Public Stations Team With Networks on Podcasting Effort; Move Marks a Bigger Commitment by NPR

Public radio is getting into podcasting in a bigger way through a six-month trial that involves a collaborative effort of several individual stations and three public radio networks. The effort also is being described as the first comprehensive offering of podcasts by National Public Radio, although much of its premium radio content will not be part of the offerings, at least at this point.
The stations include WNYC in New York, KQED in San Francisco, Michigan Radio, Northwest Radio, WGBH in Boston, KUT in Austin and WXPN in Philadelphia. Working with the stations are NPR, Public Radio International and American Public Media.
Stations will pool certain local podcasts with content from the networks. In a statement, organizers said they hope to “build upon the significant space individual public radio stations have already carved out in the podcasting field.”
The NPR contributions include “themed” content such as NPR Music, Books, Movies, Health and Science and Technology; Roundtable with Ed Gordon; the Sunday Puzzle with Will Shortz; segments like Story of the Day and Most E-Mailed Stories; original All Songs Considered pieces and news updates.
Organizers said they see podcasting as an “unprecedented opportunity for local stations to transcend geography,” one that also gives listeners more flexibility.
Once the demonstration period has ended, other stations will be encouraged to add content and the group may choose to include podcasts from independent producers.