Why Calling and SMS Still Work in TV Shows

At Sound of Data, we roughly distinguish between three types of interactive TV shows, each with its own character and objectives. The first are donation shows, where viewers are encouraged to contribute to a good cause via phone. These shows often carry an emotional charge and aim to activate societal engagement.

Then there are voting shows, where the audience votes for candidates in programs such as musicals or talent competitions. Audience participation plays a big role here, and every vote counts toward the outcome, which can sometimes even determine someone’s career.

Finally, there are Enter-2-Win shows. These are prize contests where participants have a chance to win within a short timeframe, usually by calling or sending an SMS as quickly as possible. These shows create a sense of urgency and excitement, resulting in high viewer engagement in a short period.

Although online channels are gaining ground, calling has a unique charm. Many people find it low-threshold and reliable. “The caller is faster,” as we say for a reason. Anyone can do it, it always works, and the barrier to entry is low.

Additionally, calling has a human touch. In donation shows, call center agents provide a personal connection. For example, they can convert a one-time donation into a monthly contribution. Such a conversation yields more than a simple click on a donation button.

In voting shows, it’s not just about reach but also about reliability and transparency. The voting process varies per show: sometimes you can vote multiple times, while other times only the last vote from a person counts. The chosen method must be clearly communicated to avoid confusion.

To ensure fairness, the voting process is meticulously monitored. During broadcasts, votes are registered and checked in real time via our media platform. Additionally, an independent notary is always present to validate the process. They track intermediate results, monitor progress, and approve the final outcome. Thanks to this approach, participants and viewers can trust that the winner is rightfully declared, whether it’s for a musical award, talent show, or other public favorite.

These shows revolve around speed and urgency. Often, viewers have only a few minutes to respond and participate. Within that short timeframe, the number of calls and SMS messages can increase explosively. Thousands of people simultaneously try to win a prize, placing enormous strain on the technical infrastructure.

Without sufficient capacity, delays can occur, calls can fail, or SMS messages may not arrive. This can be highly damaging to both the viewer experience and the campaign’s reliability. Therefore, it’s essential to scale the system in advance. By using modern cloud technology, we can temporarily expand the required capacity to match the expected volume. This ensures stable service, even during the highest peaks, allowing all participants to engage fairly without technical hiccups.

Behind the scenes of a live broadcast, it’s an organized chaos of precise observation and quick decision-making. Technicians continuously monitor all systems, connections, and traffic flows, while a colleague acts as the central hub, maintaining contact with producers, editorial teams, call centers, and the notary. Every component must work seamlessly together to guarantee a flawless broadcast.

If unexpected issues arise, such as a disruption in phone traffic, a delay in the SMS link, or a peak load higher than anticipated, immediate action is taken. Extensive backup scenarios have been developed that can be activated at any moment. The team operates like a crew in the control room of a ship: sharp, alert, and always ready to respond. The combination of technical expertise and human experience ensures quality and reliability, even under pressure.

Calling and texting are far from outdated. Especially in the context of live television, they provide a reliable and powerful way to engage viewers. Thanks to smart technology and human interaction, a direct line is created between TV and the audience, resulting in real impact.