FT creates content for first direct podcast launch

by Hayley Pinkerfield, Revolution UK 26-Mar-07, 12:06

LONDON - The Financial Times has teamed up with first direct bank to launch a series of four investment podcasts. This marks the national newspaper’s first partnership with a third party on such a project.

The FT tie-in is a direct result of first direct customer feedback. Users had requested independent financial information to aid their banking decisions.

Jenny Southwell, first direct’s head of e-marketing, commented: “We were the first bank to introduce podcasts as a way of communicating with our customers. The broadcasts we have done so far have proved very successful with more than 30,000 people accessing our titles.”

In the first podcast, 'Take Your Share’, Rob Budden, personal finance editor for the Financial Times, looks at the different ways of investing in the stock market. He examines how to research shares and funds and weighs up the benefits of using a fund manager versus a DIY portfolio.

Future podcasts in the series will look at debt management, making the most of a lump sum and planning for your children’s future.

First direct was the first bank to launch its own podcast series. The audience consists of more than half of its 1.2 million customers who use online banking.