90.7 KFSR and Fresno State News are now using Twitter

Twitter asks its users one simple question: “What are you doing?”

In 140 characters or less Twitter’s users can respond, or “tweet,” in a variety of ways. Whether it’s updating their followers with their mood, sending a link to a new site they found online or responding to questions posted by others, Twitter’s users are in endless contact with each other.

While Twitter is a popular social network among friends, family members and coworkers, it is also being adapted into a way to promote a service or supply news.

KFSR’s new format

In January of this year, Fresno State’s 90.7 KFSR began using Twitter to associate with its listeners.

“It is another way for us to connect with the community, remind people who we are, what we do, and involve them in the process,” Joe Moore, station manager at 90.7 KFSR, said. “We’re very much a community-oriented radio station, grass-roots style, and Twitter allows us to make those connections in a new format.”

With anywhere between five and 10 “tweets” sent out in one day, 90.7 KFSR’s followers are able to keep up to date with what is going on at the station.

Because the answers to Twitter’s only question must be under 140 characters the information can be sent via text message, instant message or the web.

Fresno State News seeks to get the word out

Simplicity has played an important role in the success of Twitter.

“It has been really easy to learn and use,” Shirley Armbruster, the director of University Communications said.

Armbruster is in charge of updates at another Fresno State entity using Twitter, Fresno State News. While Fresno State News is new to Twitter, with a launch date of March 5, Armbruster is already seeing the benefits of using Twitter as a way to network.

“It offers a quick and easy opportunity to get tidbits of information about the university out, with links to provide more information,” Armbruster said.

Fresno State News is sending out around two to three “tweets” in a day. With less than 40 followers at this time Fresno State News’ “tweets” aren’t being seen by as many users as 90.7 KFSR, who has around 120 followers.

But that isn’t discouraging Armbruster. “I checked Twitter for local news entities, but other than that I’m letting people come to us. And they are! Almost every time I send out a tweet, we get a new follower.”

Users get news they want

Twitter’s users are not expected to respond to any updates, which means users can step in and out of the flow of information as it fits them. Twitter’s users are in control of whose updates they receive, when they receive them, and on what device.

All of Twitter’s features allow for Fresno State students to receive important information about what’s going on around campus on their cell phone, on their time. Student’s don’t have to reply or even initiate the conversation. All students need to do is follow, because a student’s life is busy enough as it is.