World Service Desktop News

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A new desk top information service to help keep visitors to the World Service website up-to-date with breaking news and World Service radio programme information is launching on Tuesday, March 23.

Visitors to BBCNews.com and the World Service site will have the option to access a downloadable messenger bringing the latest headlines to their desktops. Having received an alert the user can then choose to click through to the World Service site for the full story.

Users will also be able to get automatically updated radio programme information as well as daily reminders, whether they are on or offline. Dynamic messages, which can be hidden or switched off when not required, pop-up in the corner of the screen, inviting you to listen or read more.

If successful, the World Service site plans to introduce this option in other languages including Arabic, Persian and Spanish later in the year.

Myra Hunt, Head of BBC World Service New Media, said: “BBC World Service is committed to continually improving the way its users access news and programme information. This technology enables us to communicate with users in an entertaining, innovative way, irrespective of whether or not they are online. Bringing messages directly to people’s desktops in a fun and engaging way is wonderfully simple but highly effective.”