Maravi

The Post introduces text message opinion poll

The Post introduces text message opinion poll
By Lwanga Mwilu
Friday November 30, 2007 [03:00]

Post Newspapers Limited has introduced a text message-based interactive opinion poll to get its readers’ views on various topical issues. The opinion poll, to commence on Monday, will feature a topical issue for a particular week with a response option of yes or no. In an interview yesterday, Post managing editor Amos Malupenga said from an editorial point of view, the polls were meant to enhance interaction between the newspaper and its readers.

“The idea is to enhance interaction between ourselves and our readers so that we know their feelings, views and opinions on issues we consider topical and of national interest for a particular week,” Malupenga said.

“We will suggest a topic every Monday that readers will respond to by either stating yes or no. They will be able to send in their responses from Monday to Sunday when the results will be compiled and published the following day in percentage form.”

Malupenga said the results would inform the newspaper and other stakeholders the general public’s feelings on issues of national importance.

“Through the opinion polls, we will be able to have an idea of what people are thinking about a particular issue and this should give a general idea of what the public perception is,” said Malupenga.

“The responses may also create leads for stories because a particular response may make us follow up and investigate reasons for the public taking such a position. Readers that may want to expand on why their response is yes or no will be free to write to the editor through the usual Post bag column.”

And Post marketing manager Chris Chilongo said the newspaper’s expectation is that the opinion poll initiative will create a platform for debate.

“We expect to generate a lot of debate on national issues affecting Zambians. We are taking advantage of the latest advancements in mobile phone technology so the polls will be SMS based,” he said.

“Our readers will be able to type either yes or no in text message form and send it to the short code 4450 and they will get a response advising that their response has been received. The prospective participants will be required to shoulder an SMS charge of K1,500 every time they send their response.”

Chilongo was optimistic that readers would respond positively.
“This will create more interactions and allow the readers’ views to be heard and I think that should excite our readers.

Subscribers on all three networks will be able to access the service eventually although we are starting with Celtel. We are using mobile phones so that readers can conveniently and effectively interact with us ” said Chilongo.

Labels: POLLING, THE POST

posted by MrK @ 4:33 AM