NEW YORK (April 29, 2004) WorldNow, the leading provider of Internet technology, revenue and content solutions for local broadcasters, has introduced a new Education content channel to its network of more than 100 local TV websites in partnership with CollegeandUniversity.net (CUnet).
The Education Channel, launching today, is powered by CUnet-developed content and is designed to help prospective students and parents research colleges and universities that meet their specific preferences. This includes a c ollege directory; college wizard; quick search where users can b rowse by state, area of study, degree/certification type ; a scholarship wizard; financial aid information; entrance test prep; and course agent. It will also have important data on job training programs and online schools.
WorldNow already provides numerous other content channels including: Jobs, House & Home Money, Pets, Recipes, Relationships, Travel and Weddings in partnership with content providers such as Career Builder.com and Match.com. Each channel hot button appears on all pages of the WorldNow local station website, including the homepage.
As with previously released content channels, stations are expected to add to CUnet's nationally distributed content with local education news, stories and community angles. Each website in the WorldNow network will be enabled to present local colleges and universities in a "featured colleges" section.
"Eventually a user-community flourishes around each channel topic," says WorldNow CEO Gary Gannaway, "attracting substantial audiences interested not only in information but buying opportunities."
National advertising for the Education channel will be sold by WorldNow and CUnet in a revenue-split arrangement. Also, there will be local availabilities for each station to sell.
"In conjunction with CUnet, WorldNow is now offering our stations a unique environment in which consumers can use to help guide their secondary education decisions," says Mr. Gannaway. "Additionally, CUnet's extensive content and search tools, combined with World NOW's locally branded, interactive online environment create a powerful venue in which advertisers can reach a geographically targeted audience."
"The audience composition will be extraordinary for marketers who want to advertise to high school seniors, adult college students and their parents," says Tom Ferrara, CUnet's CEO, "By clicking into the channel, users are identifying themselves as part of this important audience. TV has always been one of the most effective means of advertising for local colleges; this partnership provides local colleges with quality online destinations reaching that same coveted demographic. Additionally, our Educational customers will have access to WorldNow's industry leading streaming video technology & Avatar services."
About CUnet: New Jersey based CUnet, an established industry leader, currently providing over 190+ schools with performance based Educational Marketing & lead generation services. Leveraging the flagship www.CollegeandUniversity.net portal, the 150+ Education Channels it powers for geographically targeted Media portals and its large Educational partner network. CUnet provides schools with unrivaled access to highly specific, eminently relevant and ingeniously targeted education leads. Additionally their "private labeled" lead management/partner tracking systems combined with their "Master Vendor" managed service offering, makes CUnet the obvious choice for those desiring efficient, results driven student recruiting solutions. The CUnet network of Education portals has a reach of over 1 million unique Education Seekers each month. To contact CUnet 201.560.1230
About WorldNow: New York based WorldNow is the leading provider of Internet technology, revenue and content solutions for local broadcast companies. Through partnerships with 145 local television stations, WorldNow has built the largest network of local news and information Web sites in the world. For television stations: WorldNow offers revenue programs, national content offerings, consulting services and on-going customer support enable broadcasters to establish Internet businesses that grow their audience, enhance their brand and drive new profits. For advertisers: WorldNow offer the unique convergent marketing opportunity to connect with a targeted local consumer base on-air and online. By combining the strength of local broadcast news, the power of on-air promotion, and the trust of established television brands with a unique Internet marketing platform, WorldNow provides advertisers with unparalleled reach and high impact interactivity. The WorldNow Network reaches over 8 million unique visitors each month, and has sales representation agreements reaching 16 million unique visitors each month.
