Abstract: Interactive televised programs rely heavily on audience feedback via Short Message Service (SMS) provided by mobile/cellular network. On a polling prompt which opens a clocked “polling window”, a TV viewer enters his/her feedback message into a mobile/cell phone for transmission over a communications network such as GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) or CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access). Especially in a residential setting, for an IP (Internet Protocol)-enabled TV or STB (Set-Top Box), message entry can be facilitated by messaging capability from a hand-held control device for the TV or the STB.