Podcasting Goes Corporate

Today Apple released a new version of it's iTunes software. This is great news because now thousands (millions?) of iTunes users have easy access to Podcasts like Miami Baptist Church's Godcast. And, iPod owners can sync Podcasts to their beloved digital jukeboxes with ease.

As the technical barriers to entry in the Podcast arena come crashing down the expanded reach of the technology is already bringing new players to genre. Today on iTunes you'll find Podcasts from Disney, ABC, and ESPN as well as morning radio personalities. Now "indie" Podcasters have to stand alongside these media giants. The bar has been raised.

Apple iTunes also brings a new set of specialized tagsto the Podcast RSS format. This means a little more work for Podcasters but now they can add artwork to their feeds. Of course, it will only be seen inside of iTunes.

It's a mixed bag I guess but I'd say the good news outweighs the bad. I'm switching from iPodder to iTunes for my Podcast feeds today. I like the way it organizes the information a little better. Plus, it's a pretty good media player in general.