Economist's Podcast A Preemptive Strike

The Economist is offering podcasts of their full magazine content to subscribers. Users will be able to download either audio versions of articles or whole issues (sans ads) to the computer/audio device of their choice. Here’s the gist: Downloads are free for subscribers. Non-subscribers can purchase audio versions of issues for £4. The move is intended to preempt plans by several U.K. dailies to expand their podcast offerings. Audio offerings will be aimed at the “premium financial news market.”