How can I get podcasts to update automatically?

Question

My iTunes podcasts used to update automatically, but lately they don't until I hit the Refresh button. I have quite a few that are set to check hourly -- for example, the NPR Hourly News. But I can be on the computer for an hour or two and it won't update until I hit Refresh.
Any ideas?

Answer 1

So then, under podcast X (whatever that podcast is), there is a button marked settings, which I now presume you have marked as follows:
Check for new episodes every hour
Settings for podcast X
When new episodes are available download the most recent one
Episodes to keep (whatever your preference is)
So...barring any new info, you may need to:
A. close iTunes, then reopen it (should create a fresh check);
B. sometimes, new episodes are available but may not download (there are a few bugs with the newest iTunes);
C. it might be something in your online connection/router...might want to reset that and see what happens;
D. With the newest iTunes, there might be something in terms of any firewall you might have set up preventing the updates (might want to look there);
E. Have you run repair permissions lately? And, as an aside...have you cleared your browser cache lately? (either might be gumming something up);
F. (**to be taken humorously**) you have cybermites eating your podcasts.
A-D are possible...E not so much, and I'd be worried if F was true.
If something else occurs to me to have you try, I'll let you know. Keep me posted on any progress made.
Doc