Newsquest moves 140 regional titles to new mobile platform
Newsquest Media Group, has today (3 June) launched a responsive mobile web platform for its 140 regional and local news titles across England and Wales, to give users and advertisers "the best possible experience".
Specifically designed for the growing number of people now accessing local news and information from smartphones, Newsquest said the new platform will provide quick and easy access to the content readers are looking for.
The rollout also includes a new suite of smartphone-friendly display advertising opportunities, with advertisers able to choose from a range of products including joint desktop and mobile packages or mobile only.
Newsquest reported in February that its online advertising revenue increased by 19 per cent in 2013, while its print advertising revenue was down by 6.5 per cent year on year.
Managing director of Newsquest Digital Media, Mark Smith, said: “Like all publishers we’ve seen an enormous increase in smartphone usage, traffic’s more than doubled in a year and now accounts for more than a third of all our users. This latest Newsquest release makes sure that we’re giving them and our advertisers the best possible experience. Trials in the South of England showed that users not only like it but they read more articles as well.”
The new platform was designed and built in-house and uses Newsquest’s existing content management system. Alongside local news, sport and traffic and travel information, users can also search for local jobs.
The launch is part of an "accelerated programme of digital development", which Newsquest will be rolling out in 2014 including a refresh of the desktop site, further upgrades to the mobile platform and enhanced targeting opportunities for advertisers.
Smith added: “Digital is a key part of Newsquest’s future and we’re going to be constantly updating and innovating to make sure we provide our users with the best platforms, and our advertisers with the most relevant audiences and market-leading solutions.”