Introduction to Podcasting
- Definition of podcasting
- History of podcasting
- Popularity of podcast ing today
Podcasting is the distribution of audio, video files and PDF files, such as radio programs, music or check lists, over the Internet using a feed, allowing users to subscribe to receive new files automatically.
The history of podcasting can be traced back to the early 2000s, when the term “podcasting” was first coined by Ben Hammersley in 2004. However, the concept of distributing audio content via RSS feeds, the technology that powers podcasting, dates back to the late 1990s. The first known podcast, “The RSS Radio Show,” was created by Adam Curry in 2003.
In recent years, podcasting has seen a significant increase in popularity. According to a survey by Edison Research, the number of Americans who have listened to a podcast in the past month has grown from 9% in 2008 to around 65% in 2020. Many factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of podcasting, including the increasing availability of smartphones and mobile devices, the ease of creating and distributing podcasts, and the wide range of topics and formats available.
While there are about 4,000,000 podcast rss feeds out in the wild, active podcasts number around the 300,000 to 350,000. There’s plenty of free land in podcast land.
The Benefits of Podcasting for Disability Organizations
- Reach a wider audience
- Provide valuable resources and information to listeners
- Increase visibility and credibility
- Engage with the community in a new way
Podcasting offers a number of benefits for disability organisations looking to reach a wider audience, provide valuable resources and information to listeners, increase visibility and credibility, and engage with the community in a new way.
- Reach a wider audience: Podcasts can be accessed by anyone with an internet connection, allowing organisations to reach a global audience. Podcasts can also be listened to at any time, making them accessible to people with disabilities who may have difficulty attending live events or accessing written materials.
- Provide valuable resources and information: Podcasts can be used to share information about services, resources, and events that may be of interest to people with disabilities and their famili es. They can also be used to provide information about disability-related legislation, research, and other topics of interest.
- Increase visibility and credibility: Podcasts can help organisations increase their visibility and credibility by providing a platform for sharing their expertise and ideas with a wider audience.
- Engage with the community in a new way: Podcasts can be used to start a conversation and engage with the community in a new way. Podcasts can be used to solicit feedback and opinions, and can be used to encourage listeners to become more involved with the organisation.
Podcasting can be a powerful tool for disability organisations to communicate with and mobilise their communities, and to raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by people with disabilities.