Podcasting a first for Air Force

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. J.C. Woodring
  • Air Force Print News
SAN ANTONIO --  For the first time, the Air Force is using the Internet and digital technology to podcast its radio news.

Podcasts are broadcasts of Internet audio programs, usually in an MP3 format. People can then subscribe to receive the audio files. Many commercial content providers offer free podcast feeds which deliver the audio to subscriber’s desktops.

“We’re excited that Airmen, civilians and their families can now hear our daily updates whenever and wherever they want,” said Tech. Sgt. Ryan Hoke, of the Air Force Broadcasting Service. "The Air Force News team works hard to make sure the information in 'Around the Air Force' is useful to our audience. Now it’s much easier to get to as well.”

Podcasting has a subscription model which uses a feed to deliver an enclosed file. Listeners can subscribe to feeds using software that periodically checks for and downloads new content automatically.

“Podcasts are quickly becoming more and more popular for one simple reason: convenience,” said Leslie Benito, Air Force Public Web branch chief. “In today's fast-paced world, most folks don't have the time to sit and listen to their favorite show during its scheduled broadcast. Podcasts offer them the ability to listen to those shows whenever and wherever is convenient for them.

“Any digital audio player or computer with audio-playing software can play podcasts,” he said.

People without a podcasting background can read detailed listening instructions online at www.af.mil/podcast.

Once the podcasting software has been installed, users can add the Air Force podcast feed located at www.af.mil/media/podcast/afradionews.xml.