“Unfiltered” podcasts on TV cancelled

In South Africa, satellite TV provider DStv announced it was putting eight video podcasts onto its TV channels. “This is ... a bold step into the future where linear television meets the gutsy, unfiltered world of digital storytelling,” says Shirley Adonisi, director for channel owner M-Net. But, the “unfiltered world” doesn’t always work with broadcast standards. Five months later, at least two shows have been cancelled, following “breaches of ethical standards”; one show, Open Chats, being dropped after racist comments that may be illegal (although that specific episode wasn’t brodcast). One affected podcaster said: “If DStv was looking for polish, they shouldn’t have gone down the podcast route.”

After Spotify returned podcast linking tool Podlink to its original developer, the service has now been rebuilt. The new Podlink has an updated list of podcast platforms that are sorted by popularity, the ability to set a default app, and highlights trailers. Its successor episodes.fm now redirects to Podlink; all existing links (for both) should continue to work.

The Empowered Podcasting Conference is to return to Charlotte NC, USA for its second year. The conference anticipates hosting between 150-200 attendees, “ensuring an intimate atmosphere that maximizes networking and meaningful connections”.