SportBusiness.com

NEW TEXTING OPPORTUNITY FOR NFL FANS

Txtstation and broadcaster KCBS have launched a new viewing experience for NFL fans powered by cell phones.

In conjunction with the Oakland Raiders, Txtstation TV will be integrating live real-time graphics within each broadcast of games in the four weeks' of pre-season.

The service represents pure marketing and a chance to increase TV ratings, as the viewers vote for their all-time greatest Raiders player via a TXT/SMS message, which then displays a live animation on TV with exact results.

The broadcasts will be played on the NFL TV network and 14 other TV networks across the USA in August/September

Viewers have the chance to win a suite with their friends at one of the next Raiders games, as well as a number of merchandise prizes.

Each entrant is also being offered a 20 per cent discount for any Raiders merchandise. The real-time graphic also features Raider Image branding.

As part of the exercise, Txtstation is able to collect valuable data such as demographic information.

The company has developed the system with broadcast quality graphics. Working with the director and programming teams, results are displayed at designated times with commentator support.