By Khalifa Hemed
Published February 23, 2019
A new app to help people access news and radio programmes in areas where mobile data is expensive or internet coverage is limited has been launched.
The free app that is developed by BBC World Service and Zero Media gives users in 35 countries, including Kenya, Tanzania, Somalia, Malawi, South Africa and Nigeria a choice in how they access content – either by using the ‘call-to-listen’ function, or by Wi-Fi and mobile data.
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“The call-to-listen function is charged at the rate of a standard local call, offering a cost-effective way to access the BBC World Service in areas where streaming or downloading content via the internet is expensive or difficult,” a statement by Esther Mulholland, Assistant Publicist with BBC World Service, says. “However if users are able to take advantage of Wi-Fi or mobile data the app will also function and offer a more extended feature set.”
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The app can be accessed on mobile phones and is available through the Google Play and Apple iOS App stores.
“We are keen to bring our impartial news and rich mix of programmes to new audiences who might live in areas where accessing the internet or mobile data is difficult or expensive. Young people around the world are increasingly using their mobile phones to access news and this simple app offers a cost effective and convenient way for people to listen to our programmes,” says Anne Mary Hockaday, Controller of BBC World Service English.
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The app has a simple ‘light touch’ design, making it easy to use as well as requiring a relatively small amount of data. The ‘call to listen’ button sits in the middle of the screen, and allows users in selected territories to call and listen to the live stream of BBC World Service English using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology.
When using Wi-Fi or mobile data the app also allows users to personalise their content so users can easily and quickly find the programmes they want to hear.
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Morris Berger, CEO of Zeno Media, a US-based company that builds targeted, in-language phone services and apps for broadcasters, says, “This app is another cornerstone of our mission of reaching underserved audiences, and builds on our success with BBC News Somali and BBC News Hausa apps. We’re thrilled with our partnership with the BBC and are excited to watch it flourish for many years to come.”