Grand Forks Mayor Begins Podcast

[DaveMiller]

NEWS RELEASE

GF MAYOR EXPANDS COMMUNICATION

Date:
February 1, 2005

Contact:
David Whitesock, Absolute Net Radio
218-230-3875
dave@absolutenetsolutions.com
www.absolutenetsolutions.com

or

Kevin Dean, Public Information Center
(701) 746-(INFO) 746-4636

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Grand Forks (ND) – Grand Forks Mayor Michael R. Brown has taken communication to the next level by adding a monthly “podcast” to his schedule. Podcasting involves the recording of Internet radio or similar Internet audio programs. These recordings are then made available for download to an iPod or other portable digital audio device. It allows listeners to hear the podcast Internet radio program without a computer or at a different time than the original program was broadcast.

"This gives Grand Forks the opportunity to be on the cutting edge of communications technology. Communication continues to be an essential part of my administration, and podcasting will give us yet another tool to enhance our communication with the public", said Brown.

Podcasting surfaced on the Internet in August, 2004. Developed initially for the Apple iPod, (hence the name) podcasts do not need a portable MP3 device to play. Or, with the use of free software, podcasts can be subscribed to (also free) and downloaded onto your computer.

Absolute Net Solutions, LLP, will administer the podcasts. David Whitesock, who heads Absolute Net Solutions podcast division, said because podcasting is very niche in nature, the message will be heard by a more targeted audience.

“Podcasting will help the city promote itself abroad”, said Whitesock. “It would be impossible for the city to even consider ad campaigns in multiple cities, let alone all across the world. Podcasting will give the city a global audience.”

The Mayor will make his podcast debut later this month. The Mayor’s March 9th State of the City address will also be podcast. The city will do 6 podcasts to start. The podcasts will be available for direct download at the city’s website, www.grandforksgov.com and Absolute Net Solutions website, www.grandforkscity.com. Those interested will be able to subscribe to the podcast on both sites as well.