Terror Attacks Spark Visitor Surge To News Sites

With mobile phone networks teetering on the verge of collapse, and the absence of an official information line for several hours, yesterday’s terror attacks saw concerned internet users flock to news websites in search of the latest information.

Statistics from internet measurement firm, Hitwise, reveal a 46% increase in visits to online news services, with the sector’s audience share jumping from 3.81% to 5.56%.

As news of the bomb blasts reached the public, so hits on news sites rocketed, with page impressions rising by 44% to secure a 3.39% market share.

The BBC News website was the top news destination, but also the 6th most visited site in the UK yesterday, climbing from an overall rank of 15th on Wednesday.

Elsewhere, Sky News and Google News UK also saw a dramatic rise in traffic.

The Sky News website flew up the charts of internet usage by website, rising from its position at number 367 on Wednesday to become the 62nd most visited site on the day of the attacks, while Google News climbed from number 132 to become the 58th most-requested destination.

Transport for London’s website was also in high demand, as commuters sought information, not just on the bombings themselves, but on services to help with their journeys home.

The traffic and travel site rose from 500th on Wednesday to become the 70th most-visited site yesterday, while all G8-related websites dropped out of the top 20 politics sites, as the day’s terror attacks took over the public’s attention.

Hitwise: 020 7378 3600 www.hitwise.co.uk