LONDON, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- Web-based broadcasting, known as podcasting, is getting more popular among U.S. and British users of Apple iPods and other digital music players.

All that is needed to become a podcaster is a microphone, a computer and editing software. People can then upload their shows to the Internet and others can download and listen to them, all for free, the BBC reported Thursday.

Using technology based on XML computer code and RSS, for Really Simple Syndication, listeners can subscribe to podcasts collected automatically in a bit of software that has been developed by Adam Curry, former MTV host and a big advocate of podcasting.

A directory of podcasts, including Curry's own show, can be found at podcastalley.com.