1. A podcast is like a radio or TV programme, but better. It is not transmitted over the airwaves at a fixed time, so that listeners and viewers have just one chance to tune in. It exists in digital form - a computer file. It is ready for anyone who visits a web site to download whenever they want. You can even set a web-connected computer to save you the bother of going to the web site. Podcasts can arrive on your PC automatically when new programmes are issued.
2. Podcasts are created as digital video or sound files. They are listened to, usually with earphones, on small portable electronic machines known as MP3 players. In the early years, the trendiest of these players was Apple's renowned iPod. That's where the name podcasting comes from. Nowadays, other gadgets such as mobile phones can also play sound and video files. So can standard computers and laptops. Young people have a lot of access to machines that can play podcasts.
3. This makes podcasting a new and valuable way to communicate with young people, especially now that youth services are required to inform young people about positive activities in their area. Podcasting is a way to do that. Young people can express their views, argue a case, seek support, or just entertain, educate and inform other young people about issues, local services, events or anything else via a podcast.
4. Podcast makers don't need all the gear necessary to make a traditional broadcast. Forget studios, master tapes, editing suites and all that. You can make an acceptable podcast using a simple microphone plugged into a standard personal computer. Even the software you need to select and edit clips can be downloaded free. Recordings can be done anywhere, and sections mashed together with surprising ease. One of the most popular free packages is Audacity, at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/.
5. What works well on a podcast? No-one wants to listen to or watch long, boring, self-indulgent stuff. It needs to have variety and dynamism. Magazine-style programmes work well - offering a mix of short articles, interviews and opinions with plenty of different voices. Music - by young people - can add variety. It is an informal medium so people's personalities can come through.
6. By all means start by using young people's own inventiveness and enthusiasm. But young people will want a finished product they can be proud of. Use local contacts from a college or other experts. There is an excellent mini-web site designed for teachers and school students but just as applicable to youth work. Techies explain the hardware and software, and an experienced radio broadcaster advises on how to write scripts, present programmes and conduct interviews. See www.bteducation.org/ resources/view.ikml?id=176.
