News24 finishes 2009 off on a high, record traffic and industry awards
2009-12-07 16:07
Ending the year on a high note, News24 today announced it has gained impressive audience traction throughout the year with November’s figures peaking at a record breaking 1,5 million domestic unique browsers. The success comes on the back of the site sustaining its position as South Africa’s largest digital news destination with a total readership of over two million unique browsers a month.
Jannie Momberg, News24 editor says, "News24's audience growth is at an all time high. Having undergone a facelift in June, the site is slicker, offers a wider and more modern look and feel and is more accessible to users. This has also led to greater user interaction, a feature that continues to set us apart in the market."
User generated content is up by 79% since January 2009 and indicates the huge appetite among the News24 community to share, communicate and engage around topical issues. Moreover, the biggest story of the year, the 2009 Elections, led to the development of the Special Elections Report which set the standard in presenting the latest news and updates and provided a platform for participation and interaction by users.
"In an increasingly on-the-go environment - where the public have access to news and views via their phones - our site offers a dynamic mix of up-to-the-minute editorial content and reader engagement explains Momberg . "This 360 approach also explains News24’s mobile site’s phenomenal growth of 270% since the beginning of the year."
News24 has had its fair share of industry accolades during 2009, most recently at the Bookmarks, South Africa's premier annual digital awards, where its Digital News Brand Integrated Campaign scooped a black and silver pixel. "Being recognised by our peers was of major significance and showcased our place in South Africa’s leading digital media fraternity."
Industry kudos aside, the site offers a wide range of information with an added focus on lifestyle issues. "While breaking news will remain the lead focus of News24, links to softer health, lifestyle, travel and entertainment stories across the extensive 24.com network have been included in the editorial mix to afford our readers a larger variety of content," concludes Momberg.
