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This how-to guide was created by DHAcomms This guide has also been edited by WEditor, watfordgap and chrism
How to get started with podcasting
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CloseTop podcast questions by DHAcomms in conversation with radio broadcaster and podcast maker Stephanie Power
What is a podcast?
A podcast is like a radio broadcast, or programme, but without the need for radio. You make it as an MP3 and your audience can either download it from your website or from a digital media application such as iTunes.
Why make a podcast?
A regular well-crafted podcast, with news and features, is a great way to promote the work you're doing. Think of it as an audio newsletter that your audience can receive regularly and automatically to MP3 players via their computers.
What should a radio style podcast sound like?
A podcast should be fifteen minutes maximum and could include an introduction with a trail ahead to a main feature, then a news section, followed by a radio package (feature) or interview. The podcast could be interspersed with ‘stings’ that explain what your organisation does. These would be featured in every episode. Any podcast could then be broken up into smaller parts and used elsewhere as part of your organisation’s communications strategy. So for example, if you had an important interview in one podcast you could cut a shorter version of it and put it on the front page of your website.
What is an audio slideshow?
Podcasts can be enhanced by setting the audio to a slideshow. Again, as an example, if you have staff working in the field, you can encourage them to take photographs that could then be used to tell a story. Taking photographs is a lot easier than learning to make good short films, but stills imagery set with audio can be very dramatic.
What equipment will I need?
An mp3 recorder (such as an Edirol), an external microphone and headphones. Also some software to edit your audio together. Audacity is free and simple to use.
Get some inspiration
Listen to other organisation's podcasts to get some ideas of what you want to produce. Ask your supporters what they want to know more about. There's no point producing a podcast about the research into the cure for X if your listeners only want to know about fundraising.
Think about accessibility
If you're adding the podcast to your website, also publish a transcript so those who can't access the sound (because they are deaf or have old computers) can still find out what it's about.
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