A new platform that helps hyperlocal titles to sell their content to larger publishers has officially launched.

Ping!, a platform which aims to help hyperlocal journalists to monetise their original content, will go live two years after it was first trialled.

The service allows independent community journalists to share their work with regional and national publishers.

It has been developed by the Independent Community News Network, whose members’ content will appear on the platform, along with Bristol-based web app development company Omni Digital.

Deputy director of ICNN and director of Ping News Matt Abbott, pictured, said: “Ping! is an exciting new platform that will change the way communities are covered.

“We are committed to providing publishers with high quality, trustworthy independent community news that they can rely on.”

“With this free news delivery and income generating technology, we are creating a more sustainable and diverse news ecosystem, and we are excited to be part of this new era for journalism.”

Darren Toogood, editor of the Isle of Wight-based Island Echo, added: “Ping has the potential to really change how local news is distributed, providing regional and national publications with stories they may otherwise miss.

“It also provides an opportunity for independent publishers like ourselves to benefit from a new revenue stream, which is all important in these challenging times.

“Integrating Ping! into our website has been incredibly easy.

“It has quickly become ingrained in our publishing process and only takes a few seconds to complete. It’s a no brainer for us”.

Ping!, which is supported by the Google News Initiative with additional funding from Nesta and Meta, is offering a free trial to regional and national publishers to mark the service’s launch.

Co-director of Ping News Sam Hearn said: “We want to encourage regional and national publishers to try Ping! and see the value it can bring to their organisations.

“We believe this platform will create a more sustainable and diverse local news ecosystem that benefits everyone.”