Technical Requirements for Producing Podcasts
To create a podcast, you must make the recording, edit the recording (if needed), save it as an MP3 file, and copy the MP3 file to an Internet server. A title and description of each podcast are usually posted on a web page, along with a link that causes the podcast to download to the user’s podcast feed reader. RadioAHEC.org was built using Joomla (version 1.1) and a Joomla podcast plug-in component that automates management of the feed code and greatly simplifies the posting of MP3 files. Whether you have a Joomla website or an HTML-based website, here is a summary of what you need to create your podcast site:
• Access to an Internet server and a web page. Placing files on an Internet server usually uses FTP protocol and requires use of an FTP application such as FileZilla.
• A page of XML feed code on the Internet server and, on a web page, a link that activates the XML code. To simplify this process on HTML sites, you can purchase an application such as Feed for All (about $30) to automate the writing of XML code and manage the MP3 files.
• Audio files in MP3 format placed on the Internet server.
• A digital voice recorder (or other recording equipment) that connects to a computer by USB cable. Be sure to get one with good sound quality and sufficient memory. Depending on the recording format, a recorder with 64 MB of memory should provide several hours of recording in fast-play mode.
• Simple audio editing software on a computer to clip out extraneous sounds and save files as MP3. Free audio editing software, such as Audacity, is available for download on the Internet. Be sure also to download and install the LAME MP3 encoder that Audacity needs to save files in MP3 format.
• Sufficient broadband Internet service for your server so that your listeners can play and download the podcast files without long delays.
• Sufficient storage space on the Internet server for your files. Plan for an MP3 file to consume about 1MB of storage space per minute of audio. Most podcasts are between five and ten minutes long.
• A podcast feed reader, such as iTunes or Juice, on your computer so that you can test your podcasts and assure that your site and the audio files are working correctly.

Production Suggestions
A few creative touches can distinguish your podcasts from the herd and make you memorable to your listeners. Develop a characteristic four- or five-second introductory phrase or bar of uncopyrighted music and add it to each podcast. Provide a similar two-second ending. (Longer introductions and endings become annoying over time.) Split lengthy podcasts into multiple parts and add the part number to each title. At the end of a podcast to be continued, invite the listener to enjoy the next "episode." Commit to creating either sophisticated studio productions or casual and fun “reality-radio” shows and stick with it. Maintain a consistent format that your listeners will come to expect. And most importantly, commit to posting your podcasts on a regular schedule. After enjoying the first one, your listeners will be waiting for the next one!