With more and more Web users on broadband connections, delivery of high-quality video news is rapidly gaining popularity. Newspapers are moving more of their resources to the web and many radio stations delivering audio streams for nearly a decade. It’s now possible to stay informed on a wide variety of breaking and in-depth news coverage via free, high-quality video podcasts from local, national, international and independent broadcasters.

iTunes Jumps into Video on Demand

Now that iTunes virtually owns the music download business, Apple is positioning iTunes to become a hub for online movie rentals. All of Apple’s work to make iTunes the center of online video also creates a space on the iTunes Store for other video content – most of it free.

Finding News Podcasts on iTunes

Finding, subscribing to and watching videos on iTunes is easy and intuitive. Just launch iTunes, click on the “Podcasts” link on the left under “iTunes STORE.” Go to the categories section and click “Video Podcasts.” Most News podcasts can be found under “News and Politics,” however there are other areas that have real news gems. “iTunes U” features video podcasts from educational institutions as well as video from American Public Media and WGBH-Boston. Another tip: just use the iTunes search function. Type in “video news” and you’ll be shown content from sources ranging from ABC to the Onion News Network.

Best iTunes Video News Podcasts

• ABC World News: It’s not just a nightly re-run of the network show. ABC creates a separate feed with Internet focused news along with other network stories. Another perk is that the ABC podcast is available around 4pm EST, before the TV newscast hits the air. All episodes of the ABC weekly political analysis show “This Week” is also there.
• NBC Nightly News: Hosted by Brian Williams. This is a re-run of the “Nightly News.” It’s an easy way to get your news if you're on the road or don’t have a TV. One downside is that the NBC podcast isn’t updated until around 10pm EST. A video podcast of “Meet the Press" is also aviable on iTunes.
• CNN: CNN offers two quality podcasts helpful to those interested in fast-paced updates. “Now in the News” utilizes a headline news format and is updated several times daily. “In Case You Missed It,” a short news review, is in a raw news format. It features news shorts which have been edited together as a vignette without the typical talking heads and commentary.
• Sky News: “Sky News – Headlines Update” is an news podcast from the UK. It's an excellent way to keep on top of international news, with a English-centric slant.
• Link TV: This newscast provides and international perspective which is focused on Middle East sources. “Global Pulse” compares stories from around the world, giving you a unique perspective on world-wide events. “Mosaic” compiles broadcasts from many Mid East countries in a 30 minute video podcast while “Mosaic Intelligence Report” offers commentary on the MIddle East's hot-topic issues.