TimmyH
Could Mobile Phones Save Newspapers?
August 12th 2008 07:59
A recent New York Times “Bits” blog has suggested that mobile capabilities could be the salvation of the local newspaper. Much discussion surrounds the increasing market share of Verve Wireless, which provides mobile technology to newspapers.
"Verve already powers mobile versions of 4,000 newspapers from 140 publishers, including the Associated Press, McClatchy, and the New York Times Regional Media Group," reported NYT.
Since its inception in May of this year, 728 Associated Press newspapers in the US have joined the Verve-powered News Network. The AP reportedly appreciates the Verve service so much that they have begun investing in the company.
According to NYT, "Verve Wireless has raised $3 million in its second round of fundraising, led by its biggest customer, the Associated Press. Iron Capital and Crosscut Ventures also participated in the round."
"Mobile is actually a better way to reach people than print or even Web. It's versatile, immediate, travels and is just as compelling-if it's done right-as a Web site or a printed page," explains Art Howe, Verve CEO.
Verves President, Tom Kenney, says that the service makes sense for advertisers too.
"There is still no better way for the local florist or bakery to reach potential customers than the daily newspaper, {Kenney} argues, and mobile makes that even easier," reports NYT. "A Mexican restaurant can send a reader a coupon for a free margarita when they are walking nearby during happy hour, for example, or a car dealer could deliver an ad with a map and walking directions when a user types in an auto-related search."
Verve was founded by Kenney and Howe in 2005. It is most effective for newspapers because it offers them the ability to customize their mobile sties and employ features like breaking news text message alerts. According to NYT, "Verve gives publishers the software and help designing their mobile sites for free, in exchange for a cut of ad revenue."
"Verve already powers mobile versions of 4,000 newspapers from 140 publishers, including the Associated Press, McClatchy, and the New York Times Regional Media Group," reported NYT.
Since its inception in May of this year, 728 Associated Press newspapers in the US have joined the Verve-powered News Network. The AP reportedly appreciates the Verve service so much that they have begun investing in the company.
According to NYT, "Verve Wireless has raised $3 million in its second round of fundraising, led by its biggest customer, the Associated Press. Iron Capital and Crosscut Ventures also participated in the round."
"Mobile is actually a better way to reach people than print or even Web. It's versatile, immediate, travels and is just as compelling-if it's done right-as a Web site or a printed page," explains Art Howe, Verve CEO.
Verves President, Tom Kenney, says that the service makes sense for advertisers too.
"There is still no better way for the local florist or bakery to reach potential customers than the daily newspaper, {Kenney} argues, and mobile makes that even easier," reports NYT. "A Mexican restaurant can send a reader a coupon for a free margarita when they are walking nearby during happy hour, for example, or a car dealer could deliver an ad with a map and walking directions when a user types in an auto-related search."
Verve was founded by Kenney and Howe in 2005. It is most effective for newspapers because it offers them the ability to customize their mobile sties and employ features like breaking news text message alerts. According to NYT, "Verve gives publishers the software and help designing their mobile sites for free, in exchange for a cut of ad revenue."
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Comment by katyzzz
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If it were up to me I'd dump them all, other than for cases of REAL emergency.
Funny how the world has survived so long without them now we have a generation whom I feel sure will spawn offspring with a mobile phone already attached, that is if we have any offspring as the day of the Robot kid is coming.
A long reply from me, to be sure, Timmy.