Podcasting For Dummies, 3rd Edition

Chapter 16

Podcasting for Publicity

IN THIS CHAPTER

Podcasting in the political arena

Building an audience for your creative works

Enjoying communities and tourism

True podcasters bristle at the growing commercialization of podcasting. With many corporate podcasts dominating iTunes and Stitcher, independent podcasters have voiced many concerns that boil down to one: A true podcast is done for passion, not for profit. The movement towards podcasting as a moneymaking venture goes against the grain of a true podcast. The words, opinions, and emotions should all be aimed for the listeners’ hearts and minds, not their wallets.

Well, yeah, that’s all fine and dandy — but before we cheer on the sentiments of the purist, indie podcaster, sheer love of the medium does not pay the bills. Also, when juggernaut organizations like NPR create runaway hits with millions of listeners, you won’t hear their producers or creators thump their chests and proclaim proudly, “No, you go on and keep your commercial revenue and corporate bankrolls. We’re going to keep on podcasting with our USB mic and preamp.”

Truth be told, podcasting has proven itself a great way to reach the consumer. It’s economical, ...