TORONTO – Too lazy to get off the couch and type full words when you’ve got a sports opinion you just have to get off your chest? The Score has the solution for such viewers.
The sports channel has partnered with Toronto company MyThum Interactive to deliver txtTV, an application where sports fans can share their two cents (or, in txt speak, their 2 cts) on broadcasts in the form of rants, opinions, votes and predictions – all via mobile SMS.
Starting today, users will be able to text in their “expert” opinions during select live Score-produced programming, including Drive This (4-6 p.m. EST). Viewers at home will be able to interact with the hosts and help steer the direction of the programming. Sports experts will also be able to customize their nickname and hometown to help solidify their status as recognizable on-air personalities.
"The Score is the only sports network that truly integrates the authentic voice of the sports fan," said Richard Garner, vice-president of programming at The Score, in a release. "Utilizing SMS as another means for viewers to share their opinions makes perfect sense for our younger skewing audience."
The interactive component is powered by MyThum Interactive. "Experience has shown that viewers want to engage with television programming through their mobile device. We are proud that The Score has chosen MyThum to act as the bridge to connect with their viewers, in this meaningful and relevant manner,” added Michael Carter, president and CEO of MyThum.
The Score also plans to incorporate user generated pictures via MMS into the broadcast, as well as viewer webcam sessions and MSN Messenger interactivity.
