Standard unveils new-look products

The Standard Group Limited has unveiled two refreshed news products in response to the needs of key audiences and advertisers. Designers have reworked The County Weekly and Standard Digital World (www.standardmedia.co.ke), making them more exciting and interactive.
Mr Peter Gichui, Assistant Director Broadcast and Creative Services, said the changes would help the Group’s journalists tell their stories better. The two redesigns were unveiled Friday at an event at the Standard Group Centre in Nairobi led by Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive Paul Melly. Mr Melly said the redesigns reflected the demand for innovation in media.
“Technology has changed the way news is produced and consumed. The digital platform launched today is a milestone as we revamp our unrivaled products,” he said. “We have to not only adopt new technology, but also adapt to it. As a company, we want to stay ahead of the pack.”
More editions
The County Weekly will now come in several distinct editions for various regions in Kenya. The weekly paper, which has been in the market for ten months, will also have more segments. Managing Editor Woka Nyagwoka urged readers to sample the editions, which are now on sale. “The County Weekly is a good product, but good should not be a barrier to better. This is why we are unveiling a better product today,” Woka said.
“I am glad we now have more space to tell the stories of Kenyans at the grassroots,” said County Weekly Associate Editor Benson Irungu.
The online platform has been enhanced into a one-stop destination that offers users all the latest news, features and analysis from KTN, Radio Maisha, and the group’s newspapers, The Standard, The Standard On Saturday, The Standard On Sunday and The County Weekly.
“The site we’re unveiling today is  user friendly, giving visitors personalised multimedia content,” said Mr Fred Mbugua, the Managing Editor, Weekend Editions and Convergence. Users can customise the site by hiding sections they are not interested in or moving them up or down.
Melly called on the editorial staff to uphold journalistic integrity and be mindful of public interest. He expressed confidence County Weekly would change Kenyan media, saying it is the only paper that tells in-depth stories from the grassroots.
Chief Operating Officer Sarvjeet Channa pledged more investment of resources. Director of Value and Innovation Francis Munywoki said the re-launch was key to the Group’s future. “We need to start thinking where is the next place we need to go,” he said. Group Chief Editor John Bundotich promised the products would go a long way in relaying authoritative news to audiences.
“The Standard Group has set the pace once again. Radio Maisha will be bringing you real time news online,” said Radio Maisha News Editor Wellington Nyongesa.