Expanded Network of More Than 1,400 Local Newspaper Websites Will Reach 43 Million Unique Visitors Monthly

RALEIGH, N.C., July 25 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Advertisers now have an easier way to reach the desirable demographic of newspaper website readers locally, regionally and nationally through one-order, one-bill and one-cost-per-thousand impressions.

The Real Cities Network (http://www.realcities.com/) and DotConnect Media (http://www.dotconnectmedia.com/) today announced a unique partnership that will form an exclusive network of local newspaper websites that deliver a combined 43 million unique visitors each month (Source: Nielsen//NetRatings, March 2007). Both organizations will maintain their separate sales forces and support personnel.

Operated by McClatchy Interactive, a division of The McClatchy Company , the Real Cities Network includes websites owned by some of the nation's largest media corporations, including Belo Corp., Cox Newspapers Inc., Hearst Corp., The McClatchy Company, Media General, MediaNews Group, Scripps and others.

DotConnect Media, which sells local, regional and national advertising across 1,300 local suburban newspaper websites powered by TownNews.com and ZWire!, will extend its reach with national advertisers by teaming with Real Cities. Founded as AdOne in 1998 and acquired by Lee Enterprises in March 2006, DotConnect is the nation's oldest and most extensive network of local online media sites.

"One of the goals for Real Cities coming into 2007 was to expand the network's reach in the top markets, as well as boost local market penetration for specific advertisers," said David Fitzpatrick, vice president of sales for Real Cities. "The combination...