Journalists, bloggers and news consumers can now access audio news releases as podcasts and download them to their desktop, iPod or other personal communications device, MultiVu, a PR Newswire company announced today.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050829/NYM007 ) (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000306/PRNLOGO http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020501/NYW077LOGO )
In addition, MultiVu is also podcasting PR Newswire's Broadcast Minute report, an audio summary of the day's top news releases. Launched as a text service for radio journalists and producers, the Broadcast Minute report is now available to download in MP3 audio format via PR Newswire's media-only website, PR Newswire for Journalists (PRNJ), PR Newswire's public Web site, http://www.prnewswire.com/ and Apple's iTunes Database.
By 'podcasting' this content, MultiVu is embracing this rapidly growing form of internet-based distribution to make its customers' news available to key audiences, allowing them to retrieve and listen at their convenience.
"Podcasting is fast becoming the format for providing radio-type archived content directly to end-users," said Larry Thomas, president of MultiVu, a PR Newswire company. "By utilizing podcasting as a distribution method, we are leveraging what has been a mostly consumer-oriented technology to increase the exposure of our customers' important news and information."
Located under 'Radio' on PRNJ, producers and reporters can click on individual story podcasts to download for airing on their broadcasts throughout the day. Consumers, bloggers and other interested parties can download the same podcasts through PR Newswire's public Web site under the RSS tab, http://www.prnewswire.com/rss, and through Apple's iTunes database.
"On average, PR Newswire distributes nearly 1,000 text news releases a day," said Thomas. "By providing the Broadcast Minute report in audio format and podcasting it, we are providing a valuable resource to radio broadcasters and creating new options for PR Newswire's customers' text news releases."
Podcasting is a method of content distribution that relies upon RSS, Really Simple Syndication, an XML-based format, to deliver MP3 audio files. Although named after Apple Computer's iPod player, it does not require an iPod to listen. In fact, podcasts can be listened to via a computer or most other .mp3 players with Internet connectivity. (For a broader definition, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Podcasting).
"PR Newswire is often the first source of information issued by corporations, government agencies and other organizations, so having that data available in an audio format is a logical extension. We are pleased to offer additional content via this opt-in channel," concluded Thomas.
Apple's recent support of podcasts in the latest version of the their popular iTunes software removes the need for podcast management applications, thus enabling podcasting to become a more mainstream technology. The original intention for podcasting was a way for amateurs to create and distribute their own radio shows, but today there are many different ways in which podcasting is being used. Virtually anything that is digitally recorded can be made into a podcast and many industries are taking advantage of this new medium including education (audio homework), syndicated radio (downloadable episodes) and news programs (up to the minute updates).
About MultiVu™
MultiVu™, a PR Newswire company, provides unsurpassed broadcast and multimedia production and global distribution services to organizations that want to reach the media, financial community, general public and other key audiences with their visual and audio messages.
Using the latest technologies and the vast distribution resources of PR Newswire, MultiVu™ multiplies the number of opportunities you have to communicate with specific audiences. A variety of current and developing platforms for tape and digital content make this possible, including traditional broadcast TV and radio, financial networks, company intranets, the Web and wireless devices.
About PR Newswire
Now in its 51st year, PR Newswire Association LLC (http://www.prnewswire.com/) provides electronic distribution, targeting, measurement, translation and broadcast services on behalf of some 40,000 corporate, government, association, labor, non-profit, and other customers worldwide. Using PR Newswire, these organizations reach a variety of critical audiences including the news media, the investment community, government decision-makers, and the general public with their up-to-the-minute, full-text news developments.
Established in 1954, PR Newswire has offices in 11 countries and routinely sends its customers' news to outlets in 135 countries and in 30 languages. Utilizing the latest in communications technology, PR Newswire content is considered a mainstay among news reporters, investors and individuals who seek breaking news from the source. PR Newswire's leading services include ProfNet Experts(SM), eWatch™, MEDIAtlas™, NewsPrompt™, Search Engine Visibility (SEV), MediaRoom and MultiVu™. PR Newswire is a subsidiary of United Business Media plc of London.
Contact: Rachel (Asche) Meranus
Director of Public Relations
PR Newswire
212.282.1929
rachel.meranus@prnewswire.com
Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link.
Michelle Savage http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=70672 David B. Armon http://profnet.prnewswire.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=345162
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000306/PRNLOGO
http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020501/NYW077LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org/
AP PhotoExpress Network: PRN4
PRN Photo Desk,
SOURCE: PR Newswire Association LLC.; Multivu
CONTACT: Rachel (Asche) Meranus, Director of Public Relations,
PR Newswire, +1-212-282-1929 or