Blogtalkradio Debuts New One-Click Flash-Based Voip Calling Feature Across Its Hosted Internet Talk Radio Programs

New Feature Allows Listeners To Participate in Talk Shows With all the Benefits of Free Calls over the Internet & Without Software Downloads

 

NEW YORK, NY – June 09, 2008 - BlogTalkRadio (www.blogtalkradio.com), the first and largest online radio citizen broadcasting network, debuts a new one-click Flash-based Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) feature called “AskTheHost” that enables listeners to participate in programs directly from their Web browser without the need for long-distance fees or a traditional landline or wireless phone. With this enhanced service feature, BlogTalkRadio expects to see a dramatic increase in online radio listenership and participation both in the United States and abroad.

 

“AskTheHost” is made possible through BlogTalkRadio’s proprietary, integrated telecom-based back-end infrastructure. In fact, no software downloads are needed to use the “AskTheHost” feature. Listeners who wish to participate during a live internet radio show, must simply have a microphone connected to their computer and be logged onto the site (registration is free) to take advantage of the “AskTheHost” feature. Once those steps are completed, they can simply click the “AskTheHost” button on the show’s web page to connect directly to the host and voice their thoughts on the show’s subject matter.

 

“Unlike other VoIP applications like Skype no software downloads are needed to use AskTheHost. Our flash-based technology enables users to “call” into live online radio shows from anywhere in the world, from any computer with an Internet connection and microphone, alleviating long distance fees associated with doing so. We anticipate that AskTheHost will increase our listener base significantly in the coming months,” said Alan Levy, CEO and co-founder of BlogTalkRadio. “BlogTalkRadio will further its position as a huge and effective gateway for companies and advertisers interested in reaching both domestic and international audiences about a wide variety of topics, services and products.”

 

The “AskTheHost” feature allows BlogTalkRadio to extend its international reach and expand the global nature of its content and shows. Currently, BlogTalkRadio has a monthly listenership of 3.2 million and broadcasts more than 450 new internet radio shows daily. Both listenership and shows broadcast grow exponential each month. To date, BlogTalkRadio has broadcasted more than 90,000 shows since its launch.

 

Companies and organizations that utilize BlogTalkRadio’s private radio station offering, such as Sun Microsystems and the Pentagon now have the ability to host their own interactive shows using the “AskTheHost” feature.

 

About BlogTalkRadio

Launched in August 2006, BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based radio talk show platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive radio show -- no downloads or extra equipment needed. Hosts call into the service by phone to broadcast. Each show can accommodate unlimited live listeners. Upon completion of the live broadcast, it is automatically archived as a podcast. Since the company’s launch, thousands of hosts have broadcast more than 82,000 shows. Notable guests on BlogTalkRadio such as Yoko Ono, Brad Pitt, John McCain, Brian DePalma and more appear on the Best of BlogTalkRadio page. Notable hosts include: Intel; Marla Cilley, the FlyLady home and life organizer; Sun Microsystems; and the Department of Defense.

 

BlogTalkRadio’s citizen broadcasting network can be found at www.blogtalkradio.com.

 

Media contacts:
Marisol Lopez Smith

Middleberg Communications, LLC

212-812-5665 x 111

mlopez-smith@middlebergcommunications.com