Regional publisher Johnston Press is this week launching mobile versions for all 211 of its local websites.
The sites feature news, sport, lifestyle and community content, and are specifically designed to cater for smartphones’ screen sizes and device functionality.
In addition the group’s new Find it directory is embedded within the mobile sites, enabling users to search for and check out local businesses and services whilst on the move.
An example of the sites can be found at m.yorkshirepost.co.uk.
Henry Faure Walker, JP’s digital and business development director said: “The launch of these mobile sites is another big boost for our local digital output. There is clearly massive audience growth on mobile and we are intent on taking advantage of this by having the leading local mobile content and advertising offer in each of our markets.
“We have a number of other mobile initiatives in the pipeline which will follow in early 2012.”
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You might have the platform, but do you have the content? THAT is key to success, not just gimmickry
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I think this is an encouraging sign that Highfield means business.
We were told we wouldn’t get mobile enabled sites until about Spring next year, so he’s moved quickly to make this a priority.
And personally I think it’s a very important move.
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Harold – stop your moaning.
They’re not gimmicky and are going to be a great asset to JP.
Our mobile site went live yesterday and we’re very happy with it and yes – we have the content at our paper thanks.
Of course there’s scope for improvement, but for a v1 product, we’re very happy to have it.
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It looks good at first glance and I haven’t found anything that doesn’t work with it yet. Not bad as far as JP rollouts go. And yes Harold, we do have the content…
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I’ve had a look and I think they are a very positive leap forward.
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My local JP paper constantly posts web articles saying to view their competition or article I’ve got to go out and buy a paper.
The articles they do have are often short, if they have a picture attached it’s often cropped out of proportion or distorted.
The Yorkshire Post may be better in this respect but they’ve got a lot of work to do to make their websites any good, never mind the mobile apps.
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What I’m saying is that people won’t just log on to a website on a mobile just because the technology is there. They’ll only go if the content is good. And judging from what I see and read, it isn’t. It’s not being curmudgeonly, it just isn’t.
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