VZCZCXRO7283
RR RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMR RUEHRN
DE RUEHKI #0716 2421138
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 291138Z AUG 08 ZDK CTG 0026W
FM AMEMBASSY KINSHASA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8365
INFO RUEHXR/RWANDA COLLECTIVE
RUCNSAD/SOUTHERN AF DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
RUZEJAA/JAC MOLESWORTH RAF MOLESWORTH UK

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000716 
 
PARIS FOR USMISSION UNESCO 
 
SIPDIS 
 
//CORRECTED COPY - PARAS RENUMBERED// 
 
E.O.12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPAO CG UNESCO
SUBJECT:   PODCASTING HITS THE CONGO 
 
¶1.  Summary:  Embassy Kinshasa introduced a dozen radio journalists 
to the concept of podcasting, focusing on IIP's French website 
(http://www.America.gov/fr).  Media representatives made a number of 
useful suggestions about how this multimedia tool can be used in the 
Congo and were clearly interested in using IIP podcasts as part of 
programming on local radio stations.  The event showed that 
podcasting can be a valuable medium in the DRC for projecting 
American values and to raise issues of interest.  End Summary. 
 
¶2.  Public Affairs Officer Katya Thomas and Deputy Chief of Mission 
Sam Brock gave a presentation August 25, 2008 at the Mission's media 
center to introduce the concept of podcasting to representatives of 
local broadcast media, particularly radio.  Using a powerpoint 
presentation in French developed at post specifically for this 
event, they covered the development of the term and how the concept 
of podcasting differs from other types of broadcasts.  Assistant PAO 
Robert Keith demonstrated several different types of iPods.  He also 
played a recent IIP/AF product ("Elections 2008: les jeunes 
electeurs et la politique") as an example of what the USG produces 
and makes available to the Congolese media.  Note:  Because of 
underdeveloped Internet infrastructure in Congo, Public Affairs 
plans to download new podcasts onto CD's and send them to local 
radio stations at regular intervals, as well as to monitor usage of 
this material.  End note. 
 
¶3.  Questions demonstrated the journalists' positive response to the 
event.  Brock explained that IIP podcasts are part of our public 
diplomacy effort to promote U.S. culture and values.  Participants 
suggested holding longer programs discussing issues using a podcast 
as a point of departure.  They also suggested holding focus groups 
to get active participant feedback.  They noted that they would like 
to send ideas back to Washington for future podcasts, and would also 
welcome training on how to make their own podcasts to use on their 
own websites.  They also suggested that it would be useful for them 
to have a podcast about podcasting and other new media outreach 
Tools, such as webchats and blogs that are not well known yet in 
Congo. 
 
¶4.  Comment:  This PD event confirmed our view that podcasting is a 
new concept here, albeit one that will undoubtedly grow quickly as 
journalists in attendance showed great interest in the new 
possibilities this tool offers.  They were engaged and eager to know 
more about the subject matter.  We believe their interest represents 
an opportunity to respond to the media's curiosity about U.S. issues 
through podcasting and to build on it.  Their understanding of the 
usefulness of IIP podcasts and their willingness to use them as free 
content for radio broadcasts will increase our ability to promote 
democratic practices and mutual understanding between the U.S. and 
the Congo.  Embassy Kinshasa is happy to make available its 
powerpoint presentation on podcasts in French to other interested 
posts.  End comment. 
 
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