Big tech and media companies could not have foreseen this potentially disruptive hitch to their grand strategies. But consider how easily a 20-year-old Briton, Michael Rundle, tapped into the raw power of podcasting. The Cambridge University history student on Jan. 24 began hosting a 40-minute audio program — a podcast, or online radio program — in which he introduces original songs performed by British musicians, including himself. Rundle didn't need the BBC or any PR firm to help him reach an audience. He simply posted his show on the Internet. Podcasts are prerecorded radio shows posted on the Internet. Subscribers download the programs and listen whenever and wherever they please. [USA TODAY]