Lots of media coverage surrounding podcasting lately for some reason. The latest is from USA Today:
Big tech suppliers and media companies don’t know yet whether they need to come to grips with podcasting — or can dismiss it as a flash in the pan. But there is no ambivalence on the part of the technologists who’ve embraced it.
It’s not rocket science. Come to grips, or fall behind. In addition to just having a ton of great information, the article points out something that most others ignore:
Apple, in particular, is in a prime position to make podcasting significantly easier — but probably won’t. It has ignored requests from Curry and other technologists to discuss the matter, and declined USA TODAY’s interview requests for this story.
Makes me wonder what the hell Jobs has stuck up his ass. I think the problem is that he’s never had a monopoly before and so doesn’t know what to do! Perhaps he should ask his old buddy Bill for some advice. In the meantime, I look forward to the day that Windows Media devices overtake the iPod in market share, then it won’t matter what Apple does.
Read: USA Today
MasterMaq's Blog 
My guess is that Jobs’ problem with podcasting is the same as his problem with letting the iPod firmware take full advantage of the recording capabilities of the iPod’s hardware (which can do full CD-quality recording)…his hands are tied by his iTunes Music Store deals with the music labels.
Yes, that’s similar to what Adam Curry has suggested. I don’t think that’s the end of the story though. Microsoft must have made similar agreements with the labels for their MSN Music store, yet they are testing the podcasting waters. I guess it’s a little different in that Apple actually owns the hardware whereas Microsoft does not, but still.
In my mind it’s one thing to have a chat, and say, "we love that you’re using our platform, but unfortunately its not in our abilities to help you out" and quite another to outright ignore the conversation. I can very easily see Apple playing catchup in a year or two because they shunned podcasting now.