SKNVibes launches “Breaking News” cell service

By Melissa Bryant
Reporter-SKNVibes.com

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – PERSONS in possession of ‘hot’ news items now have an outlet to share their scoop with the introduction of SKNVibes’ Breaking News text service.

This new service enables eyewitnesses or persons with knowledge of a newsworthy event, and who are owners of LIME mobile phones, to text “NEWS” to 7568 for the price of EC$1 and their message will be circulated among SKNVibes’ employees.

The provider will then receive a text acknowledging receipt of the message and will be contacted by a SKNVibes’ reporter shortly afterwards. However, when contacted, the informant must be prepared to state what happened, where it happened and, if possible, who is involved.

If the lead turns out to be sufficiently newsworthy, the person will receive a top-up of at least EC$10. The public is also encouraged to take photos of these events and can email, text or physically deliver them to SKNVibes’ office on Central Street. These photos must however be delivered in a timely manner and, if used, the provider will be compensated.

According to SKNVibes’ Vice President of Sales and Marketing Udora Farrell, the initiative is a way to engage public assistance in the execution of the company’s reporting. She noted that it is a measure undertaken by many international leading media houses and that the company is pleased to offer it in the Federation.

“As far as I know, SKNVibes is the only local media house offering such an efficient and immediate informant system. This is the fulfilment of our pledge to deliver new services that give opportunities and incentives for visitors of the site.

“Our reporters cannot be everywhere at all times and so we are keen to ensure that we can report on as much of the Federation’s news as we possibly can. This is the addition of yet another great service to the SKNVibes portfolio,” she claimed.

One enthused consumer voiced their approval of the initiative, stating that “there are times when people see news happening but they are unable to contact the appropriate media to alert them to this information. This new service provided by SKNVibes ensures that people who have newsworthy stories to tell are able to do so from any location at any time”.

Yet another pleased consumer concurred.

“There are systems similar to this in many global news organisations, so it’s good to see SKNVibes introducing this advanced technology and really enhancing the ability of their reporters to be cognisant of the various goings-on around St. Kitts and Nevis.”

Other recent services offered by the company to mobile phone users include ferry schedules, movie line-up at Caribbean Cinemas and entertainment events occurring in the Federation.