TELEPRINTER:Independent News and Media unleashed a revamped Independent.ie yesterday, with Irish Independent editor Stephen Rae describing the site as "enhanced" in a tweet and promising "evolving new features" in the weeks ahead.
One of the most significant developments at Independent.ie, however - the addition of RTÉ video - had already taken place before the redesign, following the agreement of a content-sharing deal in January between the two groups.
The old regime at INM was not entirely sold on the idea of hosting RTÉ-branded video content.
Negotiations
"Wasn't it gracious of them?" former chief executive Gavin O'Reilly observed sarcastically last March when asked about the plan, after RTÉ put forward an initial offer through the National Newspapers of Ireland group. However, the negotiations between INM and RTÉ continued and the new regime agreed a package that it liked.
RTÉ director-general Noel Curran last month cited revised content-sharing deals with print media as part of the broadcaster's new openness with competitors.
Video, including content from RTÉ bulletins, gains a stronger emphasis on the new Independent site, with "videos" becoming one of eight tabs at the top of the home page.
