THE Ovens and Murray Advertiser today announced a new chapter in its 166 year history with the launch of a new website and information portal for Beechworth and the Indigo Shire.

The launch of The Advertiser site is the first step in the rollout of the new website network across the North East Media group with a total of 14 new websites being launched over the next three months.

The new websites have been under development for the last 10 months and have been built utilising a market leading news content management system.

Edward Higgins, CEO at North East Media, said he was excited to be launching these comprehensive news and information sites as part of the company’s transition into becoming a true multimedia news and information provider for North East Victoria and beyond.

“For the first time website visitors will be able to read in full all the same articles that appear in the print edition,” he said.

“Most of the website content will require a paid subscription, however, readers will have open access to What’s On, National News and National Sport sections as well as selected local news articles and special publications.

“We believe our full digital subscription offering provides great value for money for our readers who will save over 30 per cent compared to the printed edition. Revenue received from digital subscriptions will help to continue to fund quality local journalism that our staff produce.”

Subscribers to The Advertiser website will get full access to the website, digital newspaper replica editions, an email newsletter each week and complementary digital access to North East Living Magazine.

The Advertiser site also features a new photo site where people can view photos that have appeared in all NEM publications, as well as a range of photos from local events and sport which may not have made it to publication.

All photos can be purchased online via the new photo website in either a digital or hard copy printed format.

The new classifieds section of the sites, featuring all classifieds and employment advertisements, will be another important feature to be completed in March 2021. In the interim visitors to the site will be able to view classifieds ads in a PDF format.

North East Media has been assisted with funding for this project from the Australian Communications and Media Authority Regional and Small Publishers Innovation Fund.