ABC NEWS is Australia’s No 1 online news brand with almost 12.6 million unique visitors in June, according to the latest Ipsos iris data released today*.
More Australians now get their news from ABC NEWS than any other online news brand. It’s the first time ABC NEWS has reclaimed the top spot under the current Ipsos iris digital audience measurement system, which started in January 2023.
ABC audiences will soon enjoy an even better online experience with the ABC NEWS site announcing new features and an updated look and feel – including a refreshed ABC NEWS logo – in a major upgrade.
From today the improved website is launching in a “beta” testing phase available to about 10 per cent of the audience, who will be invited to give their feedback. The added features and functionality and new look and design will be rolled out to our entire audience on the website, app and social channels in coming weeks.
More great changes are in store for all audiences soon, including a new look across ABC NEWS broadcast programs and channels.
“It’s wonderful that on the same day ABC NEWS achieves the No 1 news brand ranking we can also announce the biggest upgrade to ABC NEWS online for seven years,” said ABC Director, News Justin Stevens.
“We’re excited to deliver an even better service for our online audience.
“So much has changed in the past seven years. The media environment has transformed. How audiences want to consume news, their needs and expectations, are very different. Storytelling and technology have evolved significantly.
“We’re excited to deliver an even better service for our online audience.
“This upgrade ensures our online audience gets the best user experience of Australia’s best and most trusted journalism.”
ABC Chief Digital and Information Officer Damian Cronan said the upgrade brought ABC NEWS fully up-to-date with the latest in digital-first news reporting.
“It gives editorial teams more tools and formats, enabling them to better showcase our journalism and provide a compelling audience experience,” he said.
“The added features and functionality ensure we’re delivering Australians the best possible service across our market-leading ABC NEWS website and app.”
The new design builds on the strong, unique brand identity for ABC News, which is consistent and recognisable across all platforms, said Director, Audiences Leisa Bacon.
“However the audience comes to us, our offering is consistent, familiar, true to the values of the ABC NEWS brand and provides the best possible modern user experience,” she said.
IMPROVED FEATURES AND FUNCTIONALITY
We’ve made it easier to find the news that matters to you with new sections and features:
- Top Stories gets you across the key news of the day at a glance
- Everyone’s Talking About jumps you straight into the top-trending news stories
- Live Now brings together all our live content for the latest news as it happens
- A new navigation toggle makes it simple to find news from your home state or territory
- Expanded menu options allow readers to easily jump into topics from the top of the page
- Video Shorts are easier to find for those who like watching their news via video
- Videos, images and graphics are better integrated to add depth to our storytelling
The full rollout, coming soon, will introduce more personalised elements to your news service:
- For You feeds mean logged-in users can enjoy content across a range of themes of their choosing
- Local News To You puts news from your local area on your homepage
- Emergency warnings for your location will take precedence on your homepage, increasing relevance and immediacy
REFRESHED LOOK AND FEEL
An extensive redesign gives ABC NEWS a fresh and consistent look and feel across all our digital, broadcast and third-party channels.
- An expanded colour palette and wider range of typefaces adds variety to how our journalism is presented and creates a more modern and engaging experience for audiences
- The ABC NEWS logo changes from black and white to a vibrant blue background that is more impactful and appealing on digital as well as broadcast
- The new graphic design incorporates shapes that are direct traces of our master logo, the iconic ABC Lissajous, a subtle yet impactful design feature
“From breaking news and emergency broadcasting, to lighter news, sport and lifestyle, the new look offers a dynamic and fresh look and feel,” said Head, ABC MADE Diana Costantini, who led the creative work.
“Our aim was to create a versatile and flexible approach that enables delivery of the breadth and depth of our storytelling.”
* Source: Ipsos iris Online Audience Measurement Service June 2024, Age 14+, PC/Laptop, Smartphone, Tablet, Text Only, News excluding Weather Subcategory & Aggregators, Brand Group, Audience (000s), Audience Reach %, Total Mins (MM), AVG Mins PP.