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MUMBAI: BBC.com launches a new look to its award-winning News site www.bbc.com/news. BBC.com has introduced new functionality and design and is ramping up its coverage of sport, travel, business and technology. BBC.com has achieved 41% growth in the last financial year (ending March 31, 2010) and unique users have grown from 50 to 54m a month outside of the UK.
The redesign sees an overhaul of the layout with including better use of video and images, more prominent labelling and easier ways to share stories with others.
Commented Luke Bradley-Jones, Global EVP & MD BBC.com ?This investment clearly underscores our commitment to growing our digital business internationally and continuing to bring people authoritative and distinctive journalism. Our new redesign will make it even easier to find, use and share the BBC?s global news?
Later this summer, BBC.com will launch a travel section, in partnership with sister company Lonely Planet. It will be led by former NYTimes.com Travel & Style Editor, David G. Allan who was recently appointed Editorial Director, BBC Travel. Already attracting blue chip advertisers, the travel section will launch with partners in different territories including Hilton in Europe and Emirates in North America. Enhanced technology, sports and entertainment sites will follow.
Kelly Brough, Global Digital Director, Lonely Planet says: ?Partnering with BBC.com further strengthens Lonely Planet?s leading position as the trusted advisor to travellers everywhere. Our online editorial and community content on lonelyplanet.com is updated around the clock for travellers. We are excited to be providing travel content to appeal to BBC.com?s audiences and drawing more and more people into our own growing travel community. ?
BBC.com also offers a range of successful apps, including the BBC News app for iPad and iPhone and a BBC Sports app for iPhone. In addition, the business has today launched an edition specifically for North America, a strategy it aims to roll out in other territories. Over 600 blue chip advertisers have now partnered with BBC.com since its commercial launch in late 2007.
