CBS goes with wireless initiative

Televisionpoint.com Correspondent
CBS Corporation today became the first U.S.-based company to announce a wireless initiative enabling consumers to obtain breaking news and entertainment alerts that include video and pictures for a monthly subscription fee.

"As a leading content creator we are committed to deepening our consumer's relationship with CBS brands and programming," said Leslie Moonves, President and CEO, CBS Corporation. "This move underscores our strategy of offering best-in-class content on as many platforms as possible while seeking out new revenue streams."

The "CBS Alerts" which will be called "CBS News TO GO" and "ET TO GO," will be available beginning next week. The service will include content from CBS News and "Entertainment Tonight" for monthly fees of 99 cents and $3.99, respectively. Subscribers will receive up to five alerts daily and have the option to read text and, if their mobile phone allows, see matching pictures and video. "CBS Alerts" will be available for all mobile phone models and wireless carriers.

"Consumers want to see news and be a part of celebrity happenings as soon as video is available," said Cyriac Roeding, Vice President of Wireless, CBS Digital Media. "'CBS Alerts' represent the next generation in wireless news and entertainment content by packaging text with a more rich visual experience in near real time."

CBS will run promos during selected programming instructing consumers on how to sign up for "CBS Alerts" via their mobile phones. Fans can also sign up at CBS.com, CBSNews.com and ETonline.com.

The technology partner for "CBS Alerts" is m-Qube, a leading mobile channel enabler that helps companies develop, deliver and bill for mobile content, messaging and applications. The Boston-based company's technology will enable CBS to publish original content to hundreds of thousands of wireless subscribers in a matter of minutes; to provide each of those subscribers with the appropriate content type for his specific carrier, handset make and model; and to let participating wireless carriers bill those subscribers directly on their monthly statements.

Previously, CBS announced a partnership with Amp'd Mobile to view CBS and UPN clips on demand. The company plans to announce additional wireless initiatives in the coming weeks and months.