Reading BT’s press release again, it seems pretty clear that that setting up a UK version of PodShow is to do with the precise deal BT did with PodShow, ie, license it for launch in the UK. BT is a telco that’s evolving into other businesses and they must see this as one of the ways to help them do that in the UK.

Plus if they plan to sign deals with record labels, there may well be copyright and music licensing issues that restrict it to the UK only. Just guessing here, though.

Not sure I see this as being segregated from the rest of the world. I couldn’t see anything in the terms of use that says a user has to be in the UK. It’s interesting that when you sign up for service, the sign-up form asks you to choose what country you’re in. A long list, not just the UK.

It’s very early days with this. Maybe a better view of its potential will emerge once we know how many sign-ups they have and how people use the service. And what they say about it.

In their original pitch to podcasters, Podshow never explained that the main Podshow directory was a US only podcast site. Now it seems they are changing their tune and sending Brits to a different site. According to their press release BT Podshow is, “a British version of the hugely popular

US PodShow Network

with extra content and functionality produced specifically for the UK market.”

There’s a lot of talk about how this will help UK based podcasting. Unfortunately no one is stating exactly how it will help. How will it enable people to create better content? How will it encourage business to get more involved in podcasting? Does it really help UK podcasting to create a place where they are segregated from the rest of the world of podcasting?

Your thoughts, Neville, are greatly appreciated.