Week 7: StepLeader iPad Apps Help Local News Providers Generate Revenue, Cater to Tablet Users
StepLeader and local media companies partner to deliver local news to millions of mobile users
Raleigh, N.C. (October 29, 2012) – Local news providers seeking a way to reach millions of iPad users can now call on StepLeader. A leading provider of mobile applications for innovative local TV stations and newspapers across the country, the company is offering an iPad app.
StepLeader's iPad app template is designed to keep local news consumers up to date on the latest headlines, weather, traffic, sports, entertainment and more. While it has the same overall goal as the company’s apps for iPhone, iPod touch, Android and Kindle Fire, the design and functionality are exclusive to the iPad. This is the fourth iPad app template developed by StepLeader in the past two years.
“In 2010, two TV station groups approached StepLeader to custom develop iPad apps for them based on our mobile app development expertise combined with their growing iPad traffic,” said Laura Worthington, StepLeader marketing manager. “We learned a great deal during those development cycles, and we’ve applied it the latest app templates.”
Tablet ownership is rising at a fast pace, and owners are increasingly accessing news on the devices.
Tablet sales, usage grow
“The Future of Mobile News" report from Pew Research Center shows that 22 percent of U.S. adults own a tablet device, and that 23 percent of those who don’t have one plan to buy one in the next six months. A majority of tablet owners, 64 percent, say they access news on the device.
Tablet and smartphone owners use their respective devices differently which was a key reason StepLeader decided to create a unique experience for iPad users, Worthington said. Pew’s report noted that 73 percent of adults accessing news on tablets read in-depth articles at least sometimes, and that 19 percent do so daily.
Just over half of the tablet owners in the Pew study reported owning an iPad, and 48 percent reported owned Android tablets. Kindle Fire is the most popular Android tablet on the market, and StepLeader launched Kindle Fire apps in April.
Many of StepLeader's partners are in the integration process already and are expected to start launching their iPad apps in the first quarter of 2013.
“The demand for news on the iPad is there, and many of our early adopter partners are taking advantage already,” said Worthington.
StepLeader also has a team of experts in place to help partners monetize app traffic. The company offers hands-on training with partners and has included the ad team throughout the development cycles of the iPad app to maximize revenue opportunities. For an immediate impact, Stepleader’s ad team also provides direct ad deals, which means more revenue for partners.
The company has been helping local media partners monetize mobile since 2005, so they know that a simple display banner is not going to cut it anymore. The company additionally supports rich media and video ads.
Features and functionality
StepLeader customizes each iPad app with the local content users know and love from their favorite local media company. Branding assets are integrated into each app as well. Other supported features include:
Live and on-demand video broadcasts
7-day and hourly forecasts
Ready to learn more?
StepLeader will hold a webinar to review the new iPad App and answer questions, on Monday, November 5 at 3 PM ET. Register for our webinar.
To schedule a private appointment immediately, contact StepLeader’s VP of Business Development Chris Hanburger at 919-573-9728 or [email protected].
To see a similar iPad app in action, see photos or watch a demo video of the recently launched WRAL iPad app.
About StepLeader
Founded in 2005, StepLeader builds innovative digital solutions to help publishers and advertisers create new revenue opportunities in an ever-changing environment of mobile technology, Smart TV applications and more. StepLeader helps publishers create revenue opportunities across multiple mobile platforms and helps advertisers extend their reach to more consumers with the most trusted local content from the largest network of premium partners. The company has helped develop and launch more than 107 live mobile apps and serves more than 200 million ads monthly. StepLeader has a proven track record of delivering value for its more than 300 partners, including Scripps Television Station Group, Fox Television Stations, LIN Media, Morgan Murphy Media, and News-Press & Gazette Company (NPG).
CONTACT:
Laura Worthington
StepLeader Marketing Manager
(919) 946-5389
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lworthington
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbworthington
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