Star launches free mobile news app
HARLINGEN — Valley Morning Star today announced its new mobile news application is now available on iPhone, Android, Blackberry and Windows smartphones, with availability on Palm webOS coming soon. The app is available as a free download by texting VSAPP to 56654 or through the download site.
The news app provides instant access to the latest news, events and information specific to the Rio Grande Valley region, and includes the following tabs: Top News, My News (allowing users to customize news by specific sections or blogs), Video, Latest, and More (to access settings, provide feedback on the app, access other apps or saved articles, and view account information). The app also includes share options, such as sending to Facebook, Twitter or e-mail.
The mobile news app is part of a larger digital strategy by Freedom Communications, Inc. to deliver local news and information instantly across multiple platforms, said Mark McEachen, EVP and COO at Freedom Communications.
“Growing numbers of people prefer to receive locally-focused news and information on their mobile devices, and we are launching several news apps and mobile services to serve these audiences,” McEachen said. “Freedom is moving aggressively into mobile as another means of delivering our trusted content to the communities we serve, wherever and however people prefer to receive it.”
“The Valley Morning Star’s news app fills a void in serving a segment of our community who want local news and information, but are inclined to access it only through their phones,” said Tyler Patton, publisher of the Valley Morning Star. “It is an opportunity to establish new connections in our community, and equip them with a tool to receive and share news that they may not otherwise access through our Web site or daily newspaper.”
To celebrate the launch of the app and generate local interest, the Valley Morning Star is hosting a “Download and Win” promotion. Anyone who downloads the news app can enter to win one of two $500 gift cards, courtesy of Valley Morning Star and Dargel Boats. Mobile users may enter the contest daily through Oct. 31. Contest promotion will include ads and banners on the Web site.
Freedom Communications is partnering with mobile app developer Handmark in the creation and distribution of apps for its newspapers and broadcast sites. Freedom and Handmark recently launched mobile apps for The Orange County (Calif.) Register, The Gazette in Colorado Springs, Colo., Daily Press in Victorville, Calif., and several other Freedom properties in Texas and North Carolina. Additional launches are planned across Freedom’s newspaper and broadcast entities in the coming weeks.
Prior to launching the apps, Freedom conducted employee and customer surveys in November to determine which apps and technology solutions would best serve the needs in its local markets. The surveys were the primary driver in developing a mobile strategy and a phased rollout plan.
About Freedom Communications
Freedom Communications, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., is a national privately owned information and entertainment company of print publications, broadcast television stations and interactive businesses. The company’s print portfolio includes approximately 100 daily and weekly publications, including daily newspapers, ancillary magazines and other specialty publications. The broadcast company’s stations — five CBS, two ABC network affiliates and one CW affiliate — reach more than 3 million households across the country. The Company’s news, information and entertainment Web sites and mobile applications complement its print and broadcast properties. For more information, visit www.freedom.com.
