Frontline radio

Topics: councillors, communication, personal development

Do you know about podcasting? Here's how wikipedia defines it:

A podcast is a multimedia file distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The term, as originallycoined by Ben Hammersley in an article in The Guardian February 12, 2004 [1], was meant as a portmanteau of "broadcasting" and "iPod".[2] Like 'radio', it can mean both the content and the method of delivery; the latter may also be termed podcasting. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster.

Blah, blah, blah. What podcasting really is is an opportunity for people to tell their stories the old fashioned way - orally. But with the added advantage of allowing people to listen to it later, downloading it from the comfort of their own home or office.

Now you can hear "podcasts" by councillors. It's not really, technically a podcast but a "listen later" of the IDeA's new 1 hour radio programme about councillors called Frontline, hosted by the dulcet-toned Pascoe Sawyers. This week's episode includes:

• Councillor Sue Adeney from Malvern Hills, who will reveal why she is giving it all up and is about to leave the council
• Paul Wheeler, who will argue that more people should stand for election as councillors
• Emma Waddingham from the Local Government News, who will discuss the hot topics of the day.

Initially set for a 12 week run, I think this is a fantastic initiative. This is all about helping frontline councillors tell their stories in their own way - sharing ideas and practice.


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