IPod® Creator, Apple Inc., Turns to National Podcasting Systems to Define the Business Uses of the Universal Music Player
January 31, 2008, Palo Alto, CA—National Podcasting System co-founders, CEO Brian McMahon and President Kin Robles, presented a workshop at The Apple Store in Palo Alto, California, on business use of Apple's digital medial player, the iPod®, and how podcasting enhances business communications. Apple had invited the company leaders recognizing National Podcasting System's leadership in the commercial podcast production industry.
The presentation is a segment of a four-part series Apple Store is offering to customers on using the iPod as a business tool. McMahon and Robles discussed how podcasting enhances business communications in a number of applications.
Launched originally as an audio medium, advances in video compression and Internet speeds have made video iPod podcasting possible but have allowed "a far more enriching and compelling way to engage with an audience" according to the company officers. "Podcasting has a number of advantages over older communication methods," according to McMahon, a former senior creative director at advertising agency Ogilvy and Mather. "The ability for recipients to choose where and when to get vital and dynamic information is a huge advantage podcasting has over previous media," said McMahon, "Video podcasting is a fraction of the cost of traditional media and far more effective."
Robles provided examples of how his company clients and other businesses have been supplementing or replacing parts of their marketing mix with podcasting with surprisingly beneficial results. "Already, a large and growing number of businesses are using podcasting to reach customers, employees, partners, and investors," Robles said, "Next to face-to-face meetings, nothing can match the immediacy, impact, and retention of video podcasting. It's the most engaging medium ever."
A 2007 Pew Internet study revealed that over 35 million Americans have downloaded at least one podcast. That number is expected to grow quickly as businesses develop podcasting programs and mobile media devices become more ubiquitous.
Bay Area Apple Stores are scheduling a repeat of the business series. Apple Inc.[www.apple.com] is the Cupertino, California, based company that makes the iPod media player, Macintosh computers, and other hardware and software products.
National Podcasting System is a video production company specializing in podcasting. Based in Mountain View, California, NPS services clients in the 48 contiguous states and Hawaii. Its clients range from small businesses to international corporations. Founded in 2006, NPS has established itself as the premier choice for high quality production and first-rate customer service.
