TBS To Debut Cell Phone Web Site For Electronic Books
TOKYO (Nikkei)--Tokyo Broadcasting System Inc. (9401) will introduce a cellular phone Internet site that sells electronic books related to its television programs, The Nikkei learned Tuesday.
The Web site will be operated with Words Gear Co., an e-books joint venture between Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (6752) and others. The site will debut Wednesday on the Softbank Mobile Corp. network and on KDDI Corp.'s (9433) au service on Thursday. NTT DoCoMo Inc. (9437) users will have access from Sept. 18.
Initially, the site will market content developed by TBS that will be tied in with six popular TBS shows, including novels by guests appearing on a variety program, as well as photo compilations from its world heritage series.
To increase awareness of the site, TBS will run ads during and after broadcasts. By attracting customers with scripts from dramas and other offerings, TBS hopes to trigger sales of best-sellers and comics. The broadcaster aims to offer around 100 titles.
To purchase the books, users will be required to become members. With three monthly membership options of 315 yen, 525 yen and 1,050 yen, subscribers will be awarded the corresponding number in points, which can be used to purchase the e-books. Most content will cost the equivalent of around 100-300 yen, with users able to buy additional points. Fees will be collected by cell phone service providers together with calling costs.
The broadcaster anticipates 20,000 users in the first year.
(The Nikkei Wednesday morning edition)
http://www.nni.nikkei.co.jp/AC/TNKS/...11D11JFN03.htm (paywall)