Online Publishers Association Founded

Posted on June 25, 2001

Twelve Internet content brands have announced the establishment of the Online Publishers Association (OPA), a new industry trade organization representing the interests of online publishers before the advertising community, the press, the government and the public. Founding members of OPA are CBS MarketWatch, CNET Networks, Inc., Conde Net, ESPN.com, The Industry Standard, KnightRidder.com/Real Cities, MSNBC.com, New York Times Digital, Salon Media Group, Inc., USAToday.com, Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive and Wall Street Journal Online.

The Online Publishers Association aims to offer balance and perspective on Internet publishing issues in the public discourse and act as a voice on First Amendment and intellectual property issues faced by the Internet publishing community. The OPA also plans to work with the advertising community and the IAB (Interactive Advertising Bureau) to further establish the effectiveness of the Internet as a marketing and brand-building medium.

Michael Zimbalist, former executive vice president of ePod, an advertising technology company, will serve as acting executive director of OPA. Prior to joining ePod in 1999, Zimbalist served as general manager of online services for United Media, a division of the E.W. Scripps Company, and as director of production for the new media division of ABC from 1995-1997.

``We are pleased to be launching this new industry trade association,'' said Mr. Zimbalist. ``As the Internet matures, high-quality content publishers are seeking a unified voice before the constituencies they serve. OPA will provide that voice and become a strong advocate for its member sites, clearly communicating the benefits they provide to both the advertising community and the public at large.''