Voting for reality shows aired on national television will get easier and simpler. The Bhutan Broadcasting Service, BBS launched a web application called Druk Vote today. Until now, voting has only been possible via SMS.
BBS has been airing reality shows since 2008 on its Channel 2.
BBS said the web application is expected to enhance transparency, create revenue opportunities, embrace technology, and allow viewers to vote seamlessly.
Moreover, through the platform, bulk voting has been increased to Nu 5,000 compared to Nu 1,000 limit for SMS voting.
The platform will be used starting this week. Voters can access it at www.drukvote.com.
Tshering Dorji, Officiating CEO of BBS said “When using banking apps, one has to obtain a One-Time Password several times. However, in the Druk Vote app, you can deposit it once and then cast as many votes as you want, like a digital wallet, without these hassles. So, we hope everyone will use it.”
According to the app developer, the platform is designed to be user-friendly, ensuring a seamless and intuitive voting experience.
Phuntsho Gayenden, Founder of WONS said “All you need to do is go and find a participant, then simply click on them to vote. There are a few steps to follow for the payment process, but other than that, everything is visually rich, with minimal text and fully self-explanatory. It’s very simple and intuitive.”
Meanwhile, show organisers like Kezang Phuntsho of Druk Gi Kalapingka, who has been airing his reality show on BBS since 2016 said that the app will benefit the reality show organisers.
Kezang Phuntsho, Organiser of Druk Gi Kalapingka said “Nowadays, we have many singing shows organised but fewer supporters. We have to depend on youth singing and audiences willing to cast votes. In case of voting, twenty per cent of the money from the vote is taken by Bhutan Telecom and Tashi Cell. So, with this app, the BBS will take ten per cent while ten per cent is gain for us.”
Currently, BBS has one ongoing reality show being broadcast through its service and five upcoming reality shows this year.
Reality show organisers pay between Nu 900,000 and Nu 1.2 M for a season, which consists of 18 episodes or days to broadcast on BBS.
Kinzang Lhadon
Edited by Tshering Zam
