Reach Ireland news sites record 100% yoy increase in traffic

As of the 27^th of March 2020, Reach sites have recorded 74 million collective page views across all of its Irish sites comprising Irish Mirror, RSVP Live, Dublin Live, Cork Beo and Belfast Live. That is an increase of 100% YoY. This shows, in a time of huge uncertainty, one thing is certain – people are turning to news brands and relying on them now more than ever.

We are facing something that we have never experienced before. The Coronavirus pandemic has had an immeasurable impact on normal life and businesses right across the country are experiencing huge uncertainty.

But the message from Cork Beo is – our city is in this together.

The Reach-owned website is the second platform within the group to launch #InThisTogether, which is a public declaration to the small businesses of the city and county of Cork that the news site is there to support them.

Now, more than ever, news brands can be a powerful force for good in helping small businesses through the difficult times ahead. Following Government instruction, many businesses have had to change how they do business, a lot have had to temporarily close their doors.

Through the campaign, Cork Beo will stand up for businesses that need support by informing readers, in the same responsible manner that it shares important news with them daily, how they can still support their local businesses as the city battles to survive the coronavirus crisis.

Joe O’Shea, Editor of Cork Beo, said: “These are very difficult times for the people of Cork city and county and we are very aware of our responsibilities when it comes to keeping our readers fully informed, to making sure they are fully up to date on the latest news and advice and also, where possible, to lifting their mood in what are pretty grim times.”

“We have already seen a fantastic grass-roots response from the business people of Cork with their ‘Love Cork – Back Soon’ poster campaign, and we are determined to place the positive news for Cork front and centre of our coverage where possible.

“Our small businesses and their customers are understandably concerned about the coming weeks and possibly months ahead – so #InThisTogether will allow us to address these concerns, showcase the positive initiatives and stories and bring as much hope as we can as Cork looks towards bouncing back as strongly as possible.”

#InThisTogether was first rolled out on Belfast Live, which is part of the same publishing group as Cork Beo, and is due to launch on the other sister site, Dublin Live, soon too.