News Website Examples - 5 Sites That Inform and Inspire

This just in: these 5 news website examples spotlight real-time stories and events with visually engaging content and easy site navigation.

A news journalist working on their laptop at a desk.

When I'm reading the news online, the websites I gravitate toward are the ones that feature engaging visuals, uncluttered page layouts, and simple navigation options that make finding articles I'm interested in all that easier. I also tend to like sites with comprehensive editorial information so I know the articles I'm reading are well-researched and fact-checked.

News websites are virtual newsstands and, as such, they should have both great usability and visual appeal to grab users' attention. I've reviewed five sites that accomplish these essential goals, and if you're looking to create one of your own, try Zarla's AI website builder.

1.  ELLE

pin icon New York, New York, U.S.
desktop screenshot of website ELLE

ELLE is a global fashion magazine and news website covering a wide range of beauty, lifestyle, politics, and culture topics. I like the site's use of dark color accents and elegant typography as it creates a sophisticated appearance that bodes well with the company's audience. The large selection of articles, image galleries, and videos ensures readers have access to diverse content with engaging visuals to match.

A notable feature is that most of the website's content is free to access, encouraging readers to explore the site with no monetary incentive. There is an "All Access" subscription model available for users interested in receiving the print magazine.

2.  Goodness Exchange

pin icon St. Albans, Vermont, U.S.
desktop screenshot of website Goodness Exchange

Goodness Exchange is a media outlet that provides users with access to positive news articles from around the world, including content on business, environment, and technology topics. I enjoyed the website's sunny color accents, as well as its earth-inspired imagery, as it created an endearing appeal from the get-go and allowed me to better appreciate the nature of the content.

The website's home page gave me a great overview of the available articles and other content offerings, including free newsletters and podcast episodes. I also liked the "About" page for its in-depth introductory video and information on the company's team members.

3.  The Narwhal

pin icon Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
desktop screenshot of website The Narwhal

The Narwhal is a Canada-based media company specializing in environmental journalism. The website favors minimalistic design elements, including a simple color palette and uncluttered top menu bar, to place the emphasis on functionality rather than over-the-top aesthetics. I liked the website's spacious layouts, which allow each article prominence without cluttering the page.

I also appreciated the company's approach to unbiased reporting with the "Our Ethics" section, which expands on its code of ethics and editorial independence policy.

4.  Rugby365

pin icon Dublin, Ireland
desktop screenshot of website Rugby365

Rugby365 is a news platform aggregating rugby-related news from both local and international teams, offering up-to-date match scores, results, video interviews, and fixtures. The website's bright color palette grabbed my attention and its strategic use across several pages helped me focus in on various CTA buttons.

While I feel like some aesthetic tweaks, such as the inclusion of more high-quality images, could be made to improve the website's overall appeal, I do like the addition of recent match scores at the top of the home page as it's a great drawing card for rugby enthusiasts.

5.  TechDay Australia

pin icon Australia
desktop screenshot of website TechDay Australia

TechDay Australia provides local users with up-to-date information on the latest technology trends, gadgets, and software releases. The website lays out all essential information, including the latest news articles, editorial features, and additional regional sites in a modern and easy-to-read format. I enjoyed scrolling through the wide variety of articles, which are tagged and categorized for optimal navigation.

While I think the website has a contemporary and professional appeal, its menu bar is off to the side and toward the bottom of the home page, which creates a clunky visual hierarchy that could be improved with a top menu bar.

Circle vector patterns on the background

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