Public Radio International® partners with Mobile Commons to expand listener engagement with PRI content via text

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

MINNEAPOLIS, June 3, 2010 — Public Radio International (PRI) announces a partnership with Mobile Commons whose acclaimed mobile messaging platform will enable PRI listeners to interact with its content via mobile SMS. PRI and Mobile Commons will begin allowing users to text and receive text messages from PRI's "The World," an award-winning, daily global news magazine co-produced by BBC World Service, PRI and WGBH Radio Boston; and "The Takeaway," an innovative morning drive news show produced by PRI and WNYC, New York Public Radio, in editorial collaboration with the BBC, the "New York Times" and WGBH. In addition, users will also be able to interact with PRI via text.

Given the high use of texting by communities of color and by people in a wide range of issue-focused groups, the partnership enables PRI and its programs to connect, interact and respond to its audiences on an entirely new level. Users will be able to text answers to questions posed on-air and online, as well as submit comments to the shows from their phones. They can also text to receive notifications of upcoming stories and various interviews of note. Reporters from "The World" and "The Takeaway" will also be able to use the texting community to crowdsource content for stories.

PRI Executive Vice President of Operation and Strategy Cory Zanin says, "Mobile Commons is an ideal partner for PRI. Their technologies enable us to meet the needs of current and new listeners on their preferred platform and to expand our service by satisfying growing areas of interest as they evolve. It's an innovative way to address our mission of providing information, insights and cultural experiences essential to living in our diverse, interconnected world."

Jed Alpert, Mobile Commons founder, adds, "PRI has innovation in its DNA, and we are extremely proud to be working with them. By integrating mobile communications into its existing huge reach and breadth of content, PRI will be able to meaningfully engage with its listeners on an ongoing two-way basis, no matter the format or subject. Mobile is the most prevalent form of communications in the country and bridges all communities."

About Public Radio International
Celebrated as a driver of innovation in public media, PRI was founded in 1983 to diversify and expand the content available on public platforms, enabling U.S. listeners to "hear a different voice™" and to connect with one another and the larger world. PRI leads by identifying critical but unmet content needs and partnering with producers, stations, digital networks and funders to develop multi-platform resources to meet those needs. By creating an environment in which innovation can thrive, PRI supports the creation and distribution of content that would otherwise be unavailable and that brings new voices, global journalism and cultural perspectives to the American public. PRI content is available on pri.org and via podcasts, and is broadcast on 847 public radio stations. More than 13 million people access PRI content each week through these sources. For more information, visit www.pri.org.

About Mobile Commons
Mobile Commons pioneers easy-to-use technology for scalable mobile marketing campaign management. The company's award-winning mobile messaging platform helps non-profits, brands and agencies quickly launch and manage mobile marketing campaigns from one Web-based user interface coupled with powerful analytics and reporting. The platform's user interface and APIs seamlessly integrate SMS, voice and Web applications with CRMs and databases, as well as Twitter, Facebook applications, flash widgets and geo-location features. Mobile Commons' technology has powered hundreds of successful mobile campaigns in the brand advertising, agency, advocacy, political and charitable giving sectors. For more information, visit MobileCommons.com or text MCOM to 30644.

CONTACT: Julia Yager, PRI, 612.330.9231, jyager@pri.org

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