Philadelphia, PA – May 12, 2008 – The Philadelphia office of Avenue A | Razorfish™, one of the largest interactive services firms in the world, and Philly.com, Philadelphia’s leading source for news and information, has announced the launch of the redesigned Philly.com site, now a more compelling and interactive experience for those living, working, or visiting the region. With over one million views, Philly.com is Philadelphia’s leading source for news and information and is the number one web site in the region.
“One of our main goals is to migrate from a newspaper centric site to a regional site with a strong sense of place and a strong connection to our roots,” said Eric Grilly, President of Philly.com. “The new Philly.com is the daily information utility allowing users to engage and participate in the creation of content and the sharing of experiences in and around the region.”
The new Philly.com is a multi-dimensional network of channels pulling content, tools and features from the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philadelphia Daily News, third-party sources and from the users. The intuitive design and clean layout of the site encourage users to fully explore and access new content and features including:
• User-Generated Content (UGC) and Interactivity: Readers can view and share opinions, interact with reporters, columnists and bloggers, and shape and create future experiences for other users by participating in the community.
• Expanded Content: Features include “Philly Uncorked,” a weekly wine and drink show, “Philadelphia Business Today,” a daily show on Philadelphia metro area businesses, “What’s Happening,” a regional calendar with UGC, and a regional “Visitor’s Guide.”
• New and Expanded Channels: Sections of regional information and happenings anchored by video and designed to evoke a sense of character and personality. Channels include Restaurants & Food, Opinion, What’s Happening, Business, and Travel.
“The online population in Philadelphia integrates the internet into their personal lives and wants to connect with online neighbors, post and share information and comments, and make it their own,” said Richard Eden, Account Director with the Philadelphia office of Avenue A | Razorfish. “Philly.com has been seamlessly layered and woven together through a combination of visual design, web 2.0 features and functions, and a highly interactive experience to provide users with the opportunity to explorer, engage and participate with compelling and relevant content.”
Planned enhancements include an improved mobile interface, podcasts and expanded multi-media, exclusive features and content.
About Avenue A | Razorfish
Avenue A | Razorfish is one of the largest interactive marketing and technology services agencies in the world. The company helps industry leaders such as Starwood Hotels, Kraft, Coors Brewing Company and Carnival Cruise Lines use digital channels to acquire and service customers. Avenue A | Razorfish's full suite of digital offerings includes online advertising, Web site design and development, email and search engine marketing, emerging media strategies, and enterprise portal development. Its award-winning client teams have a great understanding of customer needs and provide solutions through distinct business disciplines, which include: analytics, strategy, technology, media, creative design and user experience. Avenue A | Razorfish has offices in markets across the United States, and global operations in Australia, China, France, Germany, Japan and the United Kingdom.
About Philadelphia Media Holdings
Philadelphia Media Holdings, LLC, is the leading media company in the Philadelphia region. Privately held and locally owned, PMH is the owner of The Philadelphia Inquirer, Daily News, philly.com, related online products and several community newspapers. With almost one million people reading The Inquirer each day, and 1.8 million on Sundays, The Inquirer is the region’s most-read daily newspaper. Together with the Daily News, the #1 tab newspaper in the region, and philly.com, the #1 website in the region, Philadelphia Media Holdings, LLC, reaches almost 2 million people each day.