Posts Tagged ‘android’

Fox News launches Android app

Fox News Channel has announced its new app for Android phones, becoming the first of the cable news channels to offer an officially-supported application for the platform.

“The app features Fox News alerts with breaking developments on the day’s most important stories, news from the U.S. and around the world, Fox News talk radio, photos and video. A shows section features highlights from Fox programs,” reads the network’s story on the app release.

The app is free.

Stations eye app revenue

Broadcasting & Cable has an interesting story on the rise of smart phone applications at local TV stations.

“Stations’ forays into the app space seem to resemble their efforts to launch Websites a decade or two ago: build the beachhead, and buy oneself time to figure out the revenue model,” the article reads.

The article mentions that while 2009 was a key year on launching these products, 2010 will be the year for monetizing them. Stations have already begun to experiment with free apps that have built-in advertising and paid apps, such as a hurricane tracking tool in Tampa that sold 3,000 copies at $3.99 a pop.

Market experts say a mid-size station could bring in $25,000 to $50,000 in advertising revenue if the product is promoted well and gains a following.

Meanwhile, Gray television says 50,000 users download apps from its stations in the 30 to 45 days since the group launched them.