Podcasts
A podcast (or non-streamed webcast) is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and often its downloaded through web syndication. The word replaced webcast in common use with the success of the iPod and its role in the rising popularity and innovation of web feeds.
The mode of delivery differentiates podcasting from other means of accessing media files over the Internet, such as direct download, or streamed webcasting. A list of all the audio or video files currently associated with a given series is maintained centrally on the distributor's server as a web feed, and the listener or viewer employs special client application software known as a podcatcher that can access this web feed, check it for updates, and download any new files in the series. This process can be automated so that new files are downloaded automatically. Files are stored locally on the user's computer or other device ready for offline use, giving simple and convenient access to episodic content.[1][2] Commonly used audio file formats are Ogg Vorbis and MP3. In many respects, this is closer to traditional publishing models associated with books and magazines (as opposed to radio, which uses a live stream).
Academics at the Community, Journalism & Communication Research group at the University of Texas at Austin in the USA are proposing a four-part definition of a podcast: A podcast is a digital audio or video file that is episodic; downloadable; program-driven, mainly with a host and/or theme; and convenient, usually via an automated feed with computer software.[3]
The mode of delivery differentiates podcasting from other means of accessing media files over the Internet, such as direct download, or streamed webcasting. A list of all the audio or video files currently associated with a given series is maintained centrally on the distributor's server as a web feed, and the listener or viewer employs special client application software known as a podcatcher that can access this web feed, check it for updates, and download any new files in the series. This process can be automated so that new files are downloaded automatically. Files are stored locally on the user's computer or other device ready for offline use, giving simple and convenient access to episodic content.[1][2] Commonly used audio file formats are Ogg Vorbis and MP3. In many respects, this is closer to traditional publishing models associated with books and magazines (as opposed to radio, which uses a live stream).
Academics at the Community, Journalism & Communication Research group at the University of Texas at Austin in the USA are proposing a four-part definition of a podcast: A podcast is a digital audio or video file that is episodic; downloadable; program-driven, mainly with a host and/or theme; and convenient, usually via an automated feed with computer software.[3]
Podcast Awards
The People's Choice Podcast Awards, better known as the Podcast Awards, are an annual set of awards given to the best podcasts as voted by the people. Run by Todd Cochrane of Podcast Connect Inc.[1], the Podcast Awards had over 350,000 people vote for their nominated podcasts in 2006, with nearly 1000 people attending awards ceremony.[2]
Rules: The initial nominations begins at a set date (November 7th for the 2010 awards) and continues for 15 days. Voters are allowed to nominate a set of shows only once, where in the past they could nominate once a day. Duplicate nominations will be thrown out, as will nominations to more than one sub-category. The entry form asks for the name of the podcast, the podcast url, your name, your email address, and comments. The email address must be valid to receive verification on the vote.[3]After the 15 days, Podcast Connect and 22 listeners volunteers selected in January will review all the nominations over a 7-10 day period. The podcast must be in an appropriate category, started the show prior to August 1, have more than 8 shows produced, and an RSS feed with enclosures visible on their website. A grading sheet is used in the review. The total number of nominations a podcast receives accounts for only 40% of the grading, with the quality of the website's design (15%), quality of sound (15%), quality of deliverance and show format (10%), and relevance of content (20%) also being considered.[3]
Then the top 10 nominees in each category will be selected for the final voting slate, voting will last for 15 days (in the past, the maximum number of nominees to choice from was 5). Winners of the People's Choice and Best Produced awards cannot win any categories the following year.[3]
Rules: The initial nominations begins at a set date (November 7th for the 2010 awards) and continues for 15 days. Voters are allowed to nominate a set of shows only once, where in the past they could nominate once a day. Duplicate nominations will be thrown out, as will nominations to more than one sub-category. The entry form asks for the name of the podcast, the podcast url, your name, your email address, and comments. The email address must be valid to receive verification on the vote.[3]After the 15 days, Podcast Connect and 22 listeners volunteers selected in January will review all the nominations over a 7-10 day period. The podcast must be in an appropriate category, started the show prior to August 1, have more than 8 shows produced, and an RSS feed with enclosures visible on their website. A grading sheet is used in the review. The total number of nominations a podcast receives accounts for only 40% of the grading, with the quality of the website's design (15%), quality of sound (15%), quality of deliverance and show format (10%), and relevance of content (20%) also being considered.[3]
Then the top 10 nominees in each category will be selected for the final voting slate, voting will last for 15 days (in the past, the maximum number of nominees to choice from was 5). Winners of the People's Choice and Best Produced awards cannot win any categories the following year.[3]
Categories and Winners
The Podcast Awards consists of 22 categories where the winners are announced during the live streamed ceremony. The prizes awarded to winners are donation/sponsor-driven via PayPal. In 2009, they were able to award podcasters almost $3,500 in prizes, with additional website exposure through 2009-2010 of seventeen million plus hits.
See the winners list here.
See the winners list here.
