MessageCast announced today that its LiveMessage alerting service is being used by popular podcasters as a way to let listeners know the moment a podcast is released. LiveMessage is a free RSS-based service that enables Internet publishers to publish real-time alerts to users of their sites, blogs, and now their podcasts.

Podcasts are the latest addition to the iPod-driven digital music craze, and MessageCast's RSS-compatible LiveMessage locates listeners of popular real-time networks and sends requested alerts to their chosen device, which can be a cell phone, a PDA, PC desktop or laptop, or just an e-mail message.

Popular podcasters using LiveMessage include The Rock and Roll Report, Hardcore Insomnia Radio, Michael Lehman, and Endurance Radio. LiveMessage customers range from established companies, like Microsoft and FOX Sports, to citizen journalists in the blogosphere.

"We are constantly amazed by the creativity that is emerging through the RSS standard," said MessageCast CEO Royal Farros, "and we think that this podcasting phenomenon is just beginning."

Podcasters can sign up for the free LiveMessage service by visiting: www.messagecast.net/brochure/prod_blog_home.html.