Gannett Broadcasting and DataSphere to launch community web sites in 10 U.S. cities

Gannett Broadcasting, part of Gannett Co., Inc., and DataSphere Technologies, the leading provider of hyperlocal web technology and sales solutions for media companies, will launch community-focused web sites in 10 markets served by Gannett’s television stations. These markets include: Atlanta, GA (WXIA / WATL); Washington, DC (W*USA); Tampa, FL (WTSP); Sacramento, CA (KXTV); Grand Rapids, MI (WZZM); Jacksonville, FL (WTLV / WJXX); Buffalo, NY (WGRZ); Little Rock, AR (KTHV); Portland, ME (WCSH); Macon, GA (WMAZ).

These community web sites, which will be integrated within the existing Gannett Broadcasting web sites in those markets, will feature hyperlocal news content and include user-generated content about area happenings and events. Local businesses will benefit from the opportunity to target their potential customers. In addition to powering the community web sites, DataSphere will provide existing Gannett Broadcasting web sites with enhanced functionality, including market-leading site search, coupons, business directory and ad targeting.

"Providing neighborhood news and information is a vital part of our responsibility as local media companies," said Dave Lougee, president of Gannett Broadcasting. "By partnering with DataSphere, we will be able to extend the services we offer to our viewers and advertisers, making use of our online presence to provide an easy way for them to keep up with local events and connect with each other."

This agreement is the latest implementation of DataSphere Technologies’ LocalNet service, a comprehensive solution that already provides turnkey technology, advertising and sales capabilities for seven media companies and more than 300 community sites.

"Gannett is one of the most respected companies in the media industry,” said Satbir Khanuja, CEO of DataSphere. "We’re thrilled to be working with them to help define an increasing role for some of the best known local media brands, delivering targeted and compelling news to residents of each neighborhood and connecting residents with the local businesses who can best serve their needs.”

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an international news and information company operating on multiple platforms including the Internet, mobile, newspapers, magazines and TV stations. Gannett is an Internet leader with hundreds of newspaper and TV web sites; CareerBuilder.com, the nation's top employment site; USATODAY.com; and more than 80 local MomsLikeMe.com sites. Gannett publishes 82 daily U.S. newspapers, including USA TODAY, the nation's largest-selling daily newspaper, and more than 600 magazines and other non-dailies including USA WEEKEND. Gannett also operates 23 television stations in 19 U.S. markets. Gannett subsidiary Newsquest is one of the UK's leading regional community news providers, with 17 daily paid-for titles, more than 200 weekly newspapers, magazines and trade publications, and a network of web sites.

DataSphere Technologies, Inc. (www.DataSphere.com) is the leading Web technology and hyperlocal ad sales company focused on generating online profits for media companies including Gannett (NYSE: GCI), Raycom Media, LocalTV LLC, Fisher Communications (NASDAQ: FSCI) and Hubbard Broadcasting. DataSphere offers a range of turnkey solutions to rapidly improve website monetization and visitor experience with minimal investment of time and money. DataSphere’s solutions also incorporate broadcast TV content and process knowledge provided by its strategic partner Fisher Communications. The company is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, USA and led by a team of Internet veterans with backgrounds from Amazon.com, IMDb, Microsoft, RealNetworks and AltaVista.