Caxton’s Local News Network (LNN), launched in September 2013, is showing tremendous growth for an online platform that is less than a year old. The Local News Network is a collection of all Caxton’s newspaper brands online.
“Our network of over 70 local websites has delivered in excess of 15 million pageviews in 2014,” says Chris Louw, Caxton’s digital editorial manager. “In July alone we achieved 1.2 million unique visitors, and in excess of four million pageviews. This is a tremendous achievement for us. Breaking the news in micro communities has led to many national stories being found only on the Local News Network.”
Caxton has over 250 journalists based in communities around the country, giving the Local News Network a distinct advantage over other media organisations. “Having feet on the ground in our communities has allowed us to get the news first,” says Louw, “ and with more sites being added in the coming months to the Local News Network, we’re confident that the network will grow from strength to strength.”
Marc du Plessis, general manager at NAB Digital, adds: “The network is less than a year old and already has an audience size comparable to the top 10 news sites in South Africa, as measured by Effective Measure.
“This growth epitomises the consumer’s appetite for local news and information. By having local news and information available in both print and online formats ensures that our consumers always have their finger on the pulse of their local community.”
