Today we provide a new, fresh and more streamlined look to our news content on RTÉ.ie, writes Online Editor Declan McBennett.
We are privileged as a newsroom to have an audience that is receptive to our content and which trusts our journalism. It is a responsibility we take seriously and one which we are constantly striving to improve upon.
In the current economic climate resourcing is always an issue, and the visual change that you are seeing from today is phase one. It is not a dramatic change, but rather the start of an evolving process.
We have sought to enhance our visual presentation, maximise the volume of video and audio content that we have to offer while making it easier for you the audience to navigate the site, share the content and engage with us either directly or through the ever growing world of user generated content.
Central to everything we do will be our goal to provide the Irish public and diaspora with an accurate, visually enhanced multi-platform news service delivered as quickly as accuracy allows.
We take pride in our journalism and we strive to ensure that the public service we provide meets all the standards of fairness, trust and impartiality expected from RTÉ.
News consumption is changing and changing dramatically. The pace of such change is relentless and media organisations must strive to respond and to lead that change process. Social media is now central to everything we do, and those who fail to adapt will be left behind by a discerning audience.
The speed at which news is now brought to the public can be both frightening and dangerous. The rush to be first cannot and must not be at the expense of old-school basics and values. Speed is no substitute for accuracy, and we will continue to try to provide the most comprehensive and trusted news service that we can.
We are constantly working with our design colleagues to better showcase our content and to ensure it can be easily shared in an increasingly mobile and connected world.
Our video and audio content from cornerstone RTÉ News programmes such as the Six One, Nine News and Prime Time, as well as Morning Ireland, News at One and This Week, will remain central to the online and mobile experience.
Each story and programme will endeavour to shine a light on the economic, social, political and cultural threads of Irish society. Our aim and our duty will be to reflect our country and our people for what we are.
There will be celebration and tragedy, political intrigue and economic endeavour, social inclusion and indeed exclusion but you, the news consumer, will decide how, when, and where you want your news.
We hope and trust that we will continue to meet your expectations in everything we do. We will always welcome your input and views, and we would appreciate your feedback.
We hope you see benefits in our new look. There is more to come.
