Podcast Critiques

CNN News Update


The first podcast I chose is CNN News Update, because I like CNN in general and I like listening to breaking news.

It's a two-minute hourly update from CNN with news from the U.S. and around the world, which means the news will be the very latest ones.

I like it because it's very convenient for me to quickly grab  headlines and general information that is related. If I'm interested in some news, then I can decide to search in-depth information. 

Also, it's only two-minute long, so listeners won't be bored psychologically while listening. It's very concise, straight forward and attractive.

I do dislike some aspects of this podcast. Since it's hourly update, some news and information overlap a lot. I don't blame it, because it's very common that no big news occur between hours.

I will keep listening it, especially when I don't have much time to read news carefully, but I may not put them in my player. I will just listen it through my laptop.

60 Minutes

The second podcast I chose is 60 Minutes of CBS. I like it long time before I came to the U.S.

Contrary to CNN News Update mentioned above, 60 Minutes usually probes into the very heart of  news. Also, topics it chooses are pretty intriguing and fascinating.

For example, the latest one I watched is the interview of the new Defense Minister Leon Panetta. The host Scott Pelley followed Leon Panetta to his house, on his private plane, listening to him playing piano and talking about his father other than his work as the Secretary of Defense.

It has both audio and video. I like to watch its video version, because I learn from Scott Pelley about how to  

build up good relations with the interviewee. 

One thing I don't like is that it's 42 minutes long. It's not I don't like it, but I can't focus on it the whole time. I need to take breaks.

I will continue listening it on my MP4 and watching it on my laptop. It's a such a good program.

World Story of the Day

The third podcast I chose is also about news—World Story of the Day.

This podcast lies between CNN News Update and 60 Minutes.

It only reports international news. It picks the story from the day's international coverage from Morning Edition, All things considered and other award winning NPR programs.

It's likes neither CNN News Update, broadcasting a couple of different news from both domestic and international, nor 60 Minutes, talking about one hot topic in 42 minutes. It only covers one international topic in four to six minutes. 

When I feel I have some free time, but not very much, I will listen to this podcast. For the reason that it only covers one topic, the information it provides is pretty in-depth and it won't let you wait a long time.

I don't really dislike anything about this podcast, it's neat and concise. I will try to keep track of it on my laptop.