I just finished reading the November 2006 Pew Internet Project Data Memo, which found that 12% of Internet users have downloaded a podcast. The survey also found that just 1% report downloading a podcast on a typical day. Podcasting hasn't exactly slain the radio and TV dragons yet, but the range of content available has exploded over the past two years. Numerous mainstream media institutions now provide podcasts, National Public Radio being one of the early adopters. Podcasting is changing the paradigm for broadcasters and print media and there is even speculation that it poses a threat to the survival of satellite radio.

Last week, a consortium of seven newspaper chains representing 176 daily papers across the country announced a broad partnership with Yahoo to share content, advertising and technology. I think this confirms the paradigm shift away from traditional delivery mechanisms, now that we are tethered to computers, portable mp3 players and telephones for much of our day. I have been a big proponent of expanding the role of phones, or as Nokia likes to say, "multimedia computers." If I could lose the big clunky box and monitor that keep me chained to my desk, I'd be grateful. And that is why I am further intrigued by the news that YouTube is working with Verizon Wireless to bring "VCast" to mobile phones. YouTube will be making a phone-based version of its user-generated video-clip phenomenon to a phone near you. It just one more step towards true mobility. Of course, there is a $15-a-month subscription fee charged by Verizon Wireless -- but hey, "freedom" has really never been free.