Scotland Feed

STV launches 10 new local websites

STV continues roll-out of its hyperlocal websites in Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire, Moray and South Lanarkshire.

30 November 2010 10:28 GMT

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STV Local: Lauches in 10 more areas Pic: © STV

STV has expanded its network of websites for Scottish towns, cities and communities with the launch of another 10 sites.

STV Local launched on Tuesday in four local authority areas as the broadcaster continues to expand its innovative online and mobile initiative across Scotland.

Following the initial success of STV Local, which was launched in North Lanarkshire in September, the network of websites is now live in local authority areas Aberdeen City, Aberdeenshire, Moray and South Lanarkshire, with 10 individual community sites for Aberdeen City, Buckie, Elgin, Forres, Lossiemouth, Stonehaven, Cambuslang, East Kilbride, Hamilton and Rutherglen. There are plans for further site launches, including Fraserburgh, Peterhead and Deeside.

Overall, STV Local has now launched 16 community sites in five local authority areas, covering nearly 25% of the Scottish population. This is the next phase of STV’s ambitious roll-out plan, which will see its network of local sites rolled out across the whole of Scotland over the next 18 months.

STV Local offers a wealth of information for local communities, including news, events listings, ratings and reviews, weather updates, traffic information and a business directory, as well as information from local public bodies, sports organisations, theatre groups, schools, religious groups, and other engaged community members.

Local content contributors, such as community groups and local businesses, are encouraged to post their own news stories, announcements, pictures, reviews and listings, making STV Local a living interactive platform for users to inform, discover and share what’s going on in their community.

Alistair Brown, Head of Digital at STV, said: “The response from the North Lanarkshire pilot has been hugely positive, showing there is a real appetite for hyper-local content and an opportunity to share information, news and events on a very local level. Our editorial team is operating right at the heart of the community, working closely with local organisations, public bodies and other contributors to encourage them to engage with the sites. We are now building on the success of the pilot to launch STV Local in another 10 communities, and we will continue to evolve and expand the service.”

Rob Woodward, Chief Executive of STV, added: “As Scotland’s digital media company we strive to make our content available whenever and wherever our audience wants it. This year alone we have launched the STV News iPhone app, STV HD and a content deal with YouTube, and we continue to build our digital presence with the ongoing roll-out of STV Local.”

STV is investing extensively in editorial content and has recruited a network of professional journalists and editors dedicated to STV Local, headed up by Executive Editor David Milne and Editor Iain Hepburn. Regional and community editors are being recruited throughout the country, providing employment opportunities across Scotland as the network of sites continues to expand.

A comprehensive training and skills development programme is being delivered to the editorial team in partnership with NUJ, ensuring the highest quality of journalism and editorial content. STV will also provide workshops for content contributors in the communities, offering an opportunity for people across Scotland to develop and acquire new digital media skills.

VISIT STV LOCAL

The local sites that are now live, can be found here, along with details of the new community editors: