More people than ever reading news via Rochdale Online

2019 has certainly been a flying start for Rochdale Online, which saw over 200,000 users visit the site in January alone.

Launched as a hobby in June 1998, the website quickly became popular in the local community becoming a commercial business in 2001.

In recent years, growth has been phenomenal with unique users reaching a record 204,671 last month for the local news organisation, with a staggering 965,511 page views recorded for that time (Source: Google Analytics).

2018 saw an average of 161,715 users visit Rochdale Online each month, a 5.3% increase on 2017 (Source: Google Analytics).

Recent years have also seen a large increase in the number of users accessing the site via mobile phone with 68.2% of users accessing our content this way in 2018, from 22.9% of users in 2011.

 

 

It is little surprise in this digital age, that a 2018 Ofcom report found 64% of UK adults prefer to read their news online, the only format equally used by men and women – and the second most-used platform in the UK behind television.

By comparison, the traditional newspaper, which has seen a steady decline in both national and regional varieties with the rise of instant breaking news and online articles, was the least-used platform for news.

Pauline Journeaux, Rochdale Online managing director, said: “We are delighted with the continued rise in readership, this is testament to our commitment to ask questions on behalf of residents about local issues, shine a light on issues which some would like to keep hidden, and celebrate the successes of groups, organisations, the younger and older residents in Heywood, Littleborough, Middleton and Rochdale.

“But, to continue of offer residents completely independent local journalism with free access we are asking for your help.

“Our costs are covered by advertising, but, going forward this will be insufficient to continue providing the top-quality service we have for the past 20 years.

“If you enjoy the independent news and other free services we offer (event listings and free community websites for example), please consider supporting us financially and help Rochdale Online to continue to provide local engaging content for years to come, from just £3 per month:

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/local/contribute/

“We thank all the residents which are already contributing, and all our readers for visiting the site.”