BBG Content on Google Currents Mobile Platform in 40 Languages
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Washington, D.C. — The Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is using Google’s new Currents platform to provide enhanced mobile access to text, audio and video content in more than 40 languages.
The BBG’s use of Currents will provide users abroad with a richer mobile experience when accessing content from Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia, Middle East Broadcasting Networks or the Office of Cuba Broadcasting
Google Currents is a magazine-like experience that allows users to swipe through content on mobile phones and tablets, as if they were flipping through the pages of a magazine. The Currents application comes pre-installed on many Google Android devices.
The BBG has long seen mobile as an important platform in reaching new audiences, particularly in developing countries. Worldwide, mobile devices outsell desktop computers, and 75% of the world’s population has access to mobile phones.
“We are gratified to see early enthusiasm for our multimedia content on this new mobile platform,” said Susan McCue, co-chair of the BBG’s Communications and Outreach Committee. “The fact that the Currents application comes as a standard feature on these devices presents a huge opportunity for us to distribute BBG content to targeted overseas audiences.”
Numerous U.S. international broadcasting news shows and features have already proven popular in Apple’s iTunes store.
“Google Currents is one of our early strategic efforts and we are working toward distributing content through several other leading Web and mobile based portals,” said Randy Abramson, Director of Products and Operations for ODDI.
The Google Currents application is available for both Apple iOS and Google Android supported devices. Users can find the BBG editions by downloading the application in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and search for VOA, RFA, RFE/RL, Marti and MBN respectively.