Podcasts as a source of industry news

I had never before thought of podcasts as a medium to turn to for industry information until I was asked to listen as a class assignment. After listening to each of the podcasts Across the Sound by Joe Jaffe and Marketing Edge by Albert Maruggi, I have decided that I was right in not thinking of them as must have sources. The audio only format, while it is ideal for people on the run who only have time to listen on i-pods in order to get the latest news, is unappealing in many more ways than it is beneficial.

Firstly, there is no visual stimulation, therefore making it difficult to keep one's interest for long. And maybe I'm just being nit-picky here, but people generally have a difficult time trusting or taking advice from someone whom they cannot or never have seen. In addition, many of the speakers, try as they might, have nothing but the most monotone of dialogues to offer. Personally I found myself zoning in and out of consciousness straining to hang on every word, which makes me think listening would be especially difficult if I happened to be multi-tasking at the time.

Secondly, though the 'pod-caster' may think that everything he or she has to say is nothing short of philosophical or at the very least valuable information, much of it is unnecessary clutter when trying to pick out the highlights. I would much rather have a printout of the cast so that I can skim through and select the pieces I find to be of most value. Additionally it would give one unlimited time in which to process the new information without missing important bits. I know, I know, we are in the age of technology and everything is digital these days, but I guess I am old-fashioned in believing that nothing beats a hard copy.

Thirdly, the comments incorporated into the pod-casts seem to be pretty subjective. Don't get me wrong, I certainly value the opinions of others who may have a different take on the field, but if I want someone's opinion, I will seek it. If I am seeking industry information however, I want just the facts. Aside from the other issues I mentioned, these podcasts would be a good source for some news annotated with personal opinion, but other than that, I wouldn't bother.

So are podcasts really the way of the future for getting information in the marketing industry? I certainly hope not because I will most likely be tuning out.