News Over Wireless Launches First Local TV iPhone Application
Robust application extends reach for local TV station, delivers advertising revenue
Raleigh, N.C. , (January 8, 2009) -- News Over Wireless (NOW) today announces the availability of the first local TV iPhone application via the App Store.
Designed to take advantage of the iPhone's unique multi-touch interface, the robust application features local news, video, weather forecasts, traffic images and more from WRAL, based in Raleigh, N.C. Both properties are operated by CBC New Media Group, a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company.
The launch of this application builds upon NOW's tradition of mobile firsts. In 2004, the company launched the first local TV Java application for mobile phones. It also deployed the first mobile video channel devoted to a network of local TV stations—My Local TV—in 2006.
NOW designed its first iPhone application to include national and local advertising. National advertising is supported by NOW's proprietary ad router and network of ad partners, while the TV station sells to local advertisers. Both provide new revenue streams for the station.
"The iPhone is one of the most popular handsets on the market, and its approach to mobile content and interactivity is the wave of the future," said Sam Matheny, NOW general manager. "WRAL's application allows the station to reach a growing number of iPhone users seeking a quick and easy way to browse local news with the touch of a finger."
Within days of its launch, the iPhone application has been downloaded thousands of times. Customer reviews in the App Store show the excitement users have about gaining access to local news on the go.
"This is awesome! Finally our local news on the iPhone! I love it already."
"It's great to see such an impressive effort from a local news channel. Tons of great information in this app."
"It's nice to see a local media outlet designing an Internet experience for iPhone owners. This elegant app makes it easy to get the latest headlines, weather forecast and radar, traffic cam images and sports news."
NOW currently partners with 114 local and national media companies to provide custom mobile applications and services delivering news, entertainment and information to mobile phone users. The company will offer custom iPhone applications to other TV stations throughout 2009.
NOW is a leading provider of advertising-supported mobile web sites, subscription-based premium applications and video channels. These solutions create additional revenue streams for partners and the opportunity to reach millions of mobile users via the top U.S. carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, Nextel and Qwest.
The WRAL iPhone app can be downloaded from the App Store. Users can access the download link by visiting http://mobile.wral.com or searching for "WRAL" in the App Store.
About News Over Wireless and Capitol Broadcasting Company
News Over Wireless is part of CBC New Media Group, LLC, a division of Capitol Broadcasting Company. News Over Wireless works with broadcasters and wireless phone carriers to provide news and information on mobile phones through video channels, downloadable applications and mobile web sites. For more information, visit www.newsoverwireless.com.
Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc. is a diversified communications company which owns and/or operates WRAL-TV, WRAL Digital, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, 99.9 The Fan, Microspace, the North Carolina News Network, CBC New Media Group and Wolfpack Sports Marketing in Raleigh, NC; WJZY-TV and WMYT-TV in Charlotte, NC; WILM-TV and Sunrise Broadcasting in Wilmington, NC; WRAZ-TV and The Durham Bulls in Durham, NC; and real estate interests including the American Tobacco Project and Diamond View office buildings in Durham, NC.
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