Hi everyone, John Hess is putting together a session for the Super Regional regarding podcasts, and is looking for some input. To send him your comments: [email protected] Many organizations in public radio have begun the process of producing podcasts, most are shows produced for air and converted into a podcast. This type of podcast is great, but I’m curious as to how many managers across the system are looking to produce unique content strictly for podcasting? How much does it cost to produce a podcast from scratch? How do you pay for it? Who on your staff produces it? (on top of what they are already doing). Is there a business plan for this? How about a revenue plan? Will it detract from our on-air programming? These questions and many more are on my mind, and will make up the bulk of a session that I like to call; “Before you think about producing a local podcast, here are the ten most important questions that you need to ask yourself.” What are the upside scenarios versus the downside? How do you measure audience? How do you promote a podcast? How much venture capital do you need to get this operation off the ground? What about localism? How does this play into a stations commitment to public service. This is where you come in. What questions do you have as you consider producing podcasts. Or, if you’re already producing podcasts, what questions do you wish you knew to ask prior to starting up?!? Please contact me directly at [email protected] with suggested questions or any other pertinent information that might be helpful. I would really appreciate hearing from everyone, hopefully by October 17 if possible. I’ll present questions to Phil Redo, General Manager at WGBH for his professional opinion and advice at the session. Thank you! John