MediaWeek reports on today's launch of 80180 Media, a company hoping to deliver targeted, opt-in text messages to users across the country:

80108 Media, which launches today following a short beta-test period, publishes timely content via SMS messaging in 15 urban areas, with an initial focus on the Boston area. Mobile users can opt in to the free service by visiting 80108.com and providing a cell phone number. The company will automatically “text” users short messages announcing upcoming events in whatever content categories they have indicated interest in, such as music, fashion, kids or local sports.

The text content is designed to be timely and insider in nature, according to 80108 CEO Rob Adler, aimed squarely at the text-loving 18-34-year-old demographic. Text will be written by “mobile correspondents” in each urban area that will send out missives on events roughly three times per week per category. Former Nielsen Business Media editorial director Sid Holt is now vp, programming, for the new service.

For now, they promise not to send you any advertisements, but they acknowledge that they will eventually have to figure out a way to monetize the idea:

We plan on introducing upgrades for select premium features down the line. For the time being, we're focused on cultivating our subscribers and collecting feedback.