Real Cities Partners With Popular Mechanics

Posted on June 28, 2002

Knight Ridder Digital (KRD), the operator of the Real Cities network of local media websites, and the Hearst Corporation, publisher of Popular Mechanics Magazine, announced a partnership that will feature the home improvement content of Popular Mechanics Magazine on Real Cities sites. KRD Real Cities users will have access to Popular Mechanics home improvement specialty guides, illustrated how-to articles, and access to searchable databases on power tools and outdoor power equipment, as well as articles from the print and online versions of Popular Mechanics.

"Our strategy has always been to deliver the deepest content available to Real Cities users in dozens of markets from coast to coast," said Tim Lambert, vice president, sales and marketing for Knight Ridder Digital. "Popular Mechanics' comprehensive resources are a perfect match for Real Cities, and it is highly complementary to our Living channel offerings. Together we'll be able to provide consumers with value-added content while increasing the exposure of Popular Mechanics."

The partnership between Popular Mechanics and Knight Ridder Digital also includes programs to drive traffic to the Popular Mechanics and subscriptions to Popular Mechanics through the promotion of future sweepstakes programs. In addition to content from Popular Mechanics, the KRD Real Cities offers a locally-created interactive service, "Ask The Expert," which provides professional advice in the areas of Window & Doors, Kitchen & Bath and Home Mortgage. The "Ask The Expert" service is also integrated throughout all channels within KRD Real Cities in the areas of Business, News, Sports, Entertainment and Classifieds.