Los Angeles - News Corp.'s (NYSE: NWS) MySpace online social network is preparing to unveil a major site redesign next week, aimed at widening its demographic appeal and increasing user engagement.

The redesign includes a facelift for the MySpace home page, which will actually be taken over by a major advertiser on June 18, the first day of the relaunch, in addition to an overhaul of site navigation with a greater emphasis on search and community.

Also revamped will be the site's profile editor, search functionality, and MySpaceTV player, which the company says will support a true full-screen mode and offer international language-specific players.

The company said the changes are being made after six months of research, including in-home usability studies, online surveys, focus groups, blog responses and other feedback.

Currently, the company says, MySpace is the most-trafficked website in the U.S., used by 25% of Americans as well as 13.5% of all Internet users worldwide.

MySpace rival Facebook is also expected to launch a site redesign in the near future.

Related Links:
http://www.myspace.com