Timbuktu the last place for the Next big thing

Timbuktu might seem like the last place in the world to look for an editorial systems order, but that hasn’t deterred Digital Technology International, which has helped a West African publisher to its first web-first edition. Timbuktu Media Group (www.timbuktumedia.com) has a declared strategy which includes becoming a a platform-agnostic content generation and distribution organisation with market penetration through a robust electronic edition. DTI’s editorial software is in use for group's printed papers, ‘Next’ and ‘NEXTonSunday’ which are distributed simultaneously in several Nigerian cities as well as in the UK and USA - a first for an African publication. The database managed multimedia system enables journalists to create content for delivery via web, print, mobile or other digital device while automatically assuming the correct layout and format. Publisher Dele Olojede says the newspaper’s aim is to provide news and informed opinion “wherever you are and by every means”, mentioning YouTube and Facebook as well as web and mobile devices. DTI international vice president Paul Gillogaley says there will always be new opportunities for innovative publishers who understand that their audience is dynamic and multidimensional. "Our technology will allow ‘Next’ to deliver content how, when and where they wish.”