NEW YORK (March 31, 2004) WorldNow, the leading provider of Internet technology, revenue and content solutions for local broadcasters, today announced that it has signed an exclusive agreement with Columbus, OH-based Dispatch Broadcast Group to provide technology and sales services to all three of its properties.
The agreement provides proprietary WorldNow technology to Dispatch Group's online enterprises: WBNS.com (Columbus), The Ohio News Network.com, and WTHR.com (Indianapolis) which will now be able to share or exchange video and text content with each other and with WorldNow's entire Network of over 140 stations including its other Ohio affiliates: WXIX (Cincinnati), WOIO (Cleveland), WTOL (Toledo), WNWO (Toledo) and WKBN (Youngstown). This will create the largest online news platform in the state , resulting in improved cost efficiencies, better service to online viewers and greater exposure for advertisers .
"The Dispatch Group is one of America 's premier broadcasters and we are pleased to be the partner chosen to extend their news and revenue success online. This agreement will empower Dispatch to continue its local news leadership while enabling them to create an Ohio-centric network of websites that immediately disseminates breaking news and important features to hundreds of thousands of people across the state," says Gary Gannaway, CEO of WorldNow. "Not only is this a cost-effective way for the participating sites to create a richer, more timely consumer experience, it will help generate more revenue as well, as each site will be a 'must visit' for not only the people of Ohio, but the advertisers as well."
The agreement increases the number of local media companies that use WorldNow's content management or video solution technology to 146. Each site is also part of a network into which WorldNow syndicates high quality content and sells national advertising. WorldNow's national sales network includes a total of 167 stations and represents more than 15 million monthly unique visitors.
"WorldNow offers the Dispatch Group industry leading broadcast-centric web technology and online revenue solutions," says Michael J. Fiorile , President of the Dispatch Broadcast Group. "We are especially impressed with WorldNow's streaming video solution, the Video Producer, which is by far the hottest video solution on the market today. It will give our audience the ability to create a customized online news cast any time of the day or night, and our advertisers a unique, rich media ad environment that can be targeted by geography, daypart and content type".
"Additionally, we were impressed with WorldNow's track record in driving new local revenue from the online properties," concludes Mr. Fiorile.
About Dispatch Broadcasting
Family-owned since 1929, The Dispatch Broadcast Group is a highly-respected, awarding-winning group of television, radio and cable outlets in the Midwest .
WBNS-TV is the most-watched news channel in the heart of Ohio , delivering 24-hour news, CBS programming and sports, top-rated syndicated programs and award-winning local programming. For the latest in breaking news, central Indiana residents have learned to rely on WTHR, Channel 13, and the NBC affiliate in Indianapolis , for the best local coverage. The Ohio News Network launched its 24-hour news operation in 1997, becoming the first statewide news channel in the country. ONN brings to Ohio a fresh approach to television news and to the media industry; a comprehensive, 24-hour service covering the localism of each town and city and the regionalism of an entire state.
About WorldNow
New York based WorldNow is the leading provider of Internet technology, revenue and content solutions for local broadcast companies. Through partnerships with 143 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.
George H. Simpson Communications
212.309.9068
georgehsimpson@att.net.
