Week 8: Radio

Because the Internet is the middle-ground between various news platforms, I can listen to the radio ON my computer! How progressive. This week's news centers (for a change) on the economy, as the Washington Post breaks the story that AIG plans to pay out millions of bailout dollars to company executives in the form of cash bonuses. There's also rioting, destruction and general chaos in Northern Ireland (also known as St. Paddy's Day) and Bernie Madoff's in jail (old news, Martha sent him dead roses last week*).

*not true

Almost all major news organizations have a presence in the podcast-world in addition to being online. From CNN to NPR, these networks have diversified the way viewers and listeners can access their news. Here's a look at how some places approach it:

Real Time with Bill Maher (HBO): daily interview segments

Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points Memo (3-minute commentary)

The Takeaway: fast-paced PRI program out of WNYC with John Hockenberry and Adaori Udoji; conversational journalism

60 Minutes: entire weekly segment, sound-only

AC360 Daily Podcast: full video program reviewing day's top stories

Onion Radio News: daily 60-second story

In addition to providing comprehensive and balanced coverage on world events, National Public Radio has had a very successful online venture. It can go more in-depth on its shorter segments that aired, as well as link every story to a podcast provided to its listeners. There are stories not discussed on the air. Many reporters have their own blogs or, in the case of the program "Talk of the Nation," rely partially on listener feedback through its website to fuel conversation on the air.

Local radio stations that broadcast NPR programming include 89.3 (KPCC) and 89.9 (KCRW).

The Los Angeles Times published a story Sunday about the wane of conservative talk radio in California, blaming the low revenues of stations that turn to more accessible programming. Just as we've seen the daily in Seattle closing its print edition, so here is another example of journalism (a term I use loosely) narrowing its boundaries. Even though I see this happening, though, I don't see radio becoming obsolete by any means; people are just looking for it in different places. Freddie Mercury was right when he said radio has yet to have its greatest hour. Is the era of podcasting it? Time will tell.