Information minister launches new look for MCL's websites
Information, Communication and IT minister Nape Nnauye (third left), Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) managing director Bakari Machumu (second left), chief government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa (second right) and MCL online content managing editor Zourha Malisa applaud during the launch of the new-look and user-friendly websites of The Citizen, Mwananchi and Mwanaspoti at the MCL newsroom in Dar es Salaam yesterday. Looking on is MCL corporate affairs and marketing manager Vivian Temi. PHOTO | EDWIN MJWAHUZI
Dar es Salaam. The Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye, has launched the new look for three websites by Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL).
The launch ceremony took place on Wednesday, February 15, when he toured MCL headquarters at Tabata Relini, Dar es Salaam.
MCL's Managing Director, Bakari Machumu (R), welcomes the Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye at the company's headquarter. PHOTO | EDWIN MJWAHUZI
He launched a new look for The Citizen, Mwananchi, and Mwanaspoti websites, along with a new look for the templates used for creating social media posts.
Upon arriving, the minister and his delegation were received by the MCL managing director, Mr Bakari Machumu, and executive editor, Mr Victor Mushi, along with other senior managers and company staff.
Unlike the old site, the new portal comes with three home pages all on the same platform, has more videos and pictures, and has been engineered to load with ease on multiple platforms, including mobile.
Briefing the minister on the new look and overall feel of the MCL website and digital in general, Online Content managing editor, Ms Zourha Malisa, said the launch was part of the company’s strategy to expand its reach and grow its digital platform.
Through that, she said their customers and various stakeholders will have the opportunity to enjoy the new look of the websites, which are now easier to use whether on smartphones, laptops, or tablets.
According to her, the launch goes along with the unveiling of a new campaign dubbed "New Look, Better Experience" that assures the audience of an attractive look, a good arrangement of the stories, and most importantly, the quality of content that they will come across on these sites.
MCL's Managing Director, Bakari Machumu explains something to the Minister for Information, Communication, and Information Technology, Mr Nape Nnauye during his visit at the company's headquarter in Dar es Salaam on February 15, 2023. PHOTO | EDWIN MJWAHUZI
The site comes with a mega menu at the top that guides the user into stacks of news, information, and entertainment tailored to satisfy the different tastes and preferences of the audience.
"The new look of our websites makes it easier for the user to see new and old contents that are different from how they were before. With the new look, one is also given a new perspective on stacks of news from different angles in the economy, entertainment, politics, and other spheres. It is also accessible through mobile phones, faster and with less internet data,” she said.
Ms Zourha added: "It also offers more opportunities for advertisers with a better display of ads that gives the site user an easier view. This makes it easier for the user to get the right information and make decisions. We do all this with the aim of "empowering the nation," as our MCL slogan says.
The first home page presents news as arranged by the MCL editors, and the second home page through the ninth present the most read stories on different issues, be they news, feature stories, columns editorials, photos, or videos. This gives readers the look and feel of the physical newspaper.
Users in Tanzania and abroad can access The Citizen site by visiting https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania.
