BBC to extend podcast trial with 20 extra programmes

by Staff, Brand Republic 14-Apr-05, 16:00

LONDON – The BBC will 'podcast' up to 20 more radio shows including excerpts of Radio 4's 'Today' programme and Radio Five Live sports debate show 'Fighting Talk', following on from the success of its initial downloading trial.

Speaking at Music Radio 2005, BBC radio and music interactive controller Simon Nelson revealed that the podcasting trial, where listeners have news programmes delivered to their computer or MP3 player, will be extended until the end of the year due to the success of last year's effort. He added that the BBC will explore the technology and distribution of the medium further.

"The BBC was the first British broadcaster to broadcast when we made 'In Our Time' available last year and this trial will enable us to further explore the editorial, technical and distribution issues involved," Nelson said.

The trial means the BBC will offer its first daily podcasts including the 'Today' programme's 8.10am interview, along with weekly highlights of Radio 1 programmes for listeners to download and transfer to portable audio players.

The first round of podcasting trials saw BBC radio programmes 'In Our Time', 'Fighting Talk' and 1Xtra 'TX Unlimited' downloaded 270,000 times in the first four months.

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