Federated Media (WOWO, WMEE,WBYR and several other stations) introduced Hip Cricket to Fort Wayne advertisers yesterday. An advertiser, say a Pizza place, can add a line to his commercial that tells people to text the word PIZZA to Fed Med’s text number and receive a $2 off coupon. The texter will then receive a text with the coupon. All he has to do is show the message on his/her phone to the clerk, and claim the discount.

Not sure if this is truly “New” media, but with the increasing number of texters in the world, it certainly should claim some value, especially for coupon oriented businesses. It also helps the Fed Med stations continue to build an interactive relationship with their audience, something that is vital in marketing going forward.