Status and Pilot
Status of FrontlineSMS:Radio
Feedback has already filtered in from partner radio stations to influence the Design Specification for FrontlineSMS:Radio. This ‘agile’ approach means design is interactive and reflects the needs of the users. Those stations using the current version of FrontlineSMS (version 1.6) in a radio context, have been contributing to a survey to capture their experiences and ideas to incorporate into the design of FrontlineSMS:Radio. For those who would like to contribute feedback, you can fill out a survey by clicking here
Although some radio stations use mobile phones to receive messages from listeners, the systems used are not designed to handle the volume of messages involved, making them inefficient. FrontlineSMS:Radio will be customised for this use, including additional functionalities such as an interface designed for ease of use when live-on-air, and a polling function as well as tailored SMS storage and archiving and more responsive contacts management. Additional functionality ideas include a radio show SMS planner and an advert manager.
Pilot Information
In September 2011 we reported on the early trial phases of FrontlineSMS:Radio and shared an update in November from Nam LolweFM in Northern Kenya who have been trying the new software.
We are inviting some stations and partners to participate a trial which is designed to allow people to try out the software which is still a work in progress. Your role will be important for providing criticism, insights and feedback so we can improve the software. We want to ensure you and other radio stations, are given the opportunity to inform the design so that the platform effectively responds to your needs. If you are interested in taking part, please email amy [at] frontlinesms.com
…and the future…
The long-term vision for the project is to watch it evolve beyond mobile phone and radio to encompass a whole range of new information and communication technologies. Read more about our plans to build digital news gathering tools here which will promote and enable participatory journalism.
