Weber Shandwick constructs podcasting studio

Weber Shandwick is to offer clients an in-house podcast-recording facility as it aims to expand its embryonic web relations practice, based in London.

The agency is in the throes of constructing a studio in the basement of its Fox Court offices that will be used to record podcasts.

James Warren, Weber Shandwick’s director of web relations, is overseeing the project – part of his role is to drive the agency’s ‘social media’ work, such as the use of blogging and wikis.

He will seek to develop podcast initiatives with existing clients before attempting to bring in new business.

The soundproofed studio is expected to open next month. The 12 sq ft room will contain a table and chairs for clients, plus two professional-quality microphones and a PC that will store the required digital capture software.

Warren, who currently works on his own, said there are plans to expand his team. The agency has already carried out podcast work for CA (previously known as Computer Associates).

He will promote the service partly on the basis of a prediction by ‘podfather’ Adam Curry that, in five years’ time, up to 50 per cent of all media will be generated by consumers.

Warren joined Weber Shandwick earlier this year (PRWeek, 23 February). He was formerly at Bite Communications.

In the US, Weber Shandwick has had a long-standing web relations practice in operation, servicing big-name clients such as General Motors and Disney.