Reuters TV is Unveiled, Seeks to Personalize Newscasts

By Brian Flood 

Editor in Chief Steve Adler channeled his inner Steve Jobs to debut  Reuters TV.

Editor-in-Chief Steve Adler channeled his inner Steve Jobs to debut Reuters TV.

Reuters packed dozens of advertisers, executives and members of the media into its 30th floor office overlooking Times Square Monday night for an exclusive look at its newest product. All the hype was for the unveiling of Reuters TV, and it was announced and demonstrated in a presentation that felt like Steve Jobs was introducing an Apple product in his heyday.

Lost Remote was on hand to see the public debut of Reuters TV, a mobile app that launches in January. Reuters is hoping its sleek packaging of content could change the way people consume news, especially when an actual TV is no longer the screen of choice.

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The app, available for iPad and iPhone, later rolling out beyond iOS, will allow users to watch fully customizable newscasts called “Reuters Now.” You can set the app to automatically download your custom newscast to view when your mobile device doesn’t have internet service.

Essentially, an algorithm pulls video produced specifically for Reuters TV and creates a unique newscast based on a variety of variables, including your location and interests.  It also allows users to customize the length and content of the video-focused newscast.

Other features include “The Feed” which will livestream events, often raw and unedited. The app will also allow stories to be shared on social media, making some content available to those who don’t pay the monthly $1.99 fee.

Reuters TV comes as two broadcast competitors, CNN and CBS News have launched similar services. CapitalNY’s Alex Weprin spotted one of those competitors, CBS News president David Rhodes  at last night’s unveiling.

Check out Reuters TV promotional ad below.

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