dma 41

WZZM Launches 20 Community Websites

The Gannett ABC affiliate in Grand Rapids, Mich., has teamed with DataSphere Technologies to introduce the new sites featuring  hyperlocal news and user-generated content about area happenings and events.
By
TVNewsCheck,

Gannett's ABC affiliate WZZM Grand Rapids, Mich. (DMA 41), and DataSphere Technologies, a provider of hyperlocal Web technology and sales support, have launched 20 community-focused websites in West Michigan.

The “My Town” community websites will be part of the WZZM website, www.wzzm13.com and will feature hyperlocal news content and user-generated content about area happenings and events. Local businesses will benefit from the opportunity to target their potential customers.

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In addition to powering the community websites, DataSphere will provide wzzm13.com with enhanced functionality, including market-leading site search, coupons, a business directory and ad targeting.

“Providing neighborhood news and information on these new sites is an important part of our responsibility as a local news organization,” said Janet Mason, president and GM of WZZM and wzzm13.com. "These hyperlocal ‘My Town’ sites will be an easy way for people to keep up with what’s happening in their towns, and it’s an effective way for advertisers to share their messages with potential customers.”

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

The communities being served by the WZZM sites:

Grand Rapids North                             Plainfield          

Grand Rapids South                            Whitehall/Montague

Grand Rapids Central                          Muskegon

Grand Rapids West                             East Grand Rapids

Ada/Cascade                                       Rockford / Cannon Township

Grand Haven / Spring Lake                 Wyoming

Greenville                                            Walker

Holland / Zeeland                                Sparta

Kentwood                                            Comstock Park

Lowell                                                 Grandville /Grandville/Hudsonville/Jenison

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Comments (5) -

William G. Evans evans posted a year ago
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Congratulations on your local news concept. I was Operations/Station Manager when we put WZZM on the air Nov. 2, 1962 and I have watched the growth all these years. Keep up the good work. We need more good ideas like yours if we are to survive., Bill Evans, Owner, CEO, KNVN -TVChico, CA
KENUTAH Nickname posted a year ago
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Great concept. Best wishes in launching and sustaining.
heynow Nickname posted a year ago
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The concept of targeting is a slick way of spinning the reality of more audience fragmentation. As the Internet grows and proliferates, advertisers will continually see declining returns on ther investments. I would like to see a follow up story to see exactly what kind of traffic these micro sites will get. The TV industry, once again in its' mid century wisdom is trading dollars for pennies.
Sarah HOtchkiss posted a year ago
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I think this a great idea not only from a consumer's standpoint, but also from a PR and Marketing standpoint. The big trend right now is Local, Local, Local, and this a step in the right direction. Now, how will they brand these sites to ensure traffic/advertisement?
GoPrivate Nickname posted a year ago
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Time will tell if content is important enough to build traffic. Good luck.

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