Listening to radio stations on a computer is easy, but the broadcast schedule doesn't always fit in with our own. But listening to programmes at a time that suits you is, thankfully, getting easier with the advent of podcasts, the online audio broadcasts that can be downloaded and listened to at your convenience.

Unlike ordinary music downloads, podcasting lets you subscribe to a free online radio programme and ensures that you never miss an episode.

This 'save now, listen later' phenomenon began as a way for enthusiasts and small internet radio stations to make shows available for people to listen to on Apple's iPod music player, hence the 'pod' in the name.

It has since gained attention from a number of bigger players in the broadcasting world and now it's possible to listen to most podcasts on any portable player. Many now recognise podcasting as an effective way of reaching a larger, more technologically savvy audience that does not want to be tied to someone else's schedule.

In this feature, we'll explain how podcasting can benefit you, show which podcasts are available over the internet and how to get them.

What's on?
The BBC has already begun to offer a number of its programmes as straightforward file downloads, but now provides a trial podcasting service covering a number of its radio stations.

The selection isn't very large at present, but you will find regularly updated documentaries, easy listening, entertainment, sports, current affairs and foreign language programmes.

While most of these programmes are updated on a weekly basis, Virgin Radio goes a step further. It recently became the first UK radio station to offer a podcast of a daily show. Users can download a half hour-long edited version of Pete and Geoff's Breakfast Show.

Unfortunately, most music played during the show is removed from the podcast due to copyright restrictions, but the station says that despite this it is still very popular.

Large radio stations are just getting in on the podcasting phenomenon, so it's no surprise to learn that their selections are quite limited. The internet at large offers by far a wider choice of podcasts, with subjects covering almost every listening taste.

The London station XFM is making its podcasting debut soon by airing the cult Saturday afternoon radio show hosted by Ricky Gervais.

Other interesting podcasts include those on topics you wouldn't normally associate with radio. Autoblog now provides a podcast featuring the latest news from the world of cars, and there is talk of some banks making financial advice available in a podcasting format.

In the meantime, you can still access thousands of music podcasts via the internet. There are some legal restrictions as to what music can be made available online, but take a look at Podcast.net for a list of the most popular music feeds from around the world.

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