A leading Swindon information web site has expanded with the launch of a custom-built news focussed website totalnews.co.uk, to run in conjunction with its sister site Total Guide to Swindon.
This development complements three other media outlets in the Swindon area which have joined forces and will be working with Total Guide/Total New: Swindon Link magazine, The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire and The Ocelot magazine.
While the primary focus of Total News will be on sourcing hard and breaking news from in and around the town, that output will be complemented by lighter features and opinion articles with regular contributions from a variety of people with something to say - from politicians to local experts, critics and bloggers.
The site is spearheaded by Craig Lyus, former digital editor at the Swindon Advertiser and Swindon Link. He said: “Having come from a background of juggling print with online output it is always difficult to get the balance right, whether it be taking your eye off the digital ball to hit a print deadline or holding something back from the website to maximise print sales.
“It’s very refreshing to be in a position to pour every ounce of focus, energy and resource into a purely online product, and hopefully the people of Swindon will be the beneficiaries because we will have an engaging news site that is constantly updated, throughout the day, seven days a week. We won’t go into semi-hibernation at the weekends or on bank holidays - dozens of articles and fresh content will be uploaded every day.
“We also want the people of Swindon to get involved. Send us your stories, share a blog, give us your feedback and connect with us on social media where we’ll always be happy to engage.”
Craig has moved over from Swindon Link magazine, which is owned by James Phipps, a shareholding director of the Total brand. The Link’s own web site www.swindonlink.com will continue to offer unrivalled community news in print and online.
Liz Ledger, managing director of Total, said: “We’ve grown rapidly since Total Guide launched three years ago and now have multiple sites live across the country including Swindon, Bath, Bristol, Reading and Manchester.
“Despite all of our successes and recognition, we’re still really just at the start of the Total journey. Our plan has always been to launch a news and sport section but I wanted the sites, client bases and business model to establish before we developed these further.
“James, my business partner is also a shareholder of Link so we made the decision for Total Guide to Ltd to cover all aspects of digital media and Link to offer print media - focusing on the areas we do best. Both businesses are working together closely to bring a stronger proposition for both our users and clients.”
James said: "The Ocelot has been delivering regional information on what's on for nearly nine years and now allows us to offer unrivalled coverage in print.
“By focusing digital news and sport through Total News it completes the digital portfolio and is good for consumers, businesses and advertisers as we have more resources than ever to deliver what they need.
“Exciting times ahead, we have doubled the teams in the last year as people are really seeing the benefits of using these businesses."
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