shouldiuse.io

VERDICT

Should I use Open Channels FM Podcast Network?

An independent podcast network sharing honest conversations about the open web and open source with the builders, makers, and voices shaping it. - openchannels.fm

Depends. This is a free podcast network, not software — there is nothing to buy, only a question of whether its open-web commentary earns your listening time. Sponsors and guests get a credible niche channel, but reach is unverified and strictly open-web/WordPress-centric.

Confidence

Medium. Based on 40+ public sources; most are listings and social mentions with little evaluative detail.

Ratings

  • Value for money
  • Ease of use
  • Feature depth
  • Support qualityNo evidence in reviewed sources
  • Security postureNo relevant findings for a podcast network

Pricing

Not disclosed

ModelNot disclosed
Monthly feesNot disclosed
HardwareNot disclosed

Best for

  • Open-source and WordPress builders
  • Open-web news followers
  • Founders seeking guest exposure
  • Sponsors targeting the WordPress ecosystem

Not for

  • Anyone shopping for software — this is media, not a tool
  • Marketers needing measured, general-audience reach
  • Non-technical listeners outside the open-web bubble
  • Teams wanting cheap, guaranteed ad metrics

Gotchas - check before you buy

medium

Sponsorship rates are not public; expect direct negotiation with unverified reach.

medium

Audience is a niche open-web/WordPress crowd; validate fit before sponsoring.

low

Network has restructured through versions (now 5.0); show lineup may change.

low

Independent listener metrics are thin; no third-party numbers verified.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Four shows covering open source, security, AI, and WordPress
  • Weekly news show tracking open-source headlines
  • Distributed on Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube
  • Automattic sponsorship signals open-web community credibility
  • Known open-web figures appear as guests, including WordPress security leadership

Cons

  • Listener numbers and audience size not surfaced in reviewed sources
  • Niche open-web focus; little appeal beyond that community
  • No published sponsorship or partner pricing anywhere reviewed

Sources & method

Analyzed 9/20/2026 - 10 sources - No known vulnerabilities found in the sources reviewed.

official x4review x4security x1news x1

Key stats

  • Value for money: 4/5

    Rating

  • Not disclosed

    Starting price

  • 10

    Sources

  • Analyzed

  • Value for money: 4/5. Guess: free listening, sponsor-funded
  • Ease of use: 4/5. Guess: standard podcast apps work
  • Feature depth: 4/5. Four shows, weekly news, blog, video
  • Support quality. No evidence in reviewed sources
  • Security posture. No relevant findings for a podcast network
  • 4 Shows per the network's own lineup page
  • Yes Free to listen Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, YouTube
  • Automattic Notable sponsor sponsorship announced publicly
  • Version 5.0 Current iteration network has revamped its format repeatedly

Pricing

Not disclosed

Security

No known vulnerabilities found in the sources reviewed.

What users say

Guests and community members publicly praise appearances, but systematic listener reviews are absent from the sources.

“Always a great chat!”
X (Twitter), Carl Alexander (@twigpress)

Alternatives

Compare Open Channels FM Podcast Network with each alternative.

  • Do the Woo

    WooCommerce-community podcast from a related host.

Companies that use it

  • Automattic⁸
  • Servebolt
  • Monarx
  • Warmy
Full analysis

Based on 40+ public sources; most are listings and social mentions with little evaluative detail.

Free niche podcast network for the open web — worth your ears, not your procurement process.

Methodology

Based on 40+ public sources; most are listings and social mentions with little evaluative detail.

Sources

  1. Open Channels FM Podcast Network — homepageopenchannels.fm
    official
  2. Open Channels News show pageopenchannels.fm
    official
  3. Four shows, one open web focusopenchannels.fm
    official
  4. Version 5.0 announcement episodeopenchannels.fm
    official
  5. Open Channels FM on Apple Podcastspodcasts.apple.com
    review
  6. Rephonic listing for Open Signalrephonic.com
    review
  7. WP Scout guide to Open Channels FMwpscout.io
    review
  8. Automattic becomes sponsortoltstrategies.com
    news
  9. Open Channels FM security pageopenchannels.fm
    security
  10. Carl Alexander on Xx.com
    review

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