News

Network of regional news and classifieds websites set to launch across Australia

finda_logo_mumbrellaOne of Australia’s major online publishers is set to launch a national network of regional news and classified sites.

The plan – which appears to be from APN – emerged after a job ad was placed on Mumbrella and elsewhere, which has since been withdrawn.

The ad seeks a $200,000+ general manager for the “Australia-wide regional online play… backed by a major Australian media company”. It states:  

“After a market review and input by some of the smartest people in digital in Australia, they are launching a new online platform — a product set containing a unique mix of media, commerce, classifieds and community elements which they intend to roll out progressively across regional markets in Australia and potentially beyond. The business will be well funded but will operate independently like an internal start-up to maximise innovation and stay clear of corporate culture.”

The start-up will have a launch team of around 20.

A clue to the publisher is that the ad states that travel will include both Australia and New Zealand, making APN and Fairfax, who are active in both countries, the most likely candidates.

APN has already got a site called finda.com.au operating on the Sunshine Coast which would appear to match the business model of the job description. When users visit the site it asks them for their postcode to establish if there is a more local version of the site that can be delivered to them.

Mumbrella understands that despite Sydney being mentioned in the ad, the job may actually be based elsewhere, which again points towards APN and Finda.

APN Online’s CEO for Australia and New Zealand Warren Lee told Mumbrella that he could neither confirm or deny the company’s involvement.

streetcorner mumbrellaLiving LocalThe launch would mark a challenge to start ups such as streetcorner.com.au, run by former Macquarie Radio Network CEO Angela Clark and also to livinglocal.com.au.

The now removed ad:

APN_GM_online_business_ad

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