Radio - Help
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
PODCASTING BASICS
What is a podcast?
A Podcast is an audio file, typically an MP3 file, available online for downloading via an automatic ‘feed’. Once the latest podcast segment has been downloaded, you can then listen to it whenever you want (from your computer or a portable media player such as an iPod) without needing to be online. Podcast software enables the listener to ‘subscribe’ to the feed which allows them to automatically receive each program as it becomes available online. Once you've ‘subscribed’ to the Radio New Internationalist podcast, you will receive the program automatically each week, so you'll never miss out.
Is it free?
Yes it is 100% free. You do not have to pay to listen to the podcast and there is no registration requirement. It is completely free.
Then what is this about ‘subscribing’? Is it only for NI subscribers?
The podcast is freely available to everyone. In podcast-speak, ‘subscribing’ is what you do when you connect your podcast receiver software to a particular ‘feed’. You do not have to be a subscriber to New Internationalist to listen to the program, but you should consider it! Magazine subscribers help us pay for the quality programming in Radio New Internationalist, so if you like what you hear, consider taking out a subscription, or giving one as a gift to a friend.
What do I need to listen to the Radio New Internationalist podcasts?
The first thing you need is one of the freely available software programs that can play podcasts on your computer or access to an online podcast reader service which you can sign-up for.
Free software for your computer:
If you want to access the New Internationalist Radio program using software on your computer you may install a program such as the latest version of Apple's iTunes (which has the software built in), or the Open Source Juice Player.
Free web-based podcast subscription services:
There are a number of excellent free services online that allow you to listen to your favourite podcasts without requiring you to install any software on your computer. Here are a few of the most popular ones:
Click here to access the feed directly (for use with other software)
How do I unsubscribe to a podcast?
If you wish to unsubscribe to a podcast, please be sure to delete the entire feed entry (not just the individual audio editions) in your subscription management software. If you no longer regularly listen to a particular podcast, clearing that feed helps us contain costs associated with our podcasting service.
I subscribed to a podcast. Why don't I hear anything?
First, be sure that you have audio player software and that it is working correctly. Check the help menu of the software you are using for more info. If all appears to be working, verify that the correct audio file was downloaded to your computer. You may need to modify the update settings in your podcasting software to ensure that this process occurs automatically. Next, check the update times in the description and make sure that a new edition should have been posted. If an audio file is not present and the feed time has passed, please contact us.
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