to arrange Web hosting for this and create an RSS feed so that listeners can subscribe to your podcast.
5. Publicise your podcast
Let people know about your podcast by blogging about it and submitting it to podcast directories online.
Whether your ears are tuned to the latest podcasts or you're the one getting your voice heard, podcasts are a fantastic emerging technology. New Zealand podcasts and Kiwi podcasters are taking New Zealand news, views and opinions to the world.
Looking for more information? Find New Zealand podcasts in the NZS.com directory.
Get published online by adding an article to the NZS.com Articles section. Before you add your article read over our guidelines for article creation and find out the benefits of publishing on NZS.com.
Technology images from Flickr: Podcast, Microchip and Cable.
