Media companies experience growth in sports mobile app market
Austin, Texas (PRWEB) December 31, 2014 -- Media companies are extending the reach of their high school sports coverage into mobile with app development firm, Bar-Z’s mobile sports app platform. Parents and students are eager to stay connected to their favorite teams with access to schedules, final scores, player and coach spotlights and game re-caps, all of which and more are delivered through customized mobile apps for iPhone, iPad and Android devices.
Bar-Z’s platform utilizes a cloud-based CMS system that is comprehensive of games, teams, scores and player information. Unique interactivity features encourage user engagement and integration of RSS feeds or sports reporting software, like Digital Scout, help with seamless delivery of dynamic stats information.
Graham Media Group launched high school football apps utilizing the Bar-Z platform for their San Antonio-based KSAT 12 and Houston-based KPRC Local 2 television stations in the fall of 2013. Both found incredible success with audience engagement through implementation of a photo submission and voting program. The KSAT 12 Big Game Coverage app encourages fans to submit their game photos through the app for the chance to have them appear on television. The KPRC Friday Football Frenzy app's ‘Game of the Week’ voting element was hugely successful with over 1.2 million fan votes received over the season.
Media companies can utilize the platform for digital revenue growth by partnering with local businesses for in-app banner and interstitial ads, as well as sponsorship opportunities. KPRC Local 2 secured a title sponsorship with a local Mazda dealership, helping the station gain a substantial return on the cost of developing the apps.
After the success of the KSAT 12 and KPRC apps, Graham Media Group once again partnered with Bar-Z to create the 6-Yard Line app for their Orlando-based station, WKMG-TV for the 2014 football season. The WKMG app capitalizes on social media trends by encouraging fans to take game pictures and share them on social media using the “#6YardLine” hashtag.
Now, the Bar-Z mobile sports app platform is transforming to envelope a wider variety of markets beyond high school football. Bar-Z is currently developing an app for the North Jersey Media Group that will cover an array of sports, including basketball and baseball, as well as the Houston Defender that will cover sports year-round expanding beyond high school to college and professional sports teams.
Shaw Media’s NFL Chicago Bear’s app, also currently in development by Bar-Z, once complete, will inform users of all they need to know about the team, players and more.
Bar-Z is confident that media companies will continue to see growth in this area of niche reporting and digital content delivery.
“High school football is ‘big business’ in Texas, so creating mobile apps that cater to this market is a great way for media companies to expand their reach as well as their digital revenue. Now that we are extending the Bar-Z platform to encompass other sports, seasons and leagues, our media company partners can enjoy these benefits year-round to better serve their audiences,” said Wm. Lee Little, CEO of Bar-Z.
About Bar-Z:
Bar-Z is a mobile software development firm based in Austin, TX. Bringing 9 years of experience, the company offers a variety of unique customized digital solutions for a variety of niche industries. Bar-Z works with organizations such as publishers and broadcasters, theme parks and attractions, municipalities, convention and visitor bureaus, and destination marketing organizations to help them engage and communicate with their audiences and realize new revenue opportunities. For more information call (512) 732-0132.
Sunny Smith, Bar-Z, http://www.bar-z.com, +1 512-732-0135, [email protected]
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