It's been 3 months since we went live with the first episode of the University podcast and I thought it might be a good time to look at how things are going.
Since March 7 we have produced 13 episodes with at least one more to go live this week. We've used a number of sources for the podcast and this variety has not been without problems. The biggest problem we have had to deal with is the different recording facilities available across venues. Not all venues have recording facilities and those that do are not all the same. If you're thinking of doing a podcast, iron out the recording mechanisms first and you'll avoid a a lot of headaches.
Another hitch: the lack of a microphone is Q & A sessions. To all would-be podcasters, make sure you have a microphone roaming the audience if you are to include a Q & A session. I know this sounds simple but it's one of those things that is forgotten.
Another thing to iron out is the process for producting the podcast. In what format should the recording be made, how will it be transported, who will edit it and with what software? Admittedly we were flying by the seat of our pants for the first couple of podcasts. Not all the process issues have been resolved but we are operating a much more streamlined system now. This process is very important if the podcast is to go through a number of hands before it goes live. We don't have someone who works throughout the entire process so it's critical that all involved communicate and are sure of the role they are to play.
This communication is also vital to ensuring that the person being recorded is happy for their lecture to be podcast. Details such as this sometimes get lost in the excitement of getting the thing up there.
We have received some very positive feedback from outside the university. Some has come from media outlets, some from members of the public. The podcast has also been well received within the University. The stats bear out the podcast's popularity, which has been a pleasant surprise. Interestingly, our first podcast (Robert Fisk) still proves popular well after its first broadcast date. There is much room for expansion and improvement but for a first attempt we are very happy with the result.
So if your university is thinking of diving into the podcast pool:
- Nail down your recording facilities early
- Make sure you've got access to a microphone for questions if they are included in a lecture
- Sort out a process for the production of the podcast early. Always be willing to streamline and refine the process
- Wrap the podcast with a story if possible to add more context to the podcast itself.
- Provide links to further information about the speaker, the topic or lecture series, if relevant.
- Don't assume that people will know what a podcast is or how to use them. Provide easily accessible help with all podcast episodes.
Go forth and podcast.