National World To Launch Eight New Video-Led Websites

National World plc has announced an expansion into eight metropolitan centres in the UK with the launch of new video-led websites and the creation of 45 new roles. 

Next Thursday (12 August), the company will launch new websites in Manchester, Liverpool, Newcastle and Glasgow. The four initial launches will be followed by new sites in London, Birmingham, Bristol and Wales with more launches to follow.

The publisher said that, together with its JPI Media newspaper brands, the launches will give the company immediate access to 80 percent of the UK market. National World Plc has said that it aims to double its online audience by the end of 2022 with this and other digital initiatives.

Executive chairman of National World Plc David Montgomery said: “We have the talent and resources to be a truly national network of local news brands. JPI Media is at last throwing off the shackles of its geographical limitations to enter major UK communities that are underserved in serious local journalism.”

The new sites will be video-led, driven by a strategic partnership with Local TV Ltd which will deploy eight TV video journalists to support the JPI teams in each location.

The partnership with Local TV, which has existing channels in six of the cities, as well as Leeds, the home of JPI Media’s The Yorkshire Post, will mean that for the first time local and national advertisers can enjoy packaged campaigns across print, online, video and broadcast TV.

The combination of all platforms is a first in UK media and “long overdue” said Mr Montgomery.

Combined, 45 new roles are being created with an initial 32 content roles, eight commercial roles and a number of marketing support positions.