BusinessLIVE also delivers exclusive syndicated content from the Financial Times, access to the Morningstar financial tools and data platform, and full access to the The Wall Street Journal website WSJ.com, via the paid-content section of the site, BL Premium.  The launch of BusinessLIVE coincides with the redesign of the Business Day and Financial Mail newspapers.

The BusinessLIVE website creates a one-stop shop for audiences who read Business Day and Financial Mail, and visit BDlive, Business Times, FinancialMail.co.za, RDM.co.za and Wanted Online. 

“While the individual websites will remain and retain their identities, the publication of leading stories from these sites on the BusinessLIVE portal will support the availability of richer data, and wider opportunities for advertisers.  There is a 360 degree continuity for brands looking to reach readers wherever they may be during the course of their day,” says Trevor Ormerod, GM group sales & advertising at Times Media.

In terms of the print redesign of Business Day and Financial Mail, Ormerod says the reader experience will be enhanced by an aesthetic that will align with the premium environment in which advertisers wish to showcase their brands. Times Media has also secured the rights to distribute The Economist and the Weekend FT in South Africa, driving further attraction for readers.

The majority of content on BusinessLIVE will remain free, while the best comment, opinion and analysis writing from Times Media’s titles will be placed in the paid-content section of the site, BL Premium.  The BL Premium will also house the exclusive content from FT.com, Morningstar and WSJ.com.  Ray Hartley, former Sunday Times and RDM.co.za editor, edits BusinessLIVE.

Lisa MacLeod, head of digital at Times Media, says, “BusinessLIVE has been designed to provide numerous opportunities for advertisers: from display and CPM, sponsorship, bespoke advertising campaigns, to rich media inserts that can do justice to the marketing of high-end brands. BusinessLIVE also provides a solid vehicle for native campaigns.” The website has been optimised for mobile devices.

“While the business and finance community is niche and does not represent a high volume audience, it is a valuable high net worth market segment.  With Times Media’s ownership of SA’s premier business titles, we’re committed to constant innovation to satisfy our readers, and provide a lucrative landscape for advertisers,” concludes Ormerod.

Subscription to the BL Premium area of BusinessLIVE is R349 a month, and existing Business Day and Financial Mail print subscribers will have automatic access. The value of the international partner content alone is in excess of R1000 per month.

For more information, visit www.businesslive.co.za. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook or on Twitter.

*Image courtesy of Times Media.