Podcasting Ads Already Settling In

It's been about a week since we talked about podcasting's advertising potential and now ads are starting to be incorporated into free podcasts. Slate Magazine has added a :15 Chrysler 300 in its first podcast released Friday July 15. Andy Bowers, better known for his days with NPR, reads the weekly podcasts and this week's offering features Bowers opening the podcast, followed by the Chrysler 300 spot and then the podcast continues with Bowers.

Podcasts are expected to remain free. But industry experts predict advertisements will begin playing before, during and/or after the podcast to keep them free to users.