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The Washington Times Channel Surfing column
(Washington Times, The (KRT) Via Thomson Dialog NewsEdge) Feb. 22--NPR PODCASTS AMONG TOP PICKS: National Public Radio's mission to remain relevant in the digital age is off to a fast start. Six NPR podcasts yesterday were among the 100 most popular downloads on Apple Computer Inc.'s ITunes Music Store.
The most popular NPR show, listed fourth, was the topical quiz show, "Wait, Wait ... Don't Tell Me," followed by the "Story of the Day" at No. 14. NPR and its local stations offer more than 250 podcasts, and Apple has sold more than 40 million IPods.
"The word-of-mouth among podcasters, if you could bottle it, you'd be a billionaire," said Andi Sporkin, a spokeswoman for NPR. "The public service we offer in broadcasting is obviously translating into new media at a time when public radio is trying to figure out the next steps in where we need to be in new media."
"Story of the Day" has been NPR's most popular daily podcast since it debuted Aug. 31, and "All Songs Considered," which was listed at No. 35 yesterday, has been the most popular weekly download, she said.
NPR was not the only news entity on the top 100 list. The Discovery Channel, NBC's "Meet the Press," PBS' "NewsHour with Jim Lehrer" and numerous others also proved popular.
"It gives you hope for democracy, doesn't it?" said Al Tompkins, broadcast/online group leader at the Poynter Institute, a journalism training school in St. Petersburg, Fla.
"When you think of the users of these devices, it's not the Madison Avenue stereotype of gray and balding," he said. "It at least gives you hope that the younger [demographic] is still interested in important information ... but also deeper and more thoughtful kind of storytelling."
But not all news podcasts will be successful, Mr. Tompkins cautioned. Many consumers are getting accustomed to their IPods and other devices, and in that kind of "experimental market," other providers offering podcasts can alter the landscape quickly, he said.
WRC'S ON-AIR GOOF: WRC-TV (Channel 4) continued its series this week about baby boomers, but it ran into trouble during the 6 p.m. newscast Monday when naming famous people turning 60 this year.
Film critic Gene Siskel, formerly of TV's "Siskel and Ebert," was named, but Mr. Siskel died exactly six years before, on Feb. 20, 1999.
Anchor Jim Vance read an on-air correction before the show ended.
The error never should have occurred, and a review is under way to ensure similar mistakes are not repeated, said Vickie Burns, the NBC station's news director.
REVOLVING: Dave Pugh last week replaced Bennett Zier as Clear Channel Radio's regional vice president for its 32 stations in the Washington-Baltimore area. Mr. Zier now runs Red Zebra Broadcasting.
Jeff Kapugi takes over as regional vice president of programming, replacing Jeff Wyatt. Both men were unavailable for comment.
But Chris Johnson said it "feels awesome" to be the new program director for WTEM-AM SportsTalk 980. Mr. Johnson previously served as executive producer for the station that airs "The Tony Kornheiser Show," "The John Thompson Show" and others.
Mr. Johnson replaced Tod Castleberry, who was program director for all three local Clear Channel AM stations.
Channel Surfing runs Wednesdays. Call 202/636-3173 or e-mail dcat@washingtontimes.com.
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