Recasting the Concept of Podcasting: Part I
The First in a Two-Part Series on Redefining the Concept and Role of Podcasting in the Emerging Age of Internet Media
Colin Dixon, Senior Analyst, IP Media and
Michael Greeson, Founder & CEO
March 23, 2006
You may recall last year that the editors of the New Oxford American Dictionary declared "podcasting" the "Word of the
Year" for 2005 and "officially" defined the term as "a digital recording of a radio broadcast or similar program, made
available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player."
What's in a Name?
Most would agree that this simple definition of "podcasting" pretty well summed up the concept. TDG's definition was
very similar, highlighting three key characteristics of podcasting: (1) it used file-based downloads (versus streaming),
(2) it was subscription-based (you sign up and podcasts are automatically "pushed" to you on a regular schedule), and
(3) the content was then consumed on portable devices. Again, few would disagree with this understanding of podcasting.
It seemed to be spot-on.
It is interesting to note that one of the technologies behind podcasting (RSS or "Really Simple Syndication") had been
around since 2001, but it wasn't until 2004 that those using the technology began to associate it with their portable
music players - in most cases, an iPod. This was fine with Apple, for it provided a convenient way to fuel the public's
fascination with anything "pod" and position the iPod as the enabler of podcasting. While Apple didn't come up with the
name "podcasting," it certainly sounds like it. And perception is reality!
The Relevance of Portability
Early RSS converts saw portability was one of the key benefits of podcasting (that is, downloaded files allow for
on-demand consumption of content independent of having an Internet connection, whereas streaming required a live
connection). But that's all portability was - a benefit of podcasting, not a logically necessary feature of podcasting.
In other words, once podcasts were downloaded to a PC, they could be consumed on a variety of appropriately-enabled
devices - some portable and some not. It simply didn't matter where or on what device the content was consumed.
Of course, this wasn't the message the public received, as Apple's media machine successfully tied podcasting to
portable music players (in general) and the iPod (in particular). Portability was thus bound to podcasting as a
necessary component; podcasting was not possible without portability (or so went the popular line). To conceive of
podcasting without an iPod involved? Sacrilege, I tell you. Where's the romance, the sexy-cool, of the "iPod
Revolution"?
Then again, as long as no one knew that the podcasts weren't being transferred to a portable device - as long as the
public imagination swore the two were connected - their secret was safe. The revolution would continue!
Don't Tell Me How to Use My Podcasts!
According to a recent consumer survey conducted by Bridge Data, the relevance of portability to podcast usage has been
vastly overstated1. In fact, more 80% of podcast downloads never make it to a portable player or another device - they
are consumed on the PC (or, worse, never listened or deleted).
Excuse me? You mean to say that four out of five "podcasters" don't consume podcasts on a portable device? You mean
these are "poser podcasters"? Shame on them - they're not longer allowed at the country club.
The Quandary
We find ourselves in a bit of pickle: either (a) our definition of podcasting is insufficient or inaccurate, or (b) 80%
of those who we call "podcasters" are nothing of the sort.
Before we write off 80% of podcast users as being posers, perhaps we should reconsider our understanding of podcasting -
what it is, what it does, how it does what it does, and how it may impact the distribution of Internet media. In other
words, let's go back to the drawing board and start from scratch.
Feedback Request: Your Input
Next week, we'll publish Part II of this essay and proceed through our virtual white-board session. And we invite you to
assist us in this effort. In the next week, think about podcasting, maybe even do a little research. Send us your
feedback, we will read it and include some of your responses in our next article due out March 30th, 2006. (mailto:
podcasts@thediffusiongroup.com).
It will make reading Part II more enjoyable, and you may be able to help refine the concept of podcasting in new and
exciting ways.
About The Diffusion Group (TDG) -
The Diffusion Group is a strategic research and consulting firm focused on the new media and digital home markets. Using
a unique blend of consumer insights, executive-level consultants, and hands-on technical experts, we produce more than
just research - we create Intelligence in Action™.
TDG is committed to providing market research and strategic consulting services based on conservative, real-world
analysis and forecasts grounded in consumer research.
For more information about The Diffusion Group or to sign up for our free weekly TDG Opinions newsletter, visit our
website at www.thediffusiongroup.com.
ENDS