CBS just rolled out a new website for its New York television and radio stations that combines all their websites into one. They also took a page out of NBC’s online strategy and named it CBSNewYork.com although the domain just forwards to newyork.cbslocal.com
Also just like NBC, CBS wants CBSNewYork.com to be the online “hub” for New Yorkers that has everything from local news, fluff, shopping discounts and local events. Interestingly, the new site is powered by the very popular free content management system WordPress! Actually it’s the premium version found on WordPress.com also known as WordPress VIP. CNN, Time.com, the BBC and others use it for their blogs. The network’s boss Leslie Moonves says the new platform will be rolled out to other CBS markets.
Even though in Miami CBS doesn’t own any radio stations, it does own WFOR and WBFS My33 and the two stations have a shared website, so they should see the new design and name change in the very near future.
It is interesting that CBS doesn’t own any radio stations in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market, especially considering that they own four in the neighboring West Palm Beach market (WMBX 102.3, WEAT-FM 104.3, WPBZ 103.1, and WIRK-FM 107.9) plus one Treasure Coast station, WNEW 106.3 in Jupiter.
I noticed the website switch yesterday as I’m actually up in New York and watch CBS2 for my news. While I’ve got to say I like the new address (it used to be wcbstv.com) and look of the site. It’s nowhere near as functional as the old site and cbs4’s current site are.
CBS did have an O&O-type thing for all their radio stations, including radio.com for music stations and cbsnews.com or something for their news radio. Also, for CBS-owned CW stations they are getting the “Wordpress.com VIP” treatment, and it looks similar to the radio.com sites. Now if only the O&O TV graphics were as good!