ABC Radio National’s podcasting trial has hit new heights with the number of mp3s downloaded surpassing 100,000-a-week for the first time and listeners expressing almost universal satisfaction with the new service.
ABC Radio National commenced the trial on 13 May and has seen a steep rise from just over 3,700 downloaded mp3s in the first week to nearly 102,000 in week eight.
The most popular of the eight programs currently available are The Science Show presented by Robyn Williams – in August the program celebrates 30 years on-air – and Late Night Live presented by Phillip Adams.
Both programs are close to one hour in length indicating that file size isn’t a barrier if people are interested in the subject matter on offer. It also demonstrates that ABC Radio National is providing some of the ‘rich’ content demanded by the expanding number of people with broadband internet connections.
A survey of people taking part in the trial conducted by ABC New Media shows that a large majority of the 1,500 respondents were highly satisfied with the service, recommending it to others, and many are trying additional programs to the ones they usually listen to.
· 98% stated that they would continue to download ABC Radio National audio files.
· Over 80% said they found it extremely easy to receive ABC Radio National podcasts.
· 77% have recommended the service to friends, family or colleagues.
· Over 50% said they downloaded programs that they usually didn’t listen to on the radio.
ABC Radio National will now double the number of programs available as mp3s to 16 from this Sunday, 10 July. The additions are Books and Writing, Ockham’s Razor, Spirit of Things, Health Report, Law Report, Religion Report, Media Report and Sports Factor. They join All in the Mind, Background Briefing, The Deep End, Late Night Live, Life Matters, The Night Air, The Science Show and Street Stories which are available now as mp3 audio files from the ABC Radio National web site.
Click below for ABC Radio National’s podcast trial is available