ClickOnDetroit Traffic Surges As Local News Site Expands Coverage

Metro Detroit's leading digital news outlet ClickOnDetroit is seeing record traffic this week as it expands its hyperlocal coverage. The WDIV-owned platform reported a 32% increase in unique visitors compared to last month, according to internal analytics shared with staff.

The surge follows the site's recent hiring of five additional reporters to cover underserved neighborhoods. New beats include dedicated reporting on Detroit's east side, Downriver communities, and Oakland County's northern suburbs. Managing editor Sarah Mayhew credited the growth to "listening when residents said they wanted deeper neighborhood stories."

Traffic spikes correlate with major breaking news events, including yesterday's coverage of a fatal I-75 crash that caused hours-long delays. The site's real-time traffic updates outperformed competitors by 18 minutes according to media watchdog reports. Commuters praised the coverage on social media for helping them reroute.

Industry analysts note the growth contrasts with layoffs at other regional outlets. "They're proving local journalism can thrive when you invest in communities," said University of Michigan media professor David Welsh. The expansion comes as parent company Graham Media Group reports increased ad revenue across its digital properties.

ClickOnDetroit plans to launch a new mobile app next month featuring personalized news alerts based on ZIP code. The development team is currently beta testing with 1,000 users across Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.