Podcasts

Last edited: January 03, 2012

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Podcasts are audio or video broadcasts that can be downloaded from a website and stored on a computer or other device to be listened to offline at the listener’s convenience. It is different from a radio broadcast which happens in real time, via a ‘live stream’. Since podcasts can be created easily with some inexpensive audio equipment and access to the internet, they can be cost-effective ways of elaborating on campaign messages and issues with an audience (provided this audience has easy access to new media technologies). A small podcast library can be included on the campaign website.

A major advantage of audio podcasts is that people can transfer them onto a portable player (e.g. an ipod or mobile phone) and listen to them when they are not near their computer, e.g. on their way to work.

Example: The UN Women Say NO-UNiTE to End Violence against Women platform, which is a contribution to the UN Secretary-General’s UNiTE to End Violence Against Women campaign, offers a range of audio and video campaign podcasts on its website broadcasting goodwill ambassadors’ speeches and campaign activities around the world. The size of each podcast is displayed on the table of contents, so that users have an idea as to how long their connection will take to download it. The campaign uses Facebook, Twitter, RSS feeds and commercial (but free-of-charge) iTunes subscriptions to announce new podcast postings.

TOOL:

Tactical Technology Collective provides step-by-step guidance on producing podcasts, blogs, video blogs and radio broadcasts in its Message-in-a-box: Tools and tactics for communicating your cause (updated 2009). Also see their NGO-in-a-box: The Audio/Video edition.