Frome FM sponsored a podcasting masterclass by a world-renowned media guru on October 25th in the new Bert Jansch recording studio at the Cheese and Grain in Frome.

Podcasting is an audio version of blogging – where an author, journalist, political pundit, even comedian records his or her opinions in a daily, weekly or monthly programme for an online audience. By subscribing to the series the listener is reminded each time a new recording is published. Many of the big internet streaming companies are looking to podcasting as a way to refresh their offer to the public as music streaming faces increasing costs and falling subscribers.

Anglo-American Richard Davies is a highly successful podcast consultant, media coach and former American network radio journalist. His weekly solutions journalism podcast is How Do We Fix It?.

Richard’s career began after receiving a Bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Brighton. Having spent his formative years growing up in the USA, Richard returned in 1984 to cover the Reagan/Mondale presidential campaign. After a brief stint at CNN in New York, he joined ABC News as a field reporter moving into roles of newscaster, business correspondent and show host during 29 years with the network. Richard has reported from 4 continents and 35 US states. He covered the 2008 Wall Street financial crash; the fall of the Berlin Wall; the presidential elections from 1984-2016; OPEC oil conferences; The run-up to the first Gulf War, on assignment in Jordan; the assassination of Anwar Sadat; and the attack on the twin towers in New York on September 11^th 2001.

Richard’s masterclass examines the increasing popularity of the podcast and its potential as a major competitor to mainstream news, corporate and social media. He reveals some of the secrets behind making a great podcast – how to engage an audience, how to keep them listening week after week. Through his international media journalism experiences, Richard has developed a compelling ability to tell a story – a story you’ll remember.

Frome FM’s chairman, Jeremy Westcott said, “If you’re in advertising, broadcasting, journalism, industry or education, podcasting can help you attract new audiences for your appeal or services. Perhaps you need to find a new way to promote your charity or community organisation – one that is quick to produce, powerful to listen to and available on an online social media platform. There’s certainly going to be plenty to take away from this rare opportunity to listen to a world-class master of an emerging medium. As a community radio station, we feel we have a responsibility to help people discover this new sound medium, by inviting experts like Richard and training and facilitating local podcasters. Of course, we can also offer them an on-air radio platform for their podcasts on 96.6fm. ”