The company that is losing Howard Stern later this year is apparently looking for new gains in the exploding world of Podcasting.
Infinity is a major commercial radio broadcaster with 183 radio stations, most of which are major market operations. Yet, it has turned its attention in a big way to the audio creations of bedroom broadcasters, would-be talk show hosts, and anybody else who is motivated enough to record some digital audio and upload it in the right format.
If Podcasting wasn't getting the respect or attention before by snarling Radio executives who thought (or hoped) it was simply a fad, this may just wipe the smirk off those faces.
Joel Hollander, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer dropped the bomb today about the creation of KYOURADIO. "KYOURADIO's content will be created exclusively by its listeners who podcast and podcasters who want listeners. It will be available in San Francisco at 1550 KYCY-AM and streamed online at http://www.kyouradio.com beginning on Monday, May 16."
According to the KYOURADIO.com website:
We envision KYOURADIO as a station for the people. We think you have something to say and we want to hear it. You're out there creating, riffing, ranting and raving and Infinity is going to give voice to your vision. In fact, we want to share it with the world. KYOURADIO will no doubt evolve over time, but our intention is to make the experience as real as possible. Input from the world at large will provide lots of inspiration and plenty of constructive criticism.
Hollander continued, "We're always thrilled when we can incubate new programming ideas and bring them to life on our radio stations in ways we never before imagined…There is a profound shift underway in the way we use technology that allows everyone to have a voice. KYOURADIO harnesses that power by serving our listeners with content developed by them for them and offering a platform to share it with the rest of the world."
Podcasting technology, first made popular in late 2004, allows users to create and upload their own audio programs on the Internet which can be downloaded to iPods and other mp3 players or listened to directly through a web browser. The software applications – many free - also let users subscribe to their favorite podcasts and have them sent automatically to their players for listening at their convenience.
Beginning today, users can upload their podcasts of varying lengths for free at http://www.kyouradio.com where it will be eligible to be selected for broadcast. Programming on the station will be determined by listener interests and feedback, and evaluated on a daily basis.
