The improved website for The Yorkshire Post launched yesterday, with new looks for The Sheffield Star and The News in Portsmouth being unveiled early in 2016.
The new sites will offer a fully responsive, mobile-first platform giving users a better, faster experience on whatever device they are using, as well as offering improved integration of display and native advertising for customers, say the publishers.
Streamlined article pages, faster load times and easier navigation tools will allow users to find the content of most interest to them. There are also new native apps for iOS and Android tablets and phones, where the existing tablet app will remain for those wanting to download the new-look edition on their tablets.
According to Johnston Press, each of the three sites will maintain a strong local accent following robust audience research with detailed insight ensuring the sites remain relevant and trusted in their markets.
Jeff Moriarty, chief digital and product officer at Johnston Press, said: “In the context of increasing mobile and social-media driven news consumption, these redesigns for three of our leading titles mark our commitment to - and investment in - our news brands, ensuring we stay true to the unique identities of each of these regions and deliver world-class content on all platforms.”
To help drive the business’ digital strategy Johnston Press has recently appointed Frank O’Donnell into the newly created role of Director of Digital Content across the group. Frank was Managing Editor of The Scotsman, Scotland on Sunday and Edinburgh Evening News.
The refreshes build on the successful redesign of one of Johnston Press’ flagship titles, The Scotsman, which was revamped in print and online in September. Additional refreshes are planned for other Johnston Press titles in 2016.
