Guinness World Records Submission #2
First Podcast
Event Overview
This page documents evidence for the claim that Mr. Goetz produced the first known podcast-style webcast.
In March 1997, while continuing the public-access television version of THE HOMETOWN and dealing with censorship disputes involving TCI Cable in Carrollton, Texas, Michael Lee Goetz, Sr. launched an experimental webcast format designed for dial-up phone lines. After months of trial-and-error testing, he concluded the most reliable method was an audio-first webcast accompanied by a static title graphic.
The first Global Radio episode runs approximately two hours. It opens with an on-air announcement that “THE HOMETOWN Global Radio Network is on the air” and introduces long-time collaborator Kevin Bennett as co-host. Together they discuss public access television, censorship disputes surrounding the show, and early internet distribution ideas. Bennett’s original music appears throughout as recurring segments between discussion blocks.
This Global Radio webcast was an early public webcast produced for THE HOMETOWN. Only a few months later, after further experimentation, video webcasts were introduced as dial-up settings were refined and workable configurations were achieved. The material below preserves the original Global Radio program and supporting documentation.
Evidence Items
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Recreated Title Graphic
Recreated title still frame used as the primary visual for this submission, based on the original Global Radio artwork from the late 1990s. The updated version matches the original concept but is clean and legible for modern viewing. (Shown above) -
Original Global Radio Title (Blurry) — View Evidence
Raw still frame captured from the original Global Radio webcast. Preserved so examiners can compare it to the recreated still. -
Highlight Clip of the First Podcast — View Evidence
Edited highlight video containing selected segments from the original Global Radio program, including the opening announcement. -
Full Two-Hour Global Radio Program — View Evidence
Complete MP4 recording of the original Global Radio episode, presented with the updated static title graphic and the full original audio track intact.
