Podcast prize falls short for local pair
If a pair of local Internet radio personalities had to get beat for the title of best general podcast, at least they lost to a former MTV video jockey.
As stars of the "The Brit and Yankee" podcast, West Chicago resident and British expatriate Phil Clark and his partner, Mike Lingafelter of Batavia, have made a name for themselves amongst a loyal following.
From their Web site, www.thebritandyankee.com, the duo broadcasts an hour-long "magazine" show every two weeks. Each is chock full of banter, grilling tips, beer recipes, and radio documentaries on a host of local and international subjects.
Just months ago, their audience topped out at 100. So the pair were surprised and delighted to be plucked from relative obscurity when they landed on a list of 10 shows nominated for Best General Podcast in the 2007 People's Choice Podcast Awards.
The awards go to shows getting the most votes from the public. Fans were allowed to vote online several times daily at www.podcastawards.com.
Clark and Lingafelter say they were honored just to be nominated. Still, when the voting ended this week, they expressed disappointment about not winning.
That distinction went to "Showgirls," a program that features several women who dish on world event, technology and entertainment. The show is produced in association with Adam Curry, a former MTV video jockey.
"I listened to their show. It's fine," Clark joked. "Maybe they won on popularity because they're better looking. I'm not bitter or anything."
The Brit and Yankee aren't walking away empty-handed, though. In the race for the prize, two laptops, they e-mailed everyone they knew asking them to vote. In the process, they've seen a surge in listeners, Clark said.
"People I didn't know listened have been coming up to me at work and saying things like, 'Hey, that chicken recipe was really good,'" Lingafelter said. "I think (the contest) pulled in some people that hadn't listened to us before."
The pair hope to work with other podcasters to cross-pollinate and expand their audiences. They also plan to make appearances at local events, including Monday's Cruzin' Winfield car show.