DIY Podcasts Explore a Universe of Topics

Podcasts have caught on like wildfire since they first emerged only nine months ago. Listeners can pick from roughly 10,000 shows on topics ranging from religion to wine to technology, and media companies and advertisers are taking note.

Thousands of podcasts can be found through directories like Podcast Alley (http://www.podcastalley.com), while listeners can automatically download new shows as they become available using free software like iPodder (http://www.ipodder.org). Listeners can transfer their podcasts to an Apple iPod or other portable MP3 player, and listen to them when and where they wish.

Several radio stations have developed podcasts of their own, typically condensed versions of their morning shows. Businesses from Newsweek to General Motors have set up podcasts, as has Democratic politician John Edwards, who ran unsuccessfully for U.S. vice president last year. Some amateur podcasters hope to quit their day jobs.

Like the World Wide Web 10 years ago, many podcasts rely on homespun charm rather than slick presentation. Anybody with a computer and a microphone can set up their own show.

Reuters