In an effort to offer a more inclusive ratings experience and diversify its base of critics, Rotten Tomatoes has changed its verification process. And the results are already quite striking.

The site -- home of the buzzy Tomatometer -- announced on Tuesday that it will now focus on an individual critic's qualifications and body of work, instead of simply the outlet for which they share reviews. That latter component has also been tweaked to allow for a wider scope of media; instead of just print publications and broadcast networks, outlets such as digital video series and podcasts will also be considered (as will other media, on a case-by-case basis).

According to Jenny Jediny, the critics relations manager for Rotten Tomatoes who was instrumental in implementing these new changes, the site has "already identified more diverse voices." According to reports, more than 200 new critics have already been verified, and their ranks are 70 percent female, versus the 60 percent male pool of the approximately 4,400 existing critics.

Lest you think that this means that the Tomatometer itself is changing, fear not: Rotten Tomatoes says it's not altering the way reviews are scored. And the existing critics will not be affected by these new rules, either.

This seems like a win for everyone -- but most importantly, moviegoers, who will now have a larger sea of critics and perspectives to navigate. Perhaps these updates will inspire Martin Scorsese to change his tune about the aggregator, or dethrone current ratings champ "Lady Bird." Stay tuned.

For more information about the new criteria, visit Rotten Tomatoes.

[via: The Hollywood Reporter]