WTOP Launches App to Serve the DC Metro Region

RADIO ONLINE | Monday, November 20, 2017

WTOP/Washington, DC, launches a new app for both Apple and Android devices. The app provides a streamlined experience of the latest news, traffic and weather information important to the DC region through an user-focused approach. The app offers many custom features, including personalized news feeds based on a user's interests, custom breaking news and traffic alerts, and weather targeted to the user's location.

"When creating this app, we thought about the user first. We asked ourselves, 'What do people living in DC, Maryland and Virginia need and want from a regional news source like WTOP?'" said WTOP.com News Director Julia Ziegler. "In addition to offering the latest news, traffic and weather, we wanted an app that is fast, organized and easy to use. Something that people will want to make a part of their daily news routines."

Developed in partnership between WTOP and mobile application developer, jacapps, the traffic section offers a current incident and conditions map powered by Google Maps and the WTOP Traffic Center, Metro incidents and delays, access to the @WTOPtraffic Twitter feed and the ability for a user to report a traffic incident via phone, Twitter, voice memo or email.

Listening features include the ability to listen live to WTOP Radio, hear the latest traffic report on-demand, listen live to major press conferences and other news events, and download podcasts from the WTOP Podcast Center.

"This is probably the most sophisticated mobile app for any radio station in the country, which is fitting for one of the country's top radio stations," commented jacapps COO Bob Kernen. "Their tremendous ambition really challenged us. We couldn't have asked for better partners, and the results are something we'll be proud of for a long time to come."