Knight Ridder to launch national Web ad network

Abstract

The Real Cities Network was created last October as a new cyberspace brand name for the Web sites of Knight Ridder's 32 newspapers in 28 US markets. It was designed to build recognition of the company's news properties as a national network and lure national advertisers for a combination of print and online buys. According to Bob Ingle, president of Knight Ridder New Media, the phone has been ringing off the hook since the announcement, with non-Knight Ridder newspapers interested in joining the Real Cities online ad network. Taking advantage of the situation, Ingle says that Real Cities is now being opened up to other newspapers, though primarily in major metro markets.