This has been discussed elsewhere before, but Rexblog has a very interesting take on the business behind podcasting, and throws around the idea of Howard Stern podcasting instead of joining SIRIUS.

Great thoughts, but one flaw with the theory is the artistic limitations of Podcasting.

Podcasting has an inherit problem - it’s delayed… very delayed. A podcast is only accessable once it’s complete, so the real time abilities are removed and in turn there’s a disconnect with the DJ and Listener. Howard talks about current events and things that happened the night before - that’s part of his whole appeal. Howard interacts with his listeners during phonecalls about things he’s talking about in real time - these interactions make him the entertainer he is. I was listening to Howard when the first plane hit the WTC only to look into the horizon and see the plume of smoke. This is something you can never get from Podcasting.

The Men of Sirius OutQ Radio - John McMullen, Charlie Dyer, and Jeremy “J.Ho” Hovies - all were interviewed on AfterElton.com (goatees and all).