• CBS Local Digital Media Draws Record 56.8 Million Uniques in January; Video Viewing Surges

    CBS Local Digital Media announced yesterday that its web sites and mobile apps drew a record 56.8 million unique visitors in January, up 37% vs. January, 2013, and 12% higher than the previous best month of April, 2013. Mobile is now up to 48% of total visits, and accounted for 27.1 million uniques, up 109% vs. January, 2013. There were also 30 million video clips viewed in January.

    Ezra Kucharz, president of CBS Local Media Digital, told me he attributes 50% of the January growth to weather-related spikes, and 50% to continued strong execution, including social referrals, on-air mentions and SEO. On mobile, the vast majority of traffic is via mobile web vs. apps, with the exception of audio streaming which is all app-based.

    CBS Local Digital Media combines the assets of all of CBS's owned TV and radio stations. CBS doesn't break out video usage of its online original shows like "Tailgate Fan," "Essentials" or "Pre-Game Playlist," but Ezra said these are performing well and he anticipates more investment in originals in 2014. Clips related to news, weather, sports and lifestyle are key to video success.