RSS feeds are a great way to keep up with all the latest news, but reading your way through hundreds of new articles every day is time consuming. Before long that ‘unread’ count can stack up.

If you are not averse to a bit of background noise, podcasts are good update alternatives that don’t require your undivided attention.

Basically digital media files (either audio or video) that are released periodically, podcasts often downloaded through web syndication. You can easily set them to auto-sync to your mp3 player and take them with you on the move.

Having developed in tandem with the iPod craze, free media software iTunes is a popular way to subscribe to your favourite casts. However, check out and compare the alternative at podcatchermatrix.org.

Here is EJC’s top pick of the media podcasts:

Media Talk – Guardian.co.uk

Presented by Head of Audio at the Guardian, Matt Wells, this is an overview of the media industry with a mostly British slant.

Recent topics: How to make print pay; UK’s new media policy; controversial comedian Russell Brand’s return to radio.

On the Media - WNYC (New York public radio)

As well as covering general interest news topics, this free podcast from New York public radio also looks at media coverage and issues.

Recent topics: Interview with BBC Director General mark Thompson on ‘BBC English’; drug warriors target journalists; warrantless GPS tracking.

From Our Own Correspondent – BBC News

An interesting series from BBC journalist correspondents on the ground all over the world, this gives a great feel for the people behind the news stories.

Recent topics: Covering the floods in Pakistan; A new generation is shaping the future of Afghanistan; Will economics force the French to reconsider their lifestyles?

Editor’s Blog - Journalism.co.uk

An ‘on the road’ series from journalism.co.uk’s roving reporters, with good focus on new media tools and technologies.

Recent topics: Reports from World Editor’s Forum 2010 in Hamburg; Truth and objectivity in today’s media; Advice for journalism graduates.

CNN Reliable Sources – CNN

Howard Kurtz’s weekly video podcast turns a critical lens on the media and is one of CNN’s longest-running shows, premiering in 1992.

Recent topics: Tea Party Coverage; Fringe Journalism?; Examining the Coverage of Obama’s Iraq Speech; Making Up the News; Journalism and the Internet.

Do you know any other good media industry podcasts?

Update 8 November, 2010:

Africa Media Matters

Showcasing local reporting and analysis, Africa Media Matters brings together critical news and information from across the African continent, providing a unique insight into the challenges and opportunities facing Africa’s media. 

Recent topics: New Zimbabwe Media Commission Assessed; Repressive Media Reform in South Africa?.

Published: October 11, 2010