How to podcast for crime prevention.
What is podcasting?
I have an confession to make. I am addicted to podcasts and podcasting. There! I’ve said it. From the first day that I discovered that I could listen to audio on demand I was hooked. I was a regular listener to talk radio but over the years I have grown weary of all of the commercials. I also didn’t like the fact that I had to listen on the radio station’s broadcast schedule.
Then along came podcasts. I could download them onto my portable MP3 player and listen to my favorite shows while mowing the lawn or walking on the beach. Since their introduction a few years ago, both the players and the medium have evolved. But what are podcasts? Wikipedia says that a podcast (or netcast) is a digital medium consisting of an episodic series of audio, video, PDF, or ePubfiles subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication or streamed online to a computer or mobile device. The word is from “broadcast” and “pod” from the success of the iPod, as audio podcasts are often listened to on portable media players.
Ways to listen to podcasts
- Directly from a website using computer
- Download the (MP3) file and play using a media player
- Subscribe to RSS feed
- Receive an email with the audio file
- On Roku TV
- On Apple TV
- On internet enabled smart TV
- Using a tablet
- Using a smart phone (Mobile)
- In a car
Android Apps
- Pocket Casts
- Beyond Pod
iPhone Apps
Computer
- iTunes
- Stitcher
Items needed to create podcasts
Equipment
- Microphone (dynamic) such as an Audio Technica ATR 2100, AT2005, or Heil PR40)
- Computer
- Portable recorder (Zoom, Roland or Tascam)
- Mixer (Not required when starting out but may be useful if doing Skype interviews.)
Software
- Audacity (free)
- iTunes (free but optional)
- Skype (Free. Used for interviews over the Internet.)
Hosting account
- Libsyn
- Blubrry
- Soundcloud
Website
- Bluehost
- Agency server
- WordPress (free)
- PowerPress WordPress plugin (free)
Mobile option
- iPad, iPhone, android phone, or tablet
- Rode Smart Lav mic
- Bossjock app
- Rode Rec App (Optional alternative for recording on a smartphone.)
[callout]See more posts about podcasting.[/callout]
