New Media Group aims for digital growth

Hong Kong - New Media Group, local publisher of five weekly magazines will relaunch the website for its entertainment magazine, Oriental Sunday next month as part of the company's plans to migrate from traditional to digital media.  

The new site will feature a gossip blog format as well as allow readers to compare beauty products spun out of the magazine's popular supplement, Sunday More.

Early this month, the group has relaunched its Weekend Weekly website featuring a dining search engine of over 15, 000 restaurant information across Hong Kong, Macau and South China.

The restaurant guide includes an interactive map powered by Google including a listing of restaurants near the location and restaurants offering similar cuisines.

An ad campaign via TV, print and online kicked off to complement the relaunch aimed at driving awareness and site traffic. It included premium giveaways for registered members whom contributed dining comments.  

Sabsen Chen, general manager for NMG Digital pointed out while some magazines simply place their print content online and form megasites, New Media Group develops customised features and employs a "segmented and targeted approach" across its portfolio of magazines.

He added that the strategic framework for the publisher is based on a "dual penetration model" where the online content complements offline with content in the magazine that drives readers online.