Simply put, Merriam-Webster defines a podcast as:
a program (as of music or talk) made available in digital format for automatic download over the Internet.
In practice, however, defining “podcasting” is not as straightforward.
Tod Maffin explains:
[audio: http://dl.getdropbox.com/u/1680218/What%20is%20Podcasting%3Ffade.mp3]
Individuals who create their own podcasts are called “podcasters.”
☆ For more information…
- Wikipedia offers an excellent definiton of podcasting.
- Dave Winer included a “what is a podcast?” page on the world’s first podcast directory and programming software, iPodder (now known as Juice.)
- A number of other articles and videos explaining what a podcast is and how podcasting works are available online.
