Handheld Best Friend

The device that most viewers are reading this story on is a smart phone, and the way they are accessing it is through an app, and all the apps used and information viewed is created for a specific purpose and much more time and thought is put in to it than most people realize. Today at the Mobile Me and You conference, hosted by the Univeristy of Nebarska-Lincoln, experts in mobile media from all over the world gathered to discuss the power of journalism on mobile devices.

The first keynote presentation was given by the creator of BillyPenn, Jim Brady. Brady talked about the creation of his mobile first cite that delivers news to the Philadelphia area on specifically Philadelphia. BillyPenn shares links to other direct news stories, along with creating it’s own pieces, they also hold events all around Philadelphia in hopes to create a community of followers. Brady said he is thankful for all the success the website has recieved in it’s first year.

One of the breakout sessions featured a discussion about mobile apps with two experts in the field. Emily Ingram and Andy Boyle are both UNL JOMC alumni and have crossed over into the field of mobile applications in journalism. Boyle talked about why mobile apps are so important and will always be.

Ingram talked about how there are still struggles with creating mobile apps but says there is with all technology.

One listener from the mobile apps discussion was Journalism Student Coleen Fell. Coleen really enjoyed the presentation and found the speakers information helpful.

Another conference atendee and speaker, Nicole Kraft, participated in the breakout session with the Pew Research Center.

The Mobile Me and You conference continues all day today and tomorrow, and has multiple other experienced speakers lined up.