washingtonpost.com Adds More Breaking News, More Blogging to 'Politics' Section With Start of 2008 Elections

WASHINGTON, Jan. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- washingtonpost.com, the award-winning news and information Web site synonymous with the world of politics, today announced a new look and the initial set of new features to be found on its highly-popular and well-regarded "Politics" section.

"As a top destination for political news, we are always looking for ways to make the best online resource for political news and analysis even better," said Jim Brady, executive editor and vice president, Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive. "With the 2008 race for the White House already underway, it is imperative we are ready to support the information needs of our readers, from the casual follower to the most devoted political junkies."

The first in a series of improvements to washingtonpost.com's "Politics" section include:

  -- A fresh, easier-to-use design with more interactive features;
  -- New blogs by highly-regarded political commentators;
  -- Increased breaking news -- especially scoops -- online;
  -- Bigger and better databases on candidates, campaigns and records; and,
  -- More high-quality multimedia.

Everyone, from passive observers to passionate political operatives, will be able to look to the "Politics" section for the latest news around the clock. According to Brady, "washingtonpost.com will be the place where news breaks, with more exclusive scoops from the Washington Post newsroom." Those hard news scoops and thorough analysis from the Post will be fused with the highest quality video found on the web. As news happens, relevant information will be loaded into the section's robust databases for unmatched ability to analyze and report.

Two new blogs will be written by renowned political journalists Paul Kane and Mary Ann Akers. Kane will address the inner workings of the Legislative branch with his "Congress" blog. Akers will take an irreverent look at political insiders in her new column. They join Chris Cillizza, whose "Fix" blog is already a daily necessity for all political junkies. In addition, "Politics Desk," another new blog, will have washingtonpost.com and The Washington Post editors discussing the process of covering politics with readers.

Coming enhancements to the Congressional Votes database include even more information on the Democratic and Republican leadership in both chambers as well as committee structure and leadership. A new 2008 Candidates database has details like career profiles, speeches and voting records. The new Campaign Finance database gives insight into candidates' money sources, while a new Ads database presents campaign ads, analysis of their content and impact on voters. In addition, reader-ready data tools let readers choose the content they are most interested in and add data to their personalized pages on Web services like Google and Yahoo.

The ever-changing landscape of election season will be captured by reporters from washingtonpost.com and The Washington Post in all possible ways; in word, still image, audio and Emmy-caliber video. Every journalist on the campaign trail will have a handheld digital recorder so visitors to the "Politics" section will see, hear and even feel the who, what, why, when and how of stories. The section will also have a new, easier to operate video player.

"The series of enhancements to 'Politics,' to be rolled out over the coming months, is a reflection of an unwavering commitment by washingtonpost.com to provide site visitors with quality journalism, multimedia, ample opportunities for reader involvement and substantive databases that are easy to navigate and explore," said Caroline Little, chief executive officer and publisher, Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive.

About Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive

Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive (WPNI) is the online publishing subsidiary of The Washington Post Company (NYSE: WPO) . Its mission is to create truly interactive platforms that offer unmatched user experiences by developing editorial products with world-class reporting and award-winning content.

WPNI's news and information sites, which include washingtonpost.com, Slate, Newsweek.com and Budget Travel Online, inform and encourage conversation and debate while reaching millions of unique and active users each month. WPNI properties' long lists of awards include the first-ever Emmy for original video journalism online awarded to washingtonpost.com.

The company is headquartered in Arlington, VA.