BBC Local has set up a brand new online news service for Wear.
It follows similar operations in Bradford, Wolverhampton and Peterborough.
The local news website will cover Sunderland and surrounding areas and is part of the corporation’s BBC Local plans, to “modernise its local news output and provide better value for licence fee payers who, are increasingly moving to online platforms to find news from where they live.”
“The launch of these all-new, dedicated websites for Tyne and Wear are a huge step for the North East,” said Kate Squire, the BBC’s Senior Head of Content and Production for the North West and North East.
“We know how important local news is to regional communities and, as more and more are turning to online as their key source of information, we’re ensuring that we keep them updated with the stories that matter most to them.”
Online traffic to BBC Local news is up 22% year on year, meaning 2m more browsers accessing local content each week.
“This is about modernising our digital offer and delivering greater local value for all our audiences no matter where they are in the country,” added Jason Horton, Director of Production – BBC Local.
“We are determined to provide the best programming and content for our audiences whether they chose to listen to our Local Radio stations, watch our regional TV News bulletins on BBC 1 or read and view our content online or via our apps.”
