BBC extend podcast trial to include more shows

15 February 2006 12:41 GMT / By Stuart Miles

The BBC seems to be pleased enough with its podcasting efforts so far that the corporation is launching what it is calling the next stage of its Podcasting trial.

In the “next stage” the BBC will begin offering hourly news bulletins, Woman's Hour podcasts and audio highlights from BBC TWO's Newsnight.

Twenty-nine more radio programmes and highlights packages will join the trial - which allows listeners to download shows and subscribe to regular podcasts - later this month.

They include an hourly news summary from the BBC World Service and Jeremy Paxman's first podcasting venture in a weekly, audio-only download featuring the pick of the interviews from Newsnight.

BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra contribute weekly podcasts featuring the pick of interviews, gossip (Chart Chat with JK & Joel), news entertainment (Radio 1 Entertainment News) and unsigned music in the shape of Best of Unsigned (Radio 1) and 100% Homegrown Mix (1Xtra), while Scott Mills joins station-mate Chris Moyles with a daily, speech-only package.

There are plans to bring the total number of programmes in the trial to 50, with more programmes to be added to the trial once confirmed.

Simon Nelson, Controller of BBC Radio & Music Interactive, said:
"The feedback we get from the trial is helping to inform our strategy for 'audio on demand', giving listeners the control they are becoming increasingly used to in the digital world.

A full list of podcasts available can be found at the BBC

Full tags

Audio, Online, BBC, Podcasts