DIY: is this the future of the radio? Hope not...

Better late than never, Log On has finally found the time to catch up on podcasting, the hottish new trend which advocates say could replace radio broadcasting.

The basic idea is that anybody can record a radio show and make it available as an MP3 file for download (broadband only!) onto an iPod (or any other MP3 player). Like desktop-publishing software and idiot-proof web design or blog programs, it creates a curious kind of democracy but also frees the world's bores to natter on at length about their interesting socks or somesuch.

Lots of "shows" are already regular podcasters but few are really that gripping, beyond a certain novelty value of listening to some nerd in Wisconsin rabbit on while you're travelling on the 66 bus.

None are as polished as the self-styled guru of podcasting, ex-MTV host Adam Curry - despite the accent, he's based in Britain. Don't blame me if he bores you to death to begin with - but stick with it.

Personally, a more interesting example is Reel Reviews, a sort of DVD commentary by a film critic about classic films, with lots of nuggets and analysis.

Best of all about podcasting, from your point of view, is that the whole business of downloading and copying to iPod can be automated. Visit iPodder for more details.

Check out Wired News and The Guardian for where to get started elsewhere.