Newsquest has today launched a responsive mobile web platform across all of its 140 regional and local news titles in England and Wales.
Specifically designed for the smartphone, the platform is in operation across the likes of the Northern Echo, Southern Daily Echo (pictured) and The Argus.
Built and designed in-house, the platform has been rolled out after trials in the south of England and includes a new set of display advertising opportunities for the smartphone.
Advertisers can now choose between buying joint desktop and mobile packages or mobile only.
Newsquest Digital Media managing director 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 publisher said the launch is part of an “accelerated programme of digital development which Newsquest will be rolling out in 2014”. This will include a refresh of the desktop site, upgrades to the mobile platform and more opportunities for advertisers.
Smith said: “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.”
According to ABC, Newsquest recorded an average of 731,495 daily unique browsers between July and December 2013.
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