14 DAY TRIAL // Canadian mobile phone users who enjoy reading Canwest’s big city daily newspapers will certainly rejoice upon learning that all ten publications, as well as canada.com, can now be accessed via the newly launched mobile-optimized sites. Starting with Wednesday, September 16, Canwest’s destination news and information websites can be accessed from the mobile phones to deliver users all the information they need in a more convenient way.
“Today’s launch both furthers our commitment to a strong local digital strategy and meets the needs of our loyal visitors,” said Graham Moysey, general manager and senior vice president, Canwest Digital Media. “We promise to bring our readers the best news and information content where when and how they want it – so optimizing our websites for the most popular mobile devices helps deliver on that promise.”
Canadian mobile phone users have now the opportunity to enjoy their local Canwest newspaper while on-the-go. The new sites have been designed to work on a wide range of handsets available on the market, including Apple's iPhone and iPod touch, as well as RIM's BlackBerry Bold smartphone and BlackBerry Storm touchscreen smartphone.
The list of newly launched Canwest mobile-optimized news sites includes: m.timescolonist.com m.theprovince.com m.vancouversun.com m.edmontonjournal.com m.calgaryherald.com m.leaderpost.com m.thestarphoenix.com m.windsorstar.com m.ottawacitizen.com m.montrealgazette.com m.canada.com All sites will be promoted through the Canwest print and online network, the company noted.
According to Graham Moysey, the launch of the new sites is meant to open new opportunities for advertising, while also delivering information to a new consumer base. The growth in the mobile phone area determines companies to focus more on the area, and Canwest did just that. “We are moving aggressively to cement a leading mobile position for our brands and content through the launch of these and other recent mobile initiatives,” Moysey stated.
The company also sees the availability of the new sites as an opportunity to reach a highly targeted and desirable audience. Canwest will offer local advertisers the possibility to deliver relevant messages to the consumers in their areas, and already announced that a series of local sponsors showed their interest in its offering, including Thrifty Foods in Victoria, Carats Investment Inc. in Vancouver, Cork (wine store) in Calgary, Mainline Motors Rosetown in Saskatoon, Windsor Crossing (mall) in Windsor, and more.