Year of the Podcast?

Wondering what role podcasting can play in the multimedia universe? Late last year, NPR reporter Asma Khalid predicted that 2017 could be the year of the podcast. Why? Khalid thinks younger audiences want "reliable news with a trustworthy perspective." These audiences are not looking for omniscient objectivity," she writes, "but trusted, truthful perspectives." Khalid admits that "podcasting is sometimes dismissed as nothing more than radio in your ears, on your own schedule." But she thinks podcasts are "far more intimate than traditional radio." This past year Khalid has been involved in NPR's successful political podcast. She thinks other news organizations will be joining in for this latest surge of podcasts.

This week, the New York Times announced it will be offering a daily news podcast, called "The Daily," running 15 minutes and available every weekday morning, beginning February 1.

The Times already offers a number of podcasts, such as a weekly book review and a peek "Inside the Times." But, as Nieman Reports suggests, the Times may be looking to make up for loss in readers by attracting commuters. You can sign up here for The Daily, or subscribe through iTunes.