Network with multiple shows

[AnnemarieC]

Hello,

I've searched the internet and through the forum and while some of my questions have been answered, I'm struggling to find the answers to a few, and would appreciate any feedback.

A little background:

- I am setting up a network that will include a number of different shows. The number of different shows and weekly podcasts per show host will (hopefully) increase over time, so I want to make sure that we set the system up in the best way to allow for growth.
- I would like to create a Network Channel on iTunes, which lists all of the most recent shows as well as people being able to subscribe to each show from the main network
- I would also like to setup individual Show Host Channels on iTunes so that each host has their own channel.

So, in effect when we upload and publish multiple shows, they appear on our Network Channel on iTunes and on their individual iTunes channels

I have seen this done before (as I was part of a podcast network that did this), however as I was not part of the technical team I have no idea where to start.

My question(s) is/are:

1. What's the best way to set up my Blubrry account and best way to upload/manage files to ensure this process is as streamlined as possible
2. What do I need to do from my Blubrry account that will allow me to post all shows to the Network Channel and then to the individual showhost channels on iTunes at the same time
3. Probably prior to step 2 I will need to get iTunes involved to help me get this set up (or do I). If anyone can shed any light on this, I would be ever so grateful.
4. Can I set up premium statistics monitoring for each show host? And if I can, where can I find the instructions to do that?
5. Have I left anything out that you can foresee may be an issue?

Thanks again for any wisdom you can share. I hope it makes sense

Best

Annemarie C

[mgdell]

What I would do starting out is have a single network wordpress installation with each show having it's own podcast channel. (see: http://www.powerpresspodcast.com/2011/05/11/using-the-podcast-channel-feature/).  Then have another channel for the everything feed. When you post a show you will have to put the media URL and stats redirect in both the individual show's podcast episode box AND the network box.  There isn't an automated way to do this that I know of.

This will give you an RSS feed for the network and one for each show. 

Now, once that is done and there is 1 episode in each feed, submit the feeds to itunes.   

As for stats, you will want to setup a separate stats account for each show.  (no real need to do this on the everything feed unless you think it's important)  (See: http://www.powerpresspodcast.com/2011/03/09/setting-up-podcast-stats-on-blubrry-com-and-powerpress/)

Once itunes approves the shows, you will have to contact them to group them as a network.  It's not going to be easy to get a hold of them and to get them to approve a network listing.  Tech Podcast Network just did that and it took a while.

Good luck!  Happy Podcasting!

-Mike

[AnnemarieC]

Thank you Mike! Really appreciated!

Best, Annemarie

[AnnemarieC]

Hi, I have a few more questions I was hoping you'd be able to help with.

I have just signed up for a hosting account and will be adding my show (and other show hosts shows as they join our podcast network).

My questions are:

1. I have a number of podcasts I would like to add (~40 shows). What's the best way to upload these? Do I have to do this individually or is there a way that I can bulk upload? These podcasts are for one show host (me) and is a once off. Do I still need to go through the process of adding each show individually with Powerpress? [I would say yes, as we need to add content for each show blurb etc, however I wanted to see whethere there was any other way I didn't know about].

2. As we add other show hosts to the network, we may have multiple shows that need to be added each week. I understand the principle of adding shows via PowerPress on our Wordpress site, and I confirm that we will have to add these individually as we set up show posts for each of their shows using the Channel instructions you have already directed me to above. Is that correct? Or is there anything else we need to do if we are managing multiple shows for different hosts on a weekly basis?

3. Is there any way that we can measure the statistics for each show host on their shows?

4. I have signed up for the 100MB monthly storage. At what level should I consider upgrading? Each of our shows will be audio only for 30 minutes per show.

Is there anything else I need to be aware of? Do you have any videos/instructions for podcasts that have multiple shows you can direct me to?

Thank you in advance!

Annemarie

[mgdell]

See my replies inline (in Red)


1. I have a number of podcasts I would like to add (~40 shows). What's the best way to upload these? Do I have to do this individually or is there a way that I can bulk upload? These podcasts are for one show host (me) and is a once off. Do I still need to go through the process of adding each show individually with Powerpress? [I would say yes, as we need to add content for each show blurb etc, however I wanted to see whethere there was any other way I didn't know about].

Yes, you would want to add them one at a time. There is no other good way of doing this.  If they are hosted already on a free service or on your website hosting, you should be OK to just leave them where they are and just link to them in posts on wordpress.

2. As we add other show hosts to the network, we may have multiple shows that need to be added each week. I understand the principle of adding shows via PowerPress on our Wordpress site, and I confirm that we will have to add these individually as we set up show posts for each of their shows using the Channel instructions you have already directed me to above. Is that correct? Or is there anything else we need to do if we are managing multiple shows for different hosts on a weekly basis?

Yes, you will have to add these "channels" or shows individually. Just make sure you put the right show in the right "channel's" Podcast Episode box. (there will be one for each show when you get your channels setup)

3. Is there any way that we can measure the statistics for each show host on their shows?

Yes, add the shows to blubrry.com and setup the stats for each show. You will have to manually put the redirect URL for stats every time you post to make sure you get the correct redirect for the show you want to track.

4. I have signed up for the 100MB monthly storage. At what level should I consider upgrading? Each of our shows will be audio only for 30 minutes per show.

Figure out how big each show is average and how many times in a 30 day period you are going to upload a show and add it up.  If you have a 30 min MP3 every week, then you can figure on 30mb per show x 4 = 120mb. You should have at least the 250mb plan for that one show. As you add shows, you will have to add storage upload. If you get too big (too many shows per month to fit our 1000mb plan, then you will have to go on the commercial plan at $0.15 per Gig for upload and for storage per month. I'm assuming you are a long way from that right now.

Is there anything else I need to be aware of? Do you have any videos/instructions for podcasts that have multiple shows you can direct me to?

Take a look at powerpresspodcast.com, help.blubrry.com and podcastfaq.com We have a ton of information on those sites.

Thank you in advance!

Annemarie


Happy Podcasting!

-Mike