From radio came television—sound with pictures. Now from TV comes the podcast—audio with pictures subtracted. These listen-only downloads for computers and MP3 players let you keep up with your favourite programs any time, even on the go. The networks are suddenly rushing to ramp up their online offerings of both shows and the inside scoops on them. Among the early adopters:

1) CBS: All of Guiding Light’s dramatic doings can be heard daily, complete with scene-setting narration. CBS Soapbox interviews daytime stars. Online chats spotlight night-timers such as Jeff Probst, Charles Dutton and Stockard Channing. News downloads include audio clips from 60 Minutes and Face The Nation.

2) Fox: Recaps of a dozen-plus series, including House, Family Guy, The OC, The Simpsons, with interviews and other backstage content.

3) SciFi: Full Battlestar Galactica episode commentary from re-creator Ronald D. Moore. Podcast planned for December mini-series The Triangle.

4) Showtime: Cast chats from Barbershop and Weeds.

5) PBS: Entire episodes of NOW and Religion & Ethics weekly. – LAT-WP News Service