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Scottish newspapers launch all-new websites

Aberdeen’s two daily newspapers have launched their new-look websites.

DC Thomson bought the Evening Express and Press and Journal from Northcliffe two years ago.

The papers continued using Northcliffe’s websites while the new sites were researched and developed.

Now regular visitors will see two distinctly different websites which Evening Express editor Damian Bates says better reflect the papers’ own identities.

He said: “They are very distinct. We very much decided that we wanted the websites to reflect the newspaper brands.

“The Press and Journal is very businesslike and clean and ours is more tabloid and youthful.

“Both are targeting a younger market, trying to attract the people we would not necessarily attract in the paper.

“Speaking for the Evening Express, we do a lot of show business stories and the result is the website may not reflect the paper.

“There was no cannibalising the newspapers and just sticking them online.

“Our view was to target a younger market that maybe was not buying into the papers yet.”

The long road to designing the new sites started around 18 months ago and so far initial feedback has been very positive.

A working party was set up, including Damian and advertising, editorial and marketing staff, to decide on the websites’ new look.

Damian added: “There’s been a lot of hard work and co-operation.

“It’s a massive learning curve for us and anybody who has been involved in the internet will tell you it’s a complicated process.

“It’s been a fantastic team effort. We’re delighted with the results so far and the feedback has been very positive.”