In terms of an innovation I never
predicted waking up in the middle of the night and asking Alexa on my Amazon Echo
Dot to play me a podcast whilst she informs me I have an Amazon order due to be
delivered today. Being a camera enthusiast I could see videography coming down
the futures track. As far back as the 1970’s filming my children on Super 8mm
film, without sound, I could envisage the magnetic film replacement coming in
the form of the analogue VHS and don’t forget Betamax formats with sound. Quickly followed by Digital Video of the
1980’s seamlessly adding sound leading to DVD’s and Blu-ray then on to Streaming
Media from the internet leading onto the 4k Ultra High Definition cameras of
today used in live internet video streaming. Then the always available smartphone
taking video to new levels of accessibility and quality along with pocket size gimbal
stabilised cinema quality cameras like the legendary DJI Osmos Pocket 3 from,
you have guessed it, China.
So what a clever futurologist I
was in respect of video but I never saw audio as a standalone media becoming so
popular. A bit like texting arriving on the phone scene accidently as a popular
way of communicating when it was only originally intended as behind the scenes telephone
network support messaging protocol for use by support staff. Podcasts as an
entertainment media along with them being operated within a voice controlled AI
device like the Amazon Echo Dot knowing and sharing my Amazon purchasing
activities just came out of the blue yonder. A bit like AI in the form of
ChatGPT has become my ever present side kick rather than Google search in my
daily life since November 2023.
So lets just here focus on standalone
audio, originally called radio, I will leave the background to audio
controlled AI to another blog . With radio as the first popular mass
transmitted media with the first commercial radio station established on the
Isle of Wight by Marconi in 1897. With the first transatlantic radio signal
transmitted by Marconi in 1901.
Then for 100 years nothing really
changed in radio broadcasting until 2001 when Podcasting developed from a
technical background.
Key Milestones in the Development
of Podcasting
2001-2003: Dave Winer, who was instrumental in developing the RSS feed,
incorporated a feature that allowed for the inclusion of audio files
(enclosures) in RSS feeds. This was a foundational step in making podcasting
possible.
2004: The first podcast as we know it today was launched by Adam Curry. He
created a program called iPodder, which allowed users to automatically download
internet radio broadcasts to their iPods. This led to the term “podcasting,” a
combination of “iPod” and “broadcasting,” though it’s now a general term and
not tied specifically to Apple products.
October 2004: The term “podcast” was first mentioned in an article by
journalist Ben Hammersley in The Guardian, where he speculated on possible
names for the growing trend of audio blogging.
The First Recognized Podcasts from the Techies:
“Daily Source Code” (August 2004): Adam Curry launched one of the first widely
recognized podcasts, Daily Source Code. It was initially aimed at developers
but quickly grew in popularity among the general public.
This period in 2004 is generally considered the official beginning of
podcasting as a distinct medium, leading to the explosion of podcast content
across various genres that we see today.
But it wasn’t long before the
podcasting capability invented and used in the technical world moved over to
the commercial world.
But really it was commercially
founded on the recording of book stories on tapes which got called audiobooks long
before the internet. It was pioneered by a company called “Recorded Books”
founded in 1978 by Henry Trentman in Maryland, America. Use the Wikipedia link
below to read the background detail which will save me copy typing.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Recorded_Books
Audiobooks and Podcasts
Audiobooks and podcasts, while
both forms of audio content, have distinct origins and purposes. Audiobooks are
recordings of books being read aloud, whereas podcasts are typically episodic
series featuring spoken-word content, such as interviews, discussions, or
storytelling.
However, there’s a convergence point where the two mediums began to influence
each other, particularly in terms of content distribution and audience reach.
This convergence can be seen in the early 2000s.
Key Developments:
Early 2000s: Audiobooks were primarily distributed on physical media, like CDs
or tapes, and later via digital downloads. Meanwhile, podcasting emerged as a
new format for audio content distribution, starting around 2004 with the advent
of RSS feeds supporting audio enclosures.
2005 and Beyond: With the rise of podcasting, some audiobook publishers and
creators started to experiment with serialized content or offering sections of
audiobooks as podcasts. This allowed them to reach new audiences and adapt to
the growing trend of on-demand audio content.
Late 2000s: Audible (an Amazon company) and other audiobook platforms began to
incorporate features that mirrored podcast distribution, including subscription
models and episodic content. Some podcast creators also began producing
narrative, audiobook-style podcasts, blurring the lines between the two
formats.
2010s: The popularity of podcasting grew exponentially, and the audiobook
industry adapted by offering more serialized, podcast-like productions. Audible
launched Audible Originals, which include content that often falls somewhere
between traditional audiobooks and podcasts, with serialized storytelling and
original productions tailored for audio.
Convergence of Audiobooks and Podcasts:
Serialized Audiobooks: Audiobooks began to be released in episodic formats
similar to podcasts, allowing listeners to consume content in shorter segments.
Podcast-Like Audiobooks: Many narrative podcasts adopted storytelling
techniques similar to audiobooks, offering highly produced, chapter-based
content, often with a similar level of detail and production value.
Platforms: Services like Audible and podcasting platforms like Spotify have
begun to offer both audiobooks and podcasts, recognizing the overlap in
audience interests and listening habits.
While audiobooks and podcasts remain distinct, their evolution has seen a
blending of formats, particularly as digital distribution channels have
matured. Today, the line between the two can sometimes be blurred, especially
with the rise of narrative-driven podcasts that resemble audiobooks in format
and content.
Now for my favourite Podcast listening
experience - Bunk Beds.
Now for my favourite late night, whilst
lying in bed, request to Alexa. “Play me BBC Radio 4 Bunk Beds”. It provides a perfect listening experience as
you are lying in bed because you feel you have Patrick and James O’Connor lying
beside you plus occasionally one of their invited guests. Four of you together.
Bit like the good night ending to the Walton’s. Apologies to those of you if this
last sentence means nothing. If so then see Afterword below to learn the background.
The “Bunk Beds” podcast is a
unique and intimate audio series created by siblings Patrick and James
O’Connor. Launched by the BBC, the podcast features the two brothers lying in
bunk beds and having late-night conversations on a wide range of topics. The
show is known for its cozy, relaxed atmosphere, often described as comforting
and nostalgic, as it captures the essence of bedtime chats.
Key Features of the “Bunk Beds” Podcast:
Format: Each episode typically involves the two brothers talking about
various subjects, such as life experiences, childhood memories, and
philosophical musings. The conversations are spontaneous and often meander
through different themes, reflecting the natural flow of late-night talks.
Tone: The podcast is known for its gentle and soothing tone, with the brothers
speaking softly, making it a relaxing listen, perfect for winding down at the
end of the day.
Content: The discussions are often reflective, touching on personal and
universal themes. The simplicity of the format, combined with the depth of the
conversations, creates an engaging and intimate listening experience.
Episodes: are usually short, around 15 to 20 minutes, making them easy
to listen to in one sitting.
“Bunk Beds” has been praised for its originality and the way it captures the
quiet, introspective moments between siblings, making it a beloved podcast for
many listeners looking for something thoughtful and calming.
Afterword
I have looked up for you the
background to the Walton’s comment above on ChatGPT.
The “Goodnight” scene from The
Waltons is one of the most iconic and memorable moments in television history.
The Waltons was a popular American TV series that aired from 1972 to 1981,
portraying the life of a rural family in Virginia during the Great Depression
and World War II.
The Goodnight Scene:
Setting: The scene typically takes place at the end of each episode, set
in the family’s home, specifically in their bedrooms as they are all going to
sleep.
Structure: As the camera shows the exterior of the Walton home at night, the
family members, who are in different bedrooms, start saying “Goodnight” to each
other.
Famous Lines: It starts with one family member saying “Goodnight,” followed by
another responding, until nearly every family member has said goodnight to each
other. Some of the most iconic lines include:
• “Goodnight, John-Boy.”
• “Goodnight, Mary
Ellen.”
• “Goodnight, Jim-Bob.”
Tone: The scene is warm and endearing, emphasizing the close-knit nature of the
Walton family. It’s a simple yet effective way to show the family’s bond and
love for one another.
Cultural Impact: This goodnight ritual became a beloved part of the show,
with many fans recalling it as a highlight. It became so iconic that
“Goodnight, John-Boy” is often referenced in popular culture as a symbol of
familial warmth and closeness.
The Waltons goodnight scene remains a symbol of comfort and family unity, and
it continues to resonate with audiences as a nostalgic reminder of simpler
times.
Wikipedia link on the Walton TV Series
