FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  June 9, 2008     

City of Alexandria Offers Innovative Podcast Programs

The City of Alexandria currently offers a variety of regular podcast programs that feature a broad spectrum of information on the services of Alexandria’s local government. Individuals can subscribe to nearly a dozen podcast topics, ranging from health and human services to local walking tours, special events and entertainment, historic information and City Council meetings. Highlights from current podcast subscriptions include:

The City of Alexandria began podcasting back in the fall of 2005, when the Office of Historic Alexandria and the Office on Women began podcasting regular programs about their services. Since that time, regular programming has grown substantially and users can now subscribe to both video and audio podcasts. A user can subscribe to any of Alexandria’s podcast programs for free, either by signing up on the City’s web site at www.alexandriava.gov/podcasts or at Apple’s iTunes at www.itunes.com. New episodes will be automatically downloaded to the user’s computer or portable MP3 player. Podcasting is completely free for the user, and virtually free for the City.

• FYI Alexandria on the Air: Regular podcasts are linked to articles in the City’s newsletter, FYI Alexandria. A recent story in FYI Alexandria on mentoring programs refers to a podcast link that shares the compelling interview of a longtime adult mentor whose mentoring relationship with a local youth helped him blossom into a college-educated, successful businessman in the community.
• Historic Alexandria: The Office of Historic Alexandria offers podcasts of walking tours through historic Alexandria neighborhoods, allowing the user to carry along the podcast as a self-paced audio guide. You can also learn fun facts about living in Alexandria during the days of George Washington, or hear from the Alexandria archaeologists about recent digs conducted in the City.
• Public Safety and Transportation: Find out how the City prepares for winter weather challenges, learn about the police department’s new strategic response system to fight crime, or get the facts about how to develop a home escape plan in case of a house fire.
• Health and Welfare: Hear why Alexandria is one of the 100 best communities for youth, learn details about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, or find out how the City of Alexandria is developing programs to prevent gang violence.

“Podcasting is an exciting way for us to reach new audiences,” said Alexandria Mayor William Euille. “We’re pleased to take advantage of this low-cost medium to provide interesting and informative programs for residents and visitors.”

For more information about podcasting, contact E-Government Manager Craig Fifer, at craig.fifer@alexandriava.gov or 703.838.3468.

www.alexandriava.gov