NEW YORK (September 14, 2005) WorldNow, the leading provider of Internet technology, revenue and content solutions for media companies, announced the creation of a centralized Hurricane Katrina bulletin board currently being shared across dozens of websites on the WorldNow platform. The message board’s unique content publishing system, powered by Groupee, is allowing stations to provide a forum to connect victims with their loved ones, share thoughts and exchange crucial information.
 
What began as a general bulletin board to track down loved ones has developed into a crucial information-gathering resource. Eight stations in Hurricane Katrina’s affected area immediately picked up WorldNow’s message board, and additional WorldNow stations throughout the U.S. now feature prominent links on their websites to the Hurricane Katrina bulletin board, found at http://forums.worldnow.com.

"This is exactly what the news and information business is all about – and we couldn't have done it without WorldNow’s quick action, support, and network of stations," said Clay McNeill, Senior Internet Director WAVE 3. “It is a critical information resource that we are proud to offer to our individual communities, especially those devastated by Hurricane Katrina.”
 
As WorldNow began receiving responses on multiple topics, the board was broken up to allow users to search on several specific topics. The stable forum environment lets site visitors post and search on topics such as where to donate and where to find open gas stations. Topics listed on the bulletin board include Assistance Needed or What You Can Do to Help, Information on Impacted Areas, and Looking for Someone?

“The Hurricane Katrina message board has mushroomed into an extremely helpful way for people to get information they need,” said Gary Gannaway, CEO and President of WorldNow. “The system is proving to be a great help in the response to this horrible disaster.”
 
The Hurricane Katrina bulletin board will remain on the WorldNow network of local television websites indefinitely.
 
About WorldNow
New York based WorldNow is the leading provider of Internet technology, revenue and content solutions for more than 200 local media sites, including broadcast TV, newspapers and cable. WorldNow's products include a web site platform and publishing toolset, a streaming video solution, an automotive classifieds solution, local sales programs, and a national ad network.
 
Contact:
WorldNow
Sandhi Kozsuch
212-931-1260
skozsuch@worldnow.com