MediaWeek
LSN Mobile Launches Local News App
Aug 12, 2009
Katy Bachman

LSN Mobile announced the launch Wednesday (Aug. 12) of the first iPhone application that aggregates local news and information from more than 170 broadcast affiliates. Until now, the common practice has been for TV stations to offer individual applications in their respective markets.

The free application, called "Local News, Weather and More," offers local breaking news, video clips, weather, sports scores, movie show times and school closings from LSN's network of local media outlets. These include stations such as those owned by ABC, NBC and Cox Broadcasting. Users can zero in on local news or access news from any of the 210 local markets. U.S. Other features allow users to share content via e-mail or SMS.

Local stations providing the content get branding throughout the application.

"LSN created the iPhone app to allow our local affiliates the opportunity to reach new viewers through an aggregated network," said Lee Durham, CEO of LSN. "Our existing WAP model of on-deck partnerships with 17 wireless carriers has delivered 10 million unique users monthly and more than 120 million monthly page views; therefore, we felt it was logical to offer our affiliates the same opportunity for success."