News of the World launches mobile news site

Posted by Cyril Gros on December 4, 2007 at 11:32 AM

News of the World has launched a dedicated mobile WAP site. The approach echoes that of News Group national title The Sun. The news of both titles can now be accessed through the mobile Internet site, a downloadable Java application or through a text alert service.

This process could allow Java database subscribers to be informed before the traditional readers. NOTW now breaks their Sunday edition by broadcasting their “top five news” exclusives available on Saturday night for those registered users. Those videos can also be downloaded from http://newsoftheworld.mobi for a 50p charge.

Bill Akass, development director for News Group Newspaper doesn’t want his mobile news site to be considered as “News of the World lite” he said. His policy, associated with The Sun is to broadcast the news on the most used platforms. According to him, 90% of his readers can access WAP on their mobile.

The company now foresees a partnership with mobile manufacturers to optimize The Sun and News of the World’s content for mobile.

Source: Journalism.co.uk through Ifra Executive News Service