Buzz Out Loud (affectionately abbreviated "BOL" by fans and known by their tagline as "the podcast of indeterminate length" or "CNET's podcast of indeterminate length") is a daily podcast produced by CNET. The show stars CNET editors Tom Merritt, "the segue king" and Molly Wood, "queen of the rant." It is produced by Veronica Belmont, who is now a regular contributor to the podcast. In its public debut on April 29 2005, the show promised to deliver 5-or-so minutes of Tom & Molly's take on tech news every second day, but has evolved into 30 minutes of tech-related banter and commentary on a daily basis.
As early as 3/30/05 during the "pre debut" phase of the podcast, Molly and Tom discussed subjects that have grown into mainstay themes throughout the life of the podcast: patent infringement lawsuits, the Apple iPod, and Tom's advice not to open email attachments. The show is often called "The Buzz Report", which is a column and video podcast that Molly does separately from Buzz Out Loud.
The show also occasionally features interviews; initially, these were integrated as a part of the show, but have since been spun off to their own line of programming due to listener requests.
Listeners to the show are encouraged to submit their comments by email (buzz@cnet.com) or by telephone (1-800-616-CNET), as well as post to the Buzz Out Loud Forums (Buzz Out Loud Lounge). Most Aired Comments are included in the show's e-mail newsletter, which is available from the show's home page.
In November 2005, the show gained Earthlink as a sponsor. This marked the beginning of a period of continuity for the show, as almost all of the episodes have featured the trio of commentators. The exceptions of which usually involve one of the commentators being unavailable to record due to business trips, sick days, or vacations. In late March 2006, Buzz Out Loud switched to a new Earthlink sponsorship, having 11 different ads instead of the previous 1.
On occasion, the Buzz Out Loud crew will record live shows at special technology trade shows, such as recordings done from CES and Macworld done in January 2006. These live shows can include a live audience, comprised of fans of the show, and discussions on the different products that the commentators have been able to examine. Other times, one of the Hosts will attend a live event, such as Molly at E3, and instead calling in to the show before, during or after the event with updated information.
Tom, Molly, and Veronica discuss Digital Rights Management, or DRM. They debate issues that related to DRM, the negative impact that DRM has on consumers, and advocate free sharing of copyright material for the good of middle and lower economic class consumers.
Tom, Molly, and Veronica discuss the percolation of Google into the everyday lives of consumers, and how they are taking over many aspects of the business world.
Tom , Molly, and Veronica recognize members of the Buzz Out Loud community who appear on the Buzz Out Loud Frappr Map.
Tom, Molly, and Veronica give their approval or disapproval of companies or organizations due to their actions. (For example, Buzz Off MLB for suing Sling Media.)
Tom, Molly, and Veronica discuss new actions of Microsoft that appear to show an improvement in their business practices.
In the past, when either Tom or Molly cannot make it into the studio, CNET has had other employees fill in. This previously was the show's producer, Veronica (whom is now a regular on the show instead), but has also included CNET's editor at large Brian Cooley, senior associate editor Tim Moynihan, At Work editor Rafe Needleman, and digital music editor James Kim.