The Internet has fulfilled much of its promise to deliver news on demand. Newspapers are moving more of their resources to the Web. Many radio stations have been delivering audio streams for nearly a decade. With more and more Web users on broadband connections, delivery of high-quality video news is maturing rapidly. It’s now possible to stay informed on a wide variety of breaking and in-depth news coverage, commentary, analysis and editorial with free high-quality video podcasts from local, national, international and independent broadcasters.
iTunes Makes the Leap to Video on Demand
Now that iTunes dominates the music download business, Apple Computer is posturing iTunes to become the center for online movie rentals. All of Apple’s work to make iTunes the online video hub also creates a space on the iTunes Store for other video content – much of which is free.
Finding iTunes Video News Podcasts
In typical Apple fashion, finding, subscribing to and using videos on iTunes is simple and intuitive. When you launch iTunes, click on the “Podcasts” link on the left under “iTunes STORE.” Go to the categories section and click “Video Podcasts.” Most News podcasts can be found under “News and Politics,” however there are other areas that have real news gems. “iTunes U” not only features video podcasts from educational institutions, you’ll also find video from WGBH-Boston and American Public Media. Another handy tip: simply use the iTunes search function. Enter keyword “video news” and you’ll be presented with providers ranging from ABC to the Onion News Network.
Best iTunes Video News Podcasts
- ABC World News: Charlie Gibson is the podcast’s host, and it’s not just a nightly re-run of the network show. ABC produces a separate feed with indexed Internet centric news along with the network stories. One perk is that the ABC podcast is available around 4pm Eastern, well before the TV newscast hits the air. The entire ABC weekly political analysis show “This Week” is also available.
- NBC Nightly News: The podcast, hosted by Brian Williams, is a re-run of the network’s “Nightly News.” It’s a handy way to get your news if you are traveling or don’t have a TV. Unfortunately, the NBC podcast isn’t updated until around 10pm Eastern. You can also get an iTunes video podcast of “Meet the Press.”
- CNN: The Cable News Network offers two well-produced podcasts useful to those interested in a fast-paced update. “Now in the News” uses a headline news format and is updated multiple times a day. “In Case You Missed It,” a brief news review, is presented in a raw news format. This podcast features news shorts edited together as a vignette – no talking heads or commentary.
- Sky News: “Sky News – Headlines Update” is an English news podcast. The feed is an excellent way to keep on top of the international news front, with a Brit-centric slant.
- Link TV: This video newscast has an international perspective and focuses on sources from the Middle East. “Global Pulse” compares reporting from around the world, giving viewers a unique perspective on global events. “Mosaic” compiles broadcasts from numerous Middle Eastern countries in a half-hour podcast, and “Mosaic Intelligence Report” offers commentary on hot-button issues from the Middle East.
Download and Install iTunes
If you don’t already have iTunes installed on your Mac or Windows computer, download it free from the Apple web site.
