KnightRidder.com and New Times, Inc. Form Internet Alliance

Posted on April 26, 2000

KnightRidder.com, creator of the Real Cities network, and New Times, Inc., a group of alternative city weekly publications, has announced a strategic marketing partnership that will feature entertainment and news content from New Times on key regional hubs in the Real Cities local Web network.

``Our relationship with New Times, and their award-winning content adds a new dimension to Real Cities' arts, entertainment and leisure online services,'' said Dan Finnigan, president of KnightRidder.com. ``Their alternative weeklies bring an inherent new edge and new perspective to entertainment that not only meets the needs of broad-reaching audiences, but the cultivated entertainment critics of generation Y and X Web users. We'll continue to focus on strengthening Real Cities entertainment offerings throughout the network in the coming months.''

Initially, New Times local entertainment content will be promoted and integrated into Real Cities' destination sites serving six major U.S. markets. Select entertainment articles from New Times city publications, as well as its weekly cover stories will be highlighted and promoted each week on Real Cities' hubs. In addition, New Times will also receive premium placement in the above Real Cities local Web directories with links directly to its Internet entertainment and calendars. As part of the partnership, the New Times publications will also promote content and services from the Real Cities network.

``New Times has long been the leader in providing cutting-edge news and entertainment to metropolitan areas and we're committed to carrying this over to the Internet,'' said Scott Spear, senior vice president of New Times, Inc.. ``We're excited with our new relationship with KnightRidder.com and look forward to being featured on their leading regional sites.''