Overture Scores Again! - Grabs Share of Local Advertising

Inks deal with Knight-Ridder for Content Match & FAST Search

[martinibuster]

Overture signs Knight-Ridder to a one year contract to provide algorithmic search through FAST technology, in addition to Content Match services. This gives Overture a substantial reach into local markets across the United States. From the Press Release [businesswire.com]:

Knight Ridder Digital develops and manages 32 Web sites, including the sites for the Miami Herald, Philadelphia Inquirer, San Jose Mercury News, Kansas City Star, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Thatsracin.com, and SiliconValley.com. In addition, the partnership allows Knight Ridder Digital to extend Overture's services to affiliate sites of the Real Cities Network, the largest national network of city and regional Web sites in more than 60 markets nationwide.

About the Real Cities Network [realcities.com]:

The Real Cities Network brings together the best of local sites. Newspapers, television stations and regional online hubs have all joined Real Cities to create a national footprint deep in local content. Affiliate Members include top media around the country.

[Learning Curve]

I understand from reading elsewhere that the agreement is not exclusive. So, theoretically they could also sign a non-exclusive agreement with Google to see which network is more profitable.

[martinibuster]

Hmm... That's very interesting. I'm vey keen to know where you read that.

According to the horse's mouth [businesswire.com],

Overture will be the exclusive provider of both paid placement and Web search results.

[Learning Curve]

"According to KRD spokesperson Amy Dalton, the Overture deal is non-exclusive"

martinibuster, here's where I found it.

[poynter.org...]

It _appears_ credible given the publication and that they referenced the source.

[martinibuster]

Ok, just heard back from Amy Dalton, the PR person for KDR.

She said that Overture is the exclusive provider of Paid Placement and Web Search Results.

However, KDR do not have an exclusive agreement for Contextual Advertising with either Google or Overture, and they are still exploring it.

Thanks for the heads up!