WRAL releases new version of popular iPhone app

In the new version now available in the iTunes application store, users can share stories via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter or SMS without ever leaving the app. The recipient of any of these messages gets a “smart URL” that detects whether the user is on a PC or mobile phone and sends them to the correct site. These features make it easy for users to share local news and for the station to promote its brand across a variety of platforms.

The user-generated news report functionality turns iPhone users into mobile reporters. These new tools give users the ability to interact directly with WRAL’s newsroom by sending video, photos, e-mail or calling with the push of a button.

“We are seeing tremendous growth in our mobile products, and our iPhone app is leading the way,” said John Clark, general manager of WRAL.com. “The new features give users more options to share news with their friends and family – and with us.”

WRAL was among the first local TV stations to offer an iPhone app when it released version 1.0 in December 2008. Since that time, the app has been downloaded more than 53,000 times from the iTunes Store. WRAL also has released a high school sports app, HighSchoolOT, and an app for moms, GoAskMom. Both are available for free from the iTunes store.

The iPhone apps were developed by WRAL.com’s sister company, News Over Wireless. NOW currently partners with nearly 150 local and national media companies providing custom iPhone Apps, mobile web sites, SMS marketing, carrier-supported applications and video channels. These solutions create additional revenue streams for partners and reach millions of mobile users.

Version 2.0 gives WRAL the ability to place ads on the home page of its app. This ad position creates valuable new inventory for local and national ads.

Other new features include: Current weather conditions on every menu, “next” and “previous” buttons on stories, text size options, a feedback tool, push notifications, in App purchasing and the ability to share the App with friends.

WRAL and WRAL.com are part of Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., a diversified communications company which also owns and/or operates WRAL Digital, WRAL-FM, WRAL-HD2, WCMC-FM, WDNC-AM, WCLY-AM, Microspace, 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.