TWiT
As broadcast TV and radio media look to transform their business models and content delivery, some new media pioneers are making serious headway in claiming valuable niche territory. For a few years now, I’ve been listening to various shows on a “podcast network” dubbed “TWiT” (originating from This Week in Technology).
Created by broadcast radio personality Leo LaPorte, aka “The Tech Guy,” this single network has around 35 niche shows – which LaPorte prefers to call “netcasts,” because “podcast” implies it’s only been uploaded to iTunes. In fact, each weekly netcast can be viewed LIVE or pre-recorded via any smart phone, iTunes, Android app, iPhone app, various set-top boxes, YouTube, you name it.
The live version is mostly for the die-hard fans, many of which log into a chat room to provide real-time fact finding and expert consensus. Every once in a while, the host needs help on a topic faster than a Google search, so they’ll say something like, “I don’t know…chat room, can you help me?” and within seconds the question is answered accurately, and you’re moving on to the next topic.
All content is free, and their ad model depends upon each show host to put their own spin on in-show mini-monologues that are often much less annoying than a produced piece. If you’re out and about while listening, and want to dive in deeper once you’re at your computer, each show has easy-to-find show notes with related resources and links.
So, we all know what podcasts are…it’s just amazing to watch LaPorte build his empire on a shoestring with everyday technologies like Skype and to realize how hard it will be for other players to catch up in the niches that TWiT chooses to dominate.
My favorite netcasts are TWiG (This Week in Google - covering all things ‘cloud’ with special focus on Google) and TWiT…the flagship netcast after which the network was named.
One fun and useless thing I learned this week is that you can Google the phrase “Google logos” to find a repository of all those clever holiday Google logo doodles – cool to see them all in one gallery.
Check it out on www.twit.tv. Even better, look up ‘twig’ or ‘twit’ in your iTunes app (or one of the various Android apps) next time you hit the gym or walk the dog…if there’s any geek in you at all, I promise it will not disappoint!
