So, CNN has caved to financial pressures and are now trying to appeal to the entertainment news seekers, a demographic that continues to grow. I want to be disappointed in them but how are they to stay afloat, let alone competitive, by putting out a product that has little demand? They are in a for-profit line of work and, as disappointing as it is for me that people would rather read about Brad and Angelina's break-up than about the latest issues in the Iraq war, they will feel a need to provide a product that people want. As Nick Wrenn, CNN International's vice president of digital services put it, "For us the news is still first, but we have to move in other directions as well."
As for the redesign itself I think it is more attractive and it looks more lively. The bright red at the top of the page wakes the viewer's attention and works to brand their logo. It offers many options on the first page without confusing the viewer. It offers a lot of video but also makes paths to other sections of the site clear in a well designed navbar. The entire site is easy to navigate and the three columns in the main section break down into very sensible categories; hard news, entertainment news, and an interactive section that lets the viewer see how others are viewing the site. All in all I like the new design, even if i don't enjoy the push towards more entertainment news.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I agree - solid design, still the same old content.
ReplyDeleteI agree as well. They caved in because they sort of had to. I'm sure people aren't using to lumping CNN in with other news outlets. But, I think the stats are suggesting they needed a change.
ReplyDeleteYes and yes. I think the redesign of the Web site is more appealing to a wider audience, while at the same time the hard-hitting news content is there for those who are still interested. It seems like a must-do move and a strategic switch to an ever-growing format.
ReplyDelete