Broadcasting vs.

podcasting

Ms Fida
 Overview
• The power and benefit of being constantly
accessible for your listener base is of the
utmost importance for online broadcasters –
podcasts on the other hand offer a different
experience as they’re chunks of information
usually consisting of an hour or so focusing
on a specific topic.
 Podcast: what are they?
• Digital audio files that can be downloaded to a
computer or mobile device that focus on a
specific program.
• Podcasts vary in topic, but they are typically
used for news updates. There are audio
podcasts, video podcasts, enhanced podcasts,
and screencasts
 1. Audio podcast
• Audio podcasts are generally mp3 format (can also be AAC)
and may be the most common type of podcast. Audio
podcasts (in mp3 format) are the most compatible with all
computers and portable media devices.
• Positive aspects of audio podcasts include their relatively
small file size, usually less than 10MB depending on length,
and that they are relatively easy to create.
• A negative aspect of this type of podcast is that the content
or message is limited to audio only. However depending on
the content, the audience, and the purpose that may be all
that is necessary.
• https://radio.foxnews.com/2018/01/10/gutfeld-and-ben-
shapiro-talk-bannon-and-breitbart/
 2. Video podcast
• Video podcasts also known as videocasts, vidcasts and vodcasts, which
combine the audio component of podcasting with visual media. This
technology provides a forum for a wide variety of video podcasters,
including filmmakers and artists, vloggers (video bloggers), and even those
who just like sharing their videos.
• Video podcasting is also helping build business, especially in the sales and
marketing sectors. Through video podcasts, businesses both large and
small can advertise their wares and services in a modern, cost-effective
way. In the past, big businesses had better access to expensive studios
where sophisticated advertisements were produced, but now even the
smallest businesses can create high-quality media with just a camera,
editing software and the Internet.

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA5cJxl8OaE

• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nv-ti-oaDuE
 3. screencast
• A screencast is basically a recording of what is happening on a user's
screen as well as the user's narration. It is very useful for teaching and
demonstrations or for integrating technology in educational systems.
Other uses include software development and bug reporting, where
testers can recreate the bugs in a recording and provide narration,
replacing any potentially unclear written explanations.
• With the growing popularity of YouTube as a media outlet, screencasting
has become an important tool for providing demonstrations and tutorials
such as how to use a certain software, play a musical instrument or even
play games.
• Screencasting requires the use of special software that can record the
screen and user audio in real time. Another alternative is to use a
dedicated screen-grabbing hardware such as a DVI frame grabber card.
This approach can significantly reduce the load on resources for a machine
that is already struggling to keep up with the video rendering, which is
especially the case when screencasting games with high graphics settings.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d40XAs9cjN8
 4. Enhance podcast
• Enhanced Podcasts are a alternative of
standard podcasts, and these can include
images, text and other media, as well as
audio. Enhanced podcasts can be divided into
categories, often using images to indicate the
beginning and/or end of each section.
• https://vimeo.com/16837327
 Podcast: who listen to it?
• Anyone as they’re free.
• Each podcast has its own audience, so
program are tailored to fit the user
 What are podcast normally like?
• When you listen to a podcast, you’ll discover that
they’re really just the same as talk radio shows.
• Any particular Podcast will be themed around a
particular topic, about which they talk every
week – e.g. triathlon racing or dog training. Then,
each episode of that podcast will talk about
something specific within that topic – nutrition
tips for taking part in a triathlon, or how to stop
your dog fighting with other dogs.
• Each episode is normally run by one or two
regular presenters, talking about that subject,
and they’ll often get outside guests on to
contribute.

• A lot of podcasts are really simple, just a few

friends chatting about something that they’re all
into, but some are very professional, including
theme music, sound effects, professional editing
and more.
• The more professional podcasts are great to listen
to, but they take a lot more time and money to
produce. The amateur shows, on the other hand,
might have a few rough edges, but it means they
can get it out, every single week, and grow a loyal
following.

• Most people listen to a bit of both, and it

depends much more on what presenters you like,
than the approach they take.
 What is the difference between a
podcast and an episode?
• A podcast is a series – it’s the entire show rather than
any individual episode. Instead a podcast episode is
one audio recording from that Podcast series, just like a
TV show is made up of a whole series of episodes. The
word ‘podcast’ refers to a series of audio files, while a
‘podcast episode’ is one audio file from that series.
• So, think of ‘Friends’ as the series and ‘The One where
they Got Married’ as the episode. In this case Friends is
the equivalent of a podcast and ‘The One Where They
Got Married’ is the Podcast Episode.
 WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A
PODCAST AND AN AUDIO FILE?
• The most simple explanation is that an audio file and a
podcast episode are technically the same. If you’ve
downloaded a Podcast episode from a Podcast site,
you’ve already discovered the fact that you’re just
downloading an audio file. The difference comes when
you add the option to subscribe to that series of audio
files.
• So, if you use a Podcast hosting website to allow
people to subscribe to your series of audio recordings,
then you’ve suddenly turned them from simple audio
files into a fully functioning podcast! They’re still just
audio files, but alongside the subscription, you can
now call them a Podcast too.
• So, when you use iTunes, or any other good podcast listening
app, it’ll keep track of all of your subscriptions via each Podcasts’
RSS feed, and it’ll automatically download new episodes as
they’re available. This is much easier than normal audio files
where you would have to search them out on the web and
download them yourself.

• The big thing to remember is that an audio file on it’s own is

nothing more than that, just an audio file.

• But, if you upload that audio file to a website and allow it to be

subscribed to via an RSS feed then it’s suddenly a Podcast. Easy
 Broadcasts: What are they?
• Transmissions via terrestrial radio (AM/FM)
and online that output audio on various topics
via talk shows, focuses on events like festivals,
and of course play music.
• Broadcasts are typically controlled live from a
studio by a number of DJs, user interaction is
key as people listening in real-time can
request tracks.
 Broadcasts: who listen to it?
• Much like podcasts anyone can tune in, but
broadcasts are more accessible due to radio so
they reach a wider audience.
 Broadcast: where can I listen?
• Both terrestrial and online are everywhere,
they’re in cars, radios, websites, and mobile
devices.
Which is BETTER?
• Despite being lower live broadcasts are more
consistant, whereas podcasts aren’t very
stable so the market is unpredictable and
difficult to engage.
 Summary
• Podcasting and broadcasting are two very
different services, each have their own unique
features and uses. Podcasts were popular a
couple of years ago but have fallen with time
so aren’t very stable in terms of market share,
whereas broadcasts, like with online and
terrestrial radio, have remained constant and
are a steady platform to attract listeners.
• Upscaling to facilitate listeners is key as you
never know when spikes of users will be
tuning in, you want to be reliable to have
repeat listenership. Wavestreaming’s support
can be contacted to answer any questions in
relation to upscaling or if you’re an existing
client you can upgrade.