Prior to taking up this position Watt was digital sports reporter at the Lancashire Evening Post.
His new role makes him responsible for the paper's digital content, and over the next year he will direct the introduction of podcasts, news bulletins, and more video and audio packages.
"It will be a challenge to encourage people who have been in the traditional print business for many years that the internet is not a threat, but will help increase the quality of product that we produce for our readers," Watt told Journalism.co.uk.
"We have to make sure that Blackpoolgazette.co.uk becomes the first place people turn to for breaking news on Blackpool and Fylde."
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