The BBC has announced that it will be increasing the number of shows available by podcast, following the successful trial of a number of shows which were used to try out the technology and the customer response.
Over twenty shows will now be available by podcast, which allows users to automatically receive new shows via the Internet and put them onto their mp3 players. The BBC had an overwhelming response to the first three shows that they released in the podcast format, with over 270,000 downloads during a four month period.
The shows which are now available include the Go Digital technology programme, as well as some Radio 1 audio. Music tracks will not be available for download, no doubt for copyright reasons, which is the main reason that the shows available by podcast are mainly talk based.
Simon Nelson, controller of BBC Radio and Music Interactive, had the following to say about the podcasting shows:
These technologies can transform the value we deliver to audiences and make our programmes more accessible for both new and existing audiences. The BBC was the first British broadcaster to podcast when we made In Our Time available last year and this trial will enable us to further explore the editorial, technical and distribution issues involved.
As well as the podcasting shows, the BBC has also announced that it will be running a trial to make certain radio shows available for download through it's own Interactive Media Player. This player is based on peer to peer technology, and will allow users to listen to copyrighted BBC shows within seven days of broadcast.
It certainly looks like the BBC is embracing the digital revolution. We wonder if any other mainstream broadcasters around the world will be looking to follow this trend. We'll keep you posted.