Relaunched site has improved navigation, more video and new interactive tools

CHICAGO, July 20, 2007 — Chicagotribune.com relaunched today with a bright, new look and additional features that enhance the user experience. The site is built on a new platform that is designed to better serve users in the broadband environment.

The redesign includes more prominent video placement to complement content and interactive tools that enable users to share photos, videos, opinions and stories. New article tools give users the ability to change the font size or view an article on a single page.

“This redesign underscores our commitment to adapting to meet our users’ needs in the constantly evolving online environment,” said Alison Scholly, Chicago Tribune vice president and general manager of Chicago Tribune Interactive. “The ability for more user-generated content creates a richer dialogue with our readers.”

Chicagotribune.com will continue to provide award-winning editorial content from the Chicago Tribune. Users can also rely on chicagotribune.com to stay up-to-date throughout the day with continuously refreshed content and tabbed browsing that allows easy access to the most engaging features of the hour.

“The updated chicagotribune.com has the flexibility to allow the editorial team to react as news happens to change the homepage,” said Bill Adee, associate managing editor innovation for Chicago Tribune. “Readers can easily find breaking news and other fresh content whenever they visit the site.”

The new platform provides standardized ad positions and a more streamlined process for local and national advertising sales across the network of Tribune Interactive newspaper sites. The added video placement also gives advertisers a new option for their online campaigns.

“The uncluttered look and increased interactivity on the site deliver an even more engaged audience to our advertisers,” said Joe Farrell, advertising director for Chicago Tribune Interactive. “We look forward to developing enhanced multimedia campaigns with our clients.”

The changes are accompanied by a consumer marketing campaign designed by partner agency DDB Chicago. The campaign’s tagline, “chicagotribune.com revolves around you” and creative focus on chicagotribune.com’s ability to give Chicagoans the news they want, when and how they want it. The campaign will utilize online display advertising, online search advertising and out-of-home advertising on commuter transit lines.

Visit chicagotribune.com today to browse these changes.