7. Interactive voting

A very popular service that has arisen in the last few years is the ability for viewers to vote during a live program.

The methods for doing this depends on the equipment and service being used. For example,

  • With a satellite service such as Sky, the viewer can vote straight from the remote control. This is possible because the set top box can be connected directly to the telephone line. This connection allows interactive activities such as voting to take place.
  • Text from a mobile
  • Phone from a mobile or landline (which is cheaper)

 

The impact of interactive voting on viewers, broadcasters and TV companies:

Viewer
Viewer can feel involved with the show
They feel that they can have an effect on the outcome of the show
Should be mindful of the charges - the show does indicate the general cost with the proviso 'Mobile and other call charges may vary...'
May get annoyed if they can't get through

 

Broadcaster
Interactive voting is a very useful revenue stream with potentially millions of people voting with a charge of 10p to £1.50 each.
Voting is an immediate indicator of the popularity of the show
The voting system must be proved trustworthy. Recent scandals of rigged voting highlight this issue.

 

Television company
Interactivity often makes the show more popular with fans
Revenue can be shared between the broadcaster and the tv company who own the show.

 

challenge see if you can find out one extra fact on this topic that we haven't already told you

Click on this link: How television show voting works