NME Launches Text Message Alert Services

IPC’s NME brand is launching two SMS text messaging services, which will allow readers to pay to receive breaking news or the latest information on tickets and touring.

Neil Robinson, NME’s publishing and online director said: “Readers are already using NME.com to buy their tour tickets and check our daily news updates…Improving the convenience of customer’s media consumption and buying habits is paramount in internet development. And the introduction of third party reverse billing on mobile phones has allowed us to not only integrate our existing news and ticketing business, but also build instant new profitable platforms.”

The NME News Alert service, which will send on average five breaking music news stories per week, will cost 25p per message. The NME Ticket Alert service, which will text subscribers 30 minutes before tickets go on sale for their favourite bands, will cost 25p per artist and 50p each time notification is received that tickets are on sale. The Ticket Alert service is sponsored by Miller Genuine Draft, as part of the £1.5m sponsorship deal it recently struck with NME (see £1.5m Sponsorship Deal For NME).

Technology for both services is being provided by the Inspired Technology Group. They will be available initially via the BT Cellnet and Vodafone networks, while Orange and T-Mobile (was One2One) will follow shortly.

IPC Media: 0870 4445000 www.ipc.co.uk

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