Power and Pleasure of Podcasting (part four): Public radio and distributing content, where are we and where are we going?

Summary: In this episode we are joined by Kerri Hoffman, CEO of PRX (PRX, a distributor of public media content) and John Barth, Chief Content Editor of PRX. This is our fourth and last episode on the Power and Pleasure of Podcasting (with episodes 32, 33 and 34). We begin by discussing the history of podcasting and public radio, and how it has always been a venture of affecting lives and not money-making. Yet, what makes podcasting special? Listeners often speak about authenticity of the maker, speaker or host as the main distinctive factor, but we are far from knowing more specifics. There is also the ability to connect with a few, yet more interested and dedicated, niche listeners. Even what is considered “good” content differs from more raw, authentic productions, to professionally put-together shows. Its main allure, however, continues to be its ability to be open and participatory. Nonetheless, we wonder, will it join the internet and other original participatory mediums in in spite of being open, still dominated by a few, big, key players? How do we continue encouraging people to create and share podcasts when they are not so easily distributed? Will search engines such as Google, who are not in the game yet, play a significant role on who can find and access podcasts?