American Airlines, an underwriter of the Rick Steves’ Europe Public Television series since 2005, has expanded its relationship to include the weekly Travel with Rick Steves Public Radio program and a rich archive of audio and video podcasts.
“We initially experimented with podcasting as a way of making my new radio show available to travelers until their local stations could work it into their programming schedules, but the podcasts have become so popular, it’s as if we’ve created our own little travel channel,” said Rick Steves, the show’s founder and creator. “As more travelers turn to podcasts to help plan their trips, underwriting support from American Airlines will ensure that the content we provide is more relevant and up-to-date than ever. We share a passion for making great travel experiences happen, so it’s a natural relationship.”

While 59 stations carry the Travel with Rick Steves radio program, nearly 2 million listeners have downloaded podcasts of the shows since January 2007, which was twice the total for all of 2006.

“We’re again proud to team with Rick Steves and public broadcasting to provide travelers ways to make the most of their trips - utilizing a variety of mediums including radio, television, and now podcast,” said Roger Frizzell, Vice President - Corporate Communications and Advertising for American Airlines. “As the world’s largest airline, we carry millions of customers across the globe each year who rely on the tips and inside scoop they can get from programs like Rick’s.”

American’s sponsorship also includes the podcast titled, “Travel Bites,” from Steves’ TV series and audio walking tours. This year, nearly 300,000 travelers have downloaded Steves’ audio tours and maps of Paris’ Louvre and Orsay museums, Versailles palace, and the historic heart of Paris. Walking tours of Venice, Florence and Rome are planned for later this year.

As part of their ongoing relationship, American Airlines sponsor messages will appear with all Rick Steves TV and radio broadcasts, audio podcasts, video podcasts and audio walking tours. To download podcasts or for more information, visit http://www.ricksteves.com .
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