The TV series and SMS messaging

Rien que la Vérité – the TV series – launched nationally on November 30th, 2008, first implemented FrontlineSMS in the airing of its second episode on December 14th. Each episode is accompanied by short talk-show segments during which a host introduces music clips, talks to well-known musicians and actors, and interviews representatives from local NGOs and organizations whose message dovetails with a theme introduced in the show.

During the December 14th show, the audience was invited to participate by sending an SMS with the name of their favorite character. The responses were collected using FrontlineSMS. This simple first step allowed Rien que la Vérité to test the software and to begin an exploration of our audience’s perceptions and preferences. As the show continues, the plan is to introduce more simple polls that will help tailor the show to the audience’s tastes and give viewers a sense of ownership of the program.

This, however, is the most basic use foreseen. A drive to support fan clubs is being launched, so that people who watch the show can find each other, meet, and talk about the show and the topics it introduces - a process that will begin to normalize conversation about HIV/AIDS. FrontlineSMS will be used to collect contact information from interested fans, then broadcast messages with times and locations for local club gatherings. FrontlineSMS will also be used for research for measuring the impact the show has on the target audience. Questions will be sent via SMS to fans before and after each show, measuring any changes in attitude, knowledge, or self-reported practices due to exposure to the show’s messaging. FrontlineSMS will be a critical tool in the effort to entertain and educate. Like its television format, Rien que la Vérité’s future development must remain grassroots, and FrontlineSMS is an excellent vehicle for this.

See the first two episodes of Rien que la Vérité the TV drama, on Vimeo.com Video sharing site http://www.vimeo.com/2768692

• Rien que la Vérité main page
• The Initial Music Project
• Music Downloads
• The Team

• Becky McLaughlin
• Marketing Director
• Rien que la Vérité
• www.abcd-laverite.com