[Scarlett.]

ITV.com continues its march towards being a more ‘social’ site this week with the implementation of more Kick Apps functionality and a new community engagement programme.

Under the codename Project Penguin, ITV.com is refocusing on core programmes and integrating social media features into key parts of the site. The project started earlier in the year and is expected to continue into 2010.

From today, the Loose Women section of ITV.com (http://itv.com/loosewomen) will feature profiles for the presenters who can be added as ‘friends’ and contacted via the site. New improved forums plus exclusive content uploaded from the studio floor all aim to connect the show much more closely with viewers via the web.

The Coronation Street section of the site was recently improved, with more social media functionality expected to be added by early summer.

Other areas lined up for overhauls this year include the video player and football section.

Ben Ayers, who has been handling PR for the ITV website since moving across from programme publicity last year, will be charged with encouraging and enabling fans to consume ITV.com content on the web.

As Social Media and Online Engagement Manager he will have an active role in shaping efforts to engage online communities – from forums to social networks and bloggers – and communicating developments on the site to fans of ITV shows.

Ayers will edit an ITV Online blog which will signpost new content and developments on the site. He will continue to manage the network’s Twitter feed and official presence on social media sites, working closely with the PR website editor Gary Andrews.

He will work closely with the network’s publicity and marketing teams to drive traffic to ITV.com, as well as the website’s SEO and customer relations teams.

Dominic Cameron, MD of ITV.com, said: “Our editorial and product development teams are working hard to bring the broadcast and online worlds closer together. We want to make it easy for fans to engage with ITV shows in which ever way suits them. For some users it is all about video and we want to make that a joyful experience. For others, it’s about connecting with the stars or other viewers passionate about ITV programmes.”

On the new community engagement role, he added: “The way fans consume ITV content are changing rapidly and it is vital that we have a presence in the various online spaces that exist outside ITV.com. Not only is it important that we open up the channels of dialogue with fans and users, it is also essential in driving traffic and awareness of our improved offering.”

[Callum]

ooh the new Loose Women site looks nice!

[JOSHUAH!]

When it was revealed ITV.com was getting a new look there was a press image of what it was going to look like. It was black and had clouds in the background, and it looked AMAZINGLY nice.

Then they launched this crap what they have now.
Good to see them making changes.

[Scarlett.]

The Corrie website is A LOT better than before, its a lot less "official" now plus the big video player is cool

[Scarlett.]

They updated the look of the home page and the main console, it looks a lot tidier now

[arista]

Yes better TV size wider, once you click a programme.
for the Free real time play of ITV1/2/3 and 4.


http://www.itv.com/?intcmp=NAV_1001