Under the simplest of definitions, a podcast is an audio file made available online and regularly updated, or a series of audio files made available in a sequential manner and posted onto an internet site. This definition, however, does not go far towards explaining what podcasting is, and how it impacts society and culture.

In one regard, podcasting can be considered the "next step" in online journalling, similar to how telephony was originally considered the "next step" in the advancement of telegraph technology. In both cases, the latter technology could be used to transmit the same messages used by the earlier one; and also, in both cases, the latter technology also opens doors to new and wider types of communication.

Another helpful way of understanding podcasting is to think of it in relation to broadcasting, from which it drew its name. Traditional broadcasting is fluid; broadcasters are required to constantly send out new audio or video feeds so that they may be received by consumers. If at any time a radio station is not broadcasting, it risks losing its audience. Also, an audience that misses a broadcast at a specific time typically misses their only chance to take in that content, barring re-running of especially popular programming. Like electricity, a broadcast is always running, and missed content is often lost to history.

Podcasting, however, allows for a more static approach to delivering audio or video signals. Individuals can download a podcast at their leisure, and enjoy it at a time when they feel appropriate. Content creators can also benefit from podcasting in that permanence of material makes it easier for an audience to follow complex material over longer periods of time, and also reduces the pressure on creators to create "filler" material to fill the demands of a traditional broadcast schedule.

Now that we have a firm understanding of what podcasting is, the obvious question becomes what is the use of this technology? Does podcasting have the possibility to become a lasting part of mass media, or is it merely a novelty that will become forgotten to the annals of history? The primary benefits of podcasting can be seen in three different areas. While these areas are distinct, we can also see that they are connected under the general framework of increasing democratic access to the internet.

The main way in which podcasting differs from traditional broadcast is in terms of access.

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