Reuters has rolled out a new version of its Reuters TV app for smart phones that is free to all users and reduces advertising.
The application, which launched earlier this year, was previously free to users for the first month and then charged a $1.99 monthly fee.
The following statement was provided to Talking Biz News from a Reuters spokesperson:
Today’s update simplifies Reuters TV’s design while making access free for all users, with limited advertising. Subscribers will receive an ad-free experience. We’ve made this change so that we can reach a larger audience of urban, globally-minded young professionals.
Reuters TV is a forward-thinking offering to reimagine video news for consumers. Our ambition is to create a new category of consumption that goes beyond TV and beyond the web – showcasing our vivid, authoritative and objective global journalism.
We feel it’s important to continue to innovate and refine Reuters TV. As we engage with and listen to our customers, we expect to continue evolving our product and commercial thinking. We’re excited about these updates and continuing to advance our mission.
Reuters TV is aimed at mobile consumers who don’t have time or interest in traditional appointment viewing, will cover general interest stories targeted at a U.S. and British audience. The content is produced specifically for Reuters TV.
Consumers have two viewing options: Live feeds of global events such as protests in Egypt or a presidential speech in Washington, and a news show called “Reuters Now” that can last anywhere between 5 and 30 minutes and is customized to each viewer’s interests and locations.