Podcasts - New Distribution Channel or Pirate Radio for the 21st Century?

August 21, 2007

Perhaps I watched too much “Pump Up the Volume”, but the idea of sharing my love of music to a broad audience has struck a chord with me since I got my first FM radio, and as much as I’d love to be a musician, I’m not naturally gifted like many of the people in my blogroll (Greg). I can’t imagine working in commercial radio, but the likes of listener powered stations have always garnered my support. Props to the best of the best: KEXP, WOXY, and our own WFMU. Beware of the blog.

I digress.

I’ve stumbled across some wonderful podcasts, and I’m sure there are many more out there. I’m even considering starting my own podcast, similar to the likes of Steven Garrity’s wonderful, “Acts of Voliton” radio, which is one of my favorites. There are a few roadblocks though, the first of which is the whole RIAA royalty issue. I’m certainly no expert on the issue, but the bottom line appears to be an issue of how the record industry lost control of it’s archaic distribution channels: CD and terrestrial radio. Internet and satellite are challenging those revenue streams. DRM. Royalties. Lawsuits. Have they done more harm than good?

The RIAA and record execs must still be kicking themselves for destroying their most opportune internet distribution network, Napster. The consumers/fans have suffered. iTunes, Rhapsody, Musicmatch, & Urge offer consumers a confusing and incompatible experience. Again, more harm than good?

Podcasts offer fans the opportunity to share their love for musicians in an ad-free, DRM-free, personal experience. So this is my public thanks to all the people who put so much hard work into sharing their music online. The RIAA should take notice of the incredible success of Canada’s CBC Radio 3 podcast, where some of the best music is being set free, and driving the success of canadian musicians.

Posted in music, pop culture