Questioning Kantipur’s SMS feedback approach

Kantipur Publications this week began a service for readers of the print newspapers – both Kantipur and The Kathmandu Post to send their feedback on opinion pieces and editorial via SMS. It’s a noble innovation and the publications should be praised for it.

But there are two questionable issues in the practice: First, is it ethical not to state that the feedback sent through SMS is charged at premium (not normal) texting rate? Second, when a reader pay for a feedback in assumption that it would get printed, can the publication take the money and not print them?

Every SMS sent is charged at premium rate (Rs. 3 + applicable taxes = Rs. 3.74 nett) so clearly Kantipur Publications is looking to earn through the comments and poll votes their readers send to 8080 – their special number. The rate is stated in an advertisement that Kantipur has printed.

And, what I also don’t like is that the advertisements and/or text of The Kathmandu Post does not mention that the SMS are charged at premium rates. Kantipur mentions the price in its advertisement only.

Kantipur published a selection of comments on opinions sent via SMS and there is a notice about the comments which also states that only a selection of SMS comments will be published. Can the publication do that after charging reader for premium rate?

What I believe is Kantipur should have introduced the features with normal SMS rate.

[DISCLAIMER: I worked for Kantipur Publications for more than eight years. At the time of writing this blog, I am working for Nepal Republic Media – a competing media house to Kantipur. However, this entry only represent my personal belief.]