Fastcasters Gets Down to Business, Bringing Podcasting Technologies to Local Companies; Positive Response to Duo's Entertaining, Media-Focused Podcast Prompts Launch of New Endeavor.

DALLAS -- The producers of a popular podcast are launching a new company designed to help organizations tap into the power of podcasting. Fastcasters (www.fastcasters.com) will offer consultative and technical services for businesses, not-for-profit groups and churches who want a better way to reach their customers, partners and employees via rich media.

"If you look in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, there are hundreds of companies with viable web sites, but few know how to jump on the podcasting bandwagon," said Doug Via, owner of DVMultimedia and principal in Fastcasters. "We can provide the technical know-how and long-range planning to help companies effectively produce and distribute podcasts that are interesting and exciting."

Fastcasters combines the technical knowledge of Via, a long-time video producer and editor, with the creative experience of Henry Demond, who provides creative strategy across multiple media.

"Podcasts are ideal for delivering corporate messages, since employees and customers can listen to key information virtually any time and anywhere," Demond said. "For example, employees likely are tuned into streaming music, either at work, in the car or at home. With help from Fastcasters, employers can insert their latest news, memos or product information into their workers' playlists. Or, employees can listen from the convenience of their PCs."

Unlike most podcasts available today, Fastcasters offers professionally produced content. This can include scripting, voice talent and creative services. Or, the company can simply help clients put their own talent and voices into a high-quality podcast, which can then be heard on any PC or MP3 player. In addition, the company offers vidcasts, which are web video broadcasts.

"Keeping employees or customers engaged is a constant challenge for executives. Video on the web is a more effective way of getting the message out," Demond said.

Via and Demond currently offer their own brand of podcasting in PIMediaPro, a biweekly show geared toward "media geeks," including professional communicators, independent media producers, web developers, audio/visual technicians, creative writers and entertainment lovers. The podcasts are available for audio download or via iTunes subscription at www.pimediapro.com.