Scottish broadcaster STV has launched three new community sites in Edinburgh as part of its roll out of hyperlocal network STV Local.

The network now has 19 live community sites across six local authority areas, with more sites to come over the next 18 months.

STV Edinburgh features three main sites, covering north, west and south east Edinburgh. According to a release from STV, the sites will reach a total population of just under 500,000.

Journalism.co.uk reported earlier this month that former managing editor of news and picture agency Deadline News Shaun Milne had taken up the post of regional editor for STV Local in Edinburgh.

STV also announced the launch of a new mobile site today, which offers anyone with an internet enabled mobile phone full access to the service.

"Edinburgh is our largest launch area yet, and we’re very excited to be live in Scotland’s capital," Alistair Brown, head of digital at STV said in the release.

"The response and level of engagement from local communities so far shows that there is a real appetite for local content, both from our STV Local editorial teams and from community contributors.
 
"We are already engaging with community groups and public bodies as well as local media organisations to bring the best possible content to the people of Edinburgh. Our ambition is for STV Local to act as a platform for local people to share news and information about their communities and help draw attention to what is happening right across the city."

Today’s launch follows an announcement by the broadcaster of an extra 30 minute news programme to be produced and presented from Edinburgh.

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