The Centre for Community Journalism website has undergone a radical redesign to reflect its commitment to represent the independent community news sector.

The redesign offers readers a modern, sleek and dynamic user experience with an integrated forum to debate and discuss ideas, knowledge, and innovation.

It includes a dedicated space for information about ICNN: what it does, who its members are and how to join.

And showcases the fantastic work being done by independent community news outlets through its weekly blog posts.

The new website also features the most up-to-date information on how many ‘hyperlocals’ there are across the UK. 

Using the combined data from the now-defunct Local Web List, and C4CJ, the hyperlocal map displays 262 individual titles, both online and in print.

ICNN currently counts 107 independent titles as members and these are listed on a unique membership map.

Publications who are interested in joining ICNN now have the ability to fill in a simple form on the new website. The application will then be assessed by an admissions committee.

The new custom-built forum space is fully integrated and secure. Members of ICNN will also have access to a private space called Off the Record where they can discuss confidential matters with other members.

The forum will also host monthly coffee mornings where publishers and reporters can get together to network, develop collaborations and discuss current topics relating to the sector.

Director of Community Journalism at Cardiff University Emma Meese said: “We are thrilled with the new design. It reflects just how modern and innovative the community news sector is. 

“The old website served us well but as an organisation we had out-grown it. Our focus, which is more about representing and lobbying than training is now visible.

“This redesign reflects the pace of change in the industry, and as an organisation that is passionate about standing up and championing it, we too had to keep up with the pace. 

“We are excited by the new forum and the conversations that will come out of it, and we hope to encourage lots more ICNN members through the new sign-up form.”

The new site was designed and built by Dan Davies and Matt Rees of Gecko Brand and Digital Media.