Saturday, October 24, 2009

New CNN design

The new redesigned CNN layout is much more aesthetically attractive then it used to be. CNN is transitioning from a text based website to a website trying to focus on videos. One of the key reasons for this change is try and attract new readers and viewers. Another big change to the CNN website is a larger emphasis on the entertainment section. One of the main reasons that CNN is putting a larger emphasis on their entertainment section is because "Arianna Huffington's Huffington Post – which mixes entertainment content into its political news and views, and has grown 67% in a year when CNN.com has only grown 3.7%". CNN understands that in order to keep up with their competitors, and gain new followers, they need to establish a solid entertainment section in addition to their already sound international news section.
Some other additions to the CNN website are the opinion section, and plans to use more TV material online. The main goal of the newly designed website is to "be more appealing: new personalisation functionality enables users to customise a column on the front with sports scores or stock prices, local headlines or weather, and CNN's community-based iReport site will be featured in a curated section on the homepage, as well as in the middle of unfolding stories." With its new design, the CNN website will be more personal, and in return hopefully attract new users.

3 comments:

  1. wow really cnn.com only grown 3.7%. no wonder that they are putting a stronger emphasis on the entertainment section.
    i never thought that cnn is creating a more personal approach in its ireport site. it is a good thing that you point it out.

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  2. I can not believe that CNN.com has only grown 3.7%. But I guess that makes since since they have not made any changes in a while to try to appeal to any new users. I think the more Entertainment bases focus will help to draw more users.

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  3. I have to wonder though whether these changes will alter the way users view CNN as a "serious" source of news. If they shift too much of their emphasis toward Entertainment or other "soft" focuses, they may be lose ground among those looking for quality coverage of major political and cultural events. Of course, this serious side isn't everything; but I hope CNN finds a way to integrate this approach in a way that builds their credibility rather than diminishes it.

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