[from radiowaves.fm]Phantom FM is delighted to announce a very positive reaction to the launch of a new podcast series known as “I-Spot”. The station’s new programming stream was launched on February 17th and it supplements the general programming stream which has been available as a podcast since December 4th last year. The I-spot series is a showcase for new and upcoming bands from across the nation. I-Spot is available to download weekly and each 15 minute edition includes an interview with a featured band or artist, along with newly-released tracks and acoustic versions specially recorded ‘in-studio’. Phantom FM’s podcasts have enjoyed enormous success and according to industry reports were voted the number one podcast in Ireland’s iTunes top ten weekly chart. The Dublin-based station was the first Irish media concern to start producing professionally sounding ‘radio style’ programming for podcasting. Unlike other stations, who generally just edit previously broadcast material, Phantom FM has been producing original content solely for digital download.
“We are not simply re-packaging previously broadcast material for download,” says Peter Vamos, Phantom’s programme director. “We are creating new programming solely for a podcast audience.”
Earlier this year, Phantom FM became the first Irish radio station to include pre-recorded music in its podcasts. The station has been compiling a library of ‘pod-safe’ music from Irish artists – probably the largest in the country – that it uses in each programme. This library is constantly being updated with new music added as more artists sign up to the system and authorise their work for use in Phantom FM podcasts. Phantom FM has always championed new Irish artists and is continuing to do so through this digital medium.
While most radio stations have treated podcasting as a promotional tool with viral marketing qualities, Phantom FM has a digital media strategy in place and views podcasting not just as a means of promotion but as a second media channel in itself. The station argues that music radio is being challenged by the digital age but can rise to that challenge.
Phantom’s Marketing Manager Brian Daly says that music fans are now discovering music elsewhere: “In the past, radio was where new artists were introduced – either in specialist shows or the daytime play list – but the likes of the Arctic Monkeys have clearly demonstrated through internet-based promotion that this is no longer the case,” he says. “It’s now happening ‘online’ and Phantom FM, through its digital content, will continue to be the place to hear and discover new music – on-air or online.”
The station is currently surveying its audience to learn more about their digital media ownership and usage. It recently entered into discussions with independent record labels and artist management about producing bespoke podcasts and the station has also been approached by advertising agencies exploring sponsorship opportunities.
To listen to Phantom FM Podcasts click onto phantomfm.com or for those in the know simply cut and paste this subscription link into your podcatching software: http://phantomfm2.libsyn.com/rss/ispot