BackBeat Media announced Wednesday the launch of the BackBeat Media Podcast Network, a network of three tech, music, and whatnot podcasts. The three podcasts include Coverville, The Evil Genius Chronicles, and The Mac Observer's own Mac Geek Gab. The network will be providing advertising, infrastructure, and business support, similar to the kind of support BackBeat Media provides to iPodObserver and TMO.

"We have six years of experience working with web publishers so it is a natural transition for us to work with podcasters who need business and advertising support," said Dave Hamilton, cofounder of BackBeat Media, iPO, and TMO, and cohost of The Mac Observer's Mac Geek Gab, in a statement. "With the formation of the BackBeat Media Podcast Network, we can bring that experience to a new medium while offering advertisers an additional channel to connect with a smart and savvy consumer base."

With podcasting still in the early stages of becoming an industry, this level of support will be an important element to the growth of professional content, just as the early Mac ad networks like the now defunct Mac Addict Network, and later BackBeat Media, were important to the development of sites like The Mac Observer and other Mac sites (similar networks grew in the Windows world, as well as in a variety of other markets).

These networks have allowed Web content providers to focus on developing and delivering content instead of selling ads. As podcasting has mushroomed into a cultural phenomenon, it is these sorts of support services that have so far been missing as few people yet know how to market to or on podcasts.

For those wanting more information about this topic, BusinessWeek published a story Wednesday on the growth of podcasting networks and affiliations.

For those more interested in downloading some podcasts, BackBeat's descriptions of the three podcasts in its new network:

Coverville - One of the first successful podcasts, Coverville's focus is simple: find the best (and worst!) cover versions of people's favorite songs, and deliver them thrice weekly. Having already received accolades from The New York Times, USA Today, Business Week, and Spin Magazine, Coverville has become a shining star in the podcast universe. Host Brian Ibbott delivers each show with a very candid, personable style that draws the listener in for more and more. Truly a podcast to be enjoyed by music lovers everywhere.

The Evil Genius Chronicles - While the apparent topic of the show may vary from episode to episode, the vision is clear: The Evil Genius Chronicles is about freedom - on the airwaves, in podcasts and in life. With an intensely loyal (and large!) following, Dave Slusher's voice and vision resonates with fellow podcasters and listeners alike. EGC's audience not only waits for every episode, they join in the conversation, creating their own podcasts and blogs echoing and responding to that which they hear in the show. It is a show that will make you laugh, think and/or tap your toes - and possibly all at the same time.

The Mac Geek Gab - The Mac Observer's Mac Geek Gab Podcast is a weekly show for Mac users of all skill levels. Hosts Dave Hamilton and John F. Braun bring years of geek-to-human translation skills to the show, seasoned with a healthy dose of personality and wit. A regular feature on Apple's iTunes Podcast section, The Mac Geek Gab has loyal listeners waiting for the show each week.