A BUDDING broadcaster is doing his bit to spread the News Shopper gospel across the globe.

Jon Jacob's weekly internet podcast carrying news and views from the borough has fans everywhere from the USA to Iran.

And where does the former IT worker get the inspiration for his web-based musings? Where else but your favourite weekly newspaper.

Mr Jacob, of Fordel Road, Catford, took up broadcasting after becoming bored with his previous job in computers.

Since he began the podcast last month, Mr Jacob says he has formed a loyal base of around 100 listeners.

Most of these are in the USA but news of goings-on in Catford and Hither Green has also reached Canada, Iran and Turkey.

Mr Jacob, 33, said: "I was drawn into doing the podcast after reading stories in News Shopper.

"It is a hugely entertaining read and picks up on the issues which really bug me. It knocks spots off the competition."

Mr Jacob, who used to work for the BBC website, has picked up on a number of stories run by us in recent weeks, including the Crapford' saga.

He is also hoping to start another podcast soon, concentrating on life in his 100-year-old street.

Mr Jacob added: "It seems like a good way of getting to know people.

"I spend hours in my house but I don't really know any of my neighbours."

He added: "It will be a bit like an audio census and a snapshot of life in 2006, 100 years on from when the houses were built."

Podcasts are audio or video files put on the Internet, which web users can subscribe to.

To hear Mr Jacob's latest podcast, visit thoroughly-good.com