BlogTalkRadio, the site that allows online broadcasters to generate shows using phone calls, has introduced a new feature they call “Ask the host”. The feature allows fans listening to live shows to interact with the show’s host in real-time using VoIP and their computer’s microphone.
After finding a participating live show on BlogTalkRadio’s servers, listeners can “dial-in” with an embedded Flash widget. While the feature may not sound particularly exciting at first (radio shows have let callers participate for ages), BlogTalkRadio says that it will open the door to international participation. In the past, users needed to call a New York phone number, which could lead to costly phone calls for anyone located outside the United States. Done right, this could lead to some very compelling discussion - imagine a talk show on international politics with input from around the world.
BlogTalkRadio tries to make online broadcasting as simple as setting up a conference phone call. Since it launched in 2006, the site has added a number of notable members to its service, including The Petagon and Sun Microsystems (which run branded private ‘Stations’ on the site). Another player in this space is TalkShoe.
The web resources, like this, for home business entrepreneurs is phenomenal. If I were a newspaper or TV advertising agent I’d be looking for a back-up job.
Thank you for posting this about Blog Talk Radio. It has helped the voice of those who never got to speak or be heard. It has helped author’s from around the world and poets as well. It is a new way for the reader to speak to their favorite author and ask questions. It is great. I have seen Blog Talk Radio grow and expand. I enjoy each and every show I have. You can even down load shows for free on I-Tunes. It is a wonderful format for the independant thinker.
Thank you again.
AngelLesa
I used BlogTalkRadio to help a colleague from IBM record podcasts from his satellite phone while trekking across Greenland. I loved their service… really easy. I didn’t use this “Ask the Host” service… rather used the cinch service from BlogTalkRadio (cinch.blogtalkradio.com). Worked out well… particularly since it allowed him to podcast updates from the middle of the ice cap.
here’s that blog: http://greenlandcrossing.wordpress.com.
Thank you for this write up on Blog Talk Radio. We’ve been doing our podcast for nearly 3 years but prior to Blog Talk Radio we did it using an online VOIP conference room - sort of a walkie talkie style which didn’t make for interactive conversation although the sound was great, lol.
When BTR came along they made it really easy to conduct a live, interactive radio show identical to offline but without the cost of terrestrial radio. I’m indebted to the service BTR has provided us and the platform not to mention that it’s free! As AngelLesa said it is also free for the listeners to download and listen at their leisure but many love participating in the live shows to interact with our guests and being an active part just like in offline radio through either our text chat or by calling in to ask questions of the guest. Thank you for spreading the word about BTR and the great job they are doing!
I want to echo Dr. Kim and thank you for mentioning BTR. I have been running my show there since Feb. and I am so happy. The changes are always great, and new features are added all the time.
I network with a lot of people all over the world, and it is expensive for them to call the US. This feature will allow them to easily participate with the shows while they are live.
Check out my show at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/drsallywitt.
If you have a suggestion for guests, just let me know!
Dr. Sally Witt
http://www.drsallywitt.com
So nice to see Blog Talk Radio getting mentioned. I think it is a phenomenal service. I have been running my show Journey to Self since August 2007 and have found BTR to be a dependable way to get information to listeners all over the world.
Blog Talk Radio is such a wonderful services for host and listeners alike!
With Empowering Regards,
Tonya Ramsey
http://journeytoself.info
BlogTalkRadio new feature is totally awesome. I have international listeners from around the world and this feature allow them to be become part of the talk radio format. BTR is really gaining momentum and rapidly gain success as an authority site for everyone in the Blogging world.
Have a listen and use the new feature at http://www.GoogleMeTalkRadio.com.
Thanks you for post.
Ask Jim Cobb - Google Me
“The Google Man”
I love, love, love BlogTalk! This new feature sounds great, I live in New Zealand and this will definitely make it more likely for me to be able to call in and talk to my favourite hosts…now the next feature I’d like them to work on is changing the time zones so can listen live as everything I listen to plays at about 4am here at the moment!
Thanks BlogTalkRadio!!