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New research released by the Pew Internet & American Life Project reveals that there are almost 50% more podcast downloaders today as there were in February 2006. Men are almost twice as likely to download podcasts as women.

A significant data point for me is that there doesn't seem to be much difference in the ages of those who are downloading podcasts. In fact, those aged 50-64 were the fastest-growing age bracket for the period February - August 2006. People aged 18-29 still lead the category, with 14% overall downloading podcasts, but those aged 30-49 and 50-64 are both holding their own at 12%.

A common objection to podcasting is "our members won't listen." Well, it's obvious they're listening to something!

Another interesting finding from the February-April survey, against which this most recent study was compared, is 20% of American adults and 26% of internet users report ownership of an iPod or MP3 player. This figure has certainly grown since April, and will grow by leaps and bounds over the holiday giving season.

Podcasts are becoming mainstream. Check out Jeff De Cagna's Social Media Tracking Wiki for a list of known association-produced podcasts.