[03-31-2017 Update:]
After trying to use Podbean, I learned it accepts only pre-recorded audio in each of its tiers. I created a test account; tried to launch a live episode; and found it wouldn't let me!
Furthermore, I ascertained that upgrading would -not- have resolved the issue, due to Podbean being an upload-only podcasting platform. "Upload-only?"
Yes, Podbean does -not- allow live podcasting... Not even with its "premium" service, which someone accustomed to BTR might have presumed -- well, hoped for -- to be a "standard feature" on other podcasting platforms.
To see it unavailable on the highest tier of (non-)service is a true sign of a non-starter platform! Non-existence of this feature, e.g. to -not- allow live broadcasting with the ability to receive live callers, is a non-negotiable issue.
Live versus pre-recorded content is a no-contest bout: Listener engagement is heightened during live shows! There's no substitute for the thrill of knowing you can participate in, and actively shape, the zeitgeist of a public broadcast.
By contrast, BlogTalkRadio allows this in -all- its tiers, even at the "freemium" level: BTR service differs from Podbean by recording a conference-line conversation (or monologue, if there are no callers other than the host) to create the podcast episode.
This makes it -much- easier to make a show, because there's no need to manually record one's audio offline; splice-in separate, pre-recorded "caller" conversations (that aren't live); compiling that audio into a single file; and then uploading that composite audio file to the Podbean servers!
Therefore, I'll continue using BTR as WPR Rebuttal's headquarters. Our call-in number remains (929) 477-3965! (Lines are open during the show.)
Be sure to read the previous article, in which WPR Rebuttal had announced a scheduling change; one that had motivated a search for a new platform, but remains in effect during the foreseeable future.
[/03-31-2017 Update]
BlogTalkRadio (BTR) began with two-hour shows, back when I was emulating the more famous podcasts. (One paragon of podcasting is Talk is Jericho, due to the rapport he has with guests from the realms of hard-rock and sports entertainment. Plus, he has sponsors!)
However, listener tastes -- and my own limited time -- mean WPR Rebuttal has been half-an-hour-or-under since the "free premium trial" expired, limiting the "freemium" tier of BTR to fewer than 30 minutes a show, and one show a day. This effectively cut the daily broadcast time from 2 hours to 30 minutes. And being available only once per week for a show, the braodcast-period reduction also meant I could be live only 30 minutes per week, tops!
Also, to upgrade into BlogTalkRadio's premium tier -- the price of which used to be $30 per month, but is presently undisclosed* due to a glitch in BTR's website (see below) -- would entail an investment into a service with which I'm not entirely satisfied.
Why reward mediocrity? Because the competitors aren't any better! (As we'll see.)
I therefore investigated other podcasting platforms, to determine whether any other podcasting platform would be a worthy successor to BlogTalkRadio. Unfortunately, that answer is a resounding "no."
A simple overview of sites I found by searching (Googling; Binging; etc.) the term "podcasting platform" uncovered no clear contenders, feature-wise.
I did find an heir-apparent in Podbean -- what with its monthly price of $9 buying "unlimited" audio streaming -- but found such time is -not- live, and therefore unsuitable for WPR Rebuttal. (I want to accept callers, not have a weekly monologue where no one can participate.)
Anyway, my ultimate decision has been to remain with BlogTalkRadio. (Don't consider this a "glowing endorsement," because I'm merely settling for the "least mediocre" of the bunch.)
Whenever a worthy contender arises, i.e. a "live" platform that allows 120 minutes of contiguous broadcasting minutes per show for under $10 a month, then let me know!
*Any who wonder about BTR's pricing tiers, need only get a gander at this screen-grab of the glitched-out BlogTalkRadio "premium offer" page -- which doesn't even show a price list! Or anything else, other than a repeated menu bar:
