CNN Debuts ‘Re-platformed’ CNN.com

By Mark Joyella 

CNN.com RelaunchOver the weekend, CNN “flipped the switch” on its re-designed website, CNN.com. “It is a total re-platforming of one of the largest and most trafficked sites in the world — a significant overhaul,” said CNN general manager of digital Andrew Morse in a note to CNN staff Monday morning:

The result is a 21st century technological enhancement that gives us the design functionality and flexibility to support our multimedia storytelling efforts. The new CNN.com will allow us to be bigger and bolder than ever before in our digital programming, and to build upon our position as the worldwide leader in video news and information.

CNN began work on a $15 million makeover of CNN.com in 2013, with an emphasis on “big pictures and big headlines,” CNN president Jeff Zucker said at the time. The new site includes bold graphics and images–and a ticker like the one on CNN television, with a link to CNNgo, where visitors to the site can watch streaming video.

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At Newscast Studio, Michael Hill found the long-awaited site somewhat underwhelming. “Overall, the new look ends up taking up more space to present the same amount of information. The new design isn’t terribly revolutionary, with the possible exception of the ticker, and ends up coming across as a bit cluttered and disorganized.”

Commenters on the site itself also expressed some disappointment with the design.

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