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Podcasts: Everything Old is New Again

January 19, 2007 at 06:27 | Print This Post Print This Post

I visited the iTunes store today to look for some new podcasts. It’s been a while since I’ve dropped in, but my current batch needs to be refreshed and I was curious to see what new content is available.

Wow. In the space of only a few months, iTunes’ podcast section has been transformed from a flea market of handmade goods into a mainstream media showroom. It seemed like 4 out of every 5 of the ‘casts I saw were simply mp3 versions of mainstream broadcast TV audio and radio, or audio broadcasts from large corporations - good grief, even Scotiabank now has podcasts. And they’re all advertising their wares on iTunes, with yet another incremental source of revenue to Apple resulting.

It was inevitable, I suppose, but I can’t help thinking that every time a new mainstream podcast crowds out a new podcaster, somewhere an angel dies.


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5 Responses to “Podcasts: Everything Old is New Again”


  1. Mitch Joel (1 comments.)
    January 20th, 2007 at 08:01

    This is a great post Rob. I was writing a full comment and it inspired me so much that I created an entire post on my thoughts here: Are Major Corporations Killing The Podcast Space?

    Our agency, Twist Image, helped Scotiabank create their Podcast, The Money Clip, and we continue to develop the episodes with them. At the same time, I produce my own Podcast, Six Pixels of Separation - The Twist Image Podcast. Your thoughts on independently produced content and major corporations really got me thinking.

    Thank you.


  2. Rob Hyndman (318 comments.)
    January 20th, 2007 at 08:05

    I just commented on your post, Mitch - right at the same time you were commenting on mine, I think :)


  3. Michael Seaton (1 comments.)
    January 20th, 2007 at 10:26

    Hi Rob,
    I liked your post. I think because this is an on-demand medium there is enough room for everyone and anyone.

    When we launched The Money Clip it was anything but a promo for Scotiabank. If you take a listen you’ll see that we aim to educate on personal finance and tap into expert opinions in the space and help consumers. I personally believe that we are making a difference and have adhered to the spirit of podcasting as a communications channel, not an advertising vehicle. I have my own podcast, The Client Side, and hope that my involvement in the podosphere was a part of making the Scotiabank effort ring true for listners. And having a great agency in Twist Image helped too!

    All that said, I understand and respect your commentary. As we were a first mover in this space as a large corporation, I hope others follow our example and use the space properly.

    Thanks for your post.


  4. Rob Hyndman (318 comments.)
    January 20th, 2007 at 11:08

    Thanks for the comment, Michael. No question but that you’re right - I think over time Apple will simply evolve how it uses the iTunes front page - perhaps with more of a focus on channels.

    As to podcasting (and videocasting), I think you’re tapping into a very powerful channel. And I was surprised to see Scotia there simply because one tends to see businesses other than large financial institutions deploying new technologies first. A very smart move on Scotia’s part, IMO.

    I’ve been trying to convince friends on Bay Street for a long time that this represents a terrific opportunity to educate and enlighten. One can ‘go deep’, as it were, in a very compelling way. ScotiaTV, for want of a better phrase, with rich content helping consumers understand personal finance. And why not by your investment bankers also? Sessions on M&A, IPOs, and the like that business people can consume on the plane, treadmill or while walking the dog.

    We talked about this at mesh last year and there was a lot of interest in the topic. No doubt just as much or more this year.