Paid-for Podcasts
I notice on iTunes that the new series of podcasts from Ricky Gervais are being charged at 95p per download. Being the most popular podcast in the UK (in the world?), I can imagine it’ll bring in a tidy income for Ricky, Karl and Steve. I can see that many will grumble, especially as the first series, sponsored by Guardian Unlimited, was free, but it’s inevitable that popular podcasts would become paid-for. As with most things in life, if you want quality you’ll need to stick your hand in your pocket. Crucial to it’s success will be the price, and, at 95p, I think they’ve got it just about right (though I wonder if it’ll increase over time?).
Posted 2 years, 7 months ago on 3rd March 2006.
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Comments
Fair point John. I didn’t mean to infer that there wasn’t a number of high quality free podcasts available - there are plenty. What I meant was that I suspect we’ll see more of the 'professional' podcasts either charging for content or including more advertising to create an income.
It’ll be interesting to see how the pay-per-download affects the download stats. Don’t think it’ll be breaking any more records any time soon. I won’t be buying it but wouldn’t have minded if revenue was generated through ads. BitTorrent it is then.
mars · 2 years, 7 months ago
Hey Phil, am I missing something? Just went on to the iTunes site and you can get both the video podcast & the audio podcast FREE... where, why, when and how is he charging? It’s not via iTunes - or am I just being a touch thick?
Alex · 2 years, 5 months ago
I’d disagree with you there Phil, I think it’s possible to have great content for free. The GU podcasts set a precedent (they’re in the Guinness Book of Records for the most downloaded podcast in the world, let’s not forget) but they had advertising slots for Channel Four. And I bet you can name the company that hosted those podcasts - Ricky mentioned them every week.
I’d have preferred the podcasts to remain free and for more advertising spots in them. Companies would surely pay to have their product advertised in the most popular podcast in the world?
Oh, and apparently there’s no swearing in the new podcasts either ;)
John · www · 2 years, 7 months ago