Some TV programs and cable channels are adding SMS chat to their content. Viewers send text messages to the station's SMS number. Almost instantly, the messages appear on the TV screen. It is a great way to get viewers involved. And, by charging for the incoming SMS messages, you can profit from this service as well.

SMS text messaging programs are especially big with young people. What do they talk about? Anything that's on their mind. If it's a music video program, the chat focuses around the music and musicians. On pure chat channels, just about anything will come up -- which is why even non-callers watch.

(Don't worry -- the Interactive Messaging Unlimited system has a number of features to keep inappropriate content off of the TV. These include automatic deletion of messages containing banned words, as well as the ability for a live moderator to queue and select only desired messages.

Other features keep them tuned in

The IMU system has additional ways to keep viewers tuned in.

• Voting: Callers can send in text messages to cast votes on topics such as "who is your favorite band" or "what's the best new movie this week". This is the same type of voting that is used in nationwide contests such as Pop Idol, American Idol, and Survivor All-Stars Viewer's Choice. Voting can also be used to select a plot line. Viewers call a special number or send a code word depending on what plot direction they want a show to take.
   
• Contests: Run contests where every 100th text message wins a prize, or the first person to text the correct answer wins.
   
• Requests: For music video-type shows, fans can text requests directly to the programmers. This lets fans feel as if they're part of the show, while also indicating viewer interest in the show's content.
   
• Interactive TV: Innovative shows are using SMS voting and texting to let viewers become part of the show. For example, CSI: Miami let viewers try to solve the mystery first, using SMS clues. Once they think they have the answer, they can call in the answer to see if it is correct.

Texting popularity on the rise

SMS chat is here to stay. Its use and popularity will only get bigger -- especially among youth. 18-24 year olds are especially big into chat. In the US, 57% of this group use SMS, according to the Telephia marketing firm.

In the U.K. youths age 25 and younger spend 5 times as much on mobile phones, calling and texting (£238/yr) as on music (£49/yr). In a single month in the U.K., 2.1 billion text messages were sent.

Database capture and promotions

Remember that every time someone sends an SMS text message, you've captured their phone number, message and time of call. This lets you send a message back to the callers.

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