Podcasting Radio

The WSJ is reporting the following story:

Starting May 16, much of the programming on KYCY 1550 AM will be drawn from podcasters -- small broadcasters whose radio-like shows can be downloaded from the Internet by listeners and played whenever it suits them, either on a computer or a portable music player.

The low-ranked Infinity station, which currently airs talk-radio standards like Don Imus, will select the best of podcast submissions from its listeners, rebroadcast them over its airwaves and also stream them on its Web site. KYCY will start with several hours a day of podcasts and within a few months air them full-time. Some of the station's existing programming will be moved to other Infinity stations.

The new station is promising to capture some of the offbeat nature of the podcasting world. "You're out there creating, riffing, ranting and raving and Infinity is going to give voice to your vision," says the Web site for the new station, which will be known as KYOU Radio. "Doesn't everyone have a streak of genius waiting to be heard?"

Let's see how it does but for a low-rated station, what better way to differentiate yourself. And besides, I bet they are really cheap on-air talent.