Podcasting on the rise

The “Podcast Downloading” project data memo dated November 22, 2006 from the Pew Internet and American Life Project (PDF) contains some updated data on podcasting use. Perhaps more striking than the main finding that “Some 12% of internet users say they have downloaded a podcast so they can listen to it or view it at a later time” is the growth in podcasters and podcast availability in the past 2 years:

The array of individuals and mainstream media institutions that now provide podcasts has also expanded dramatically. For example, in November of 2004, Podcast Alley, a podcast directory website, listed fewer than 1,000 podcasts for download. Today Podcast Alley catalogs more than 26,000 different podcasts, totaling more than 1 million episodes. In addition to homegrown podcasts that cover topics ranging from music and fashion to religion and politics, mainstream media institutions such as NPR, the BBC and Comedy Central now regularly provide podcasted material as an alternative way to distribute their content.

I would like to see a breakdown of podcast content that distinguishes between professional/commercial sources that can be considered more “broadcasters” and amateur podcasters who are defining RW culture.

It is also interesting to learn that about one quarter of those surveyed reported having a portable audio device:

According to our February-April 2006 survey, 20% of American adults and 26% of internet users report ownership of an iPod or MP3 player. Young adults, those with broadband access and parents are considerably more likely to have an iPod or MP3 player.

It’s important to remind people that they don’t need an iPod or any type of portable audio device to listen and enjoy a podcast. Time and place shifting is the most empowering aspect of podcasting to me– and with cell phones growing in their multi-functionality I’m confident we’ll continue to see this percentage of portable audio device owners continue to grow in the years ahead.

Technorati Tags: podcasting

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