In a unique strategic alliance, CNN and Internet Broadcasting have joined hands in order to unite Internet Broadcasting's online broadcasting network of local news content with CNN's worldwide newsgathering resources. Per the contract, local, national, and international content important to online-news consumers will be shared by the companies. The associated companies will also develop an exclusive advertising program that will extend CNN.com's audience reach. Internet Broadcasting is the largest publisher of online local news. The company publishes a nationwide network of TV-station websites for America's leading broadcasters. CNN Worldwide, which is part of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, is one of the world's most valued and trusted sources for news and information. The company owns nine cable and satellite television networks.
Internet ad revenues hit record high
Revenue figures for Internet advertising registered a 35% increase from those of 2005. A whopping $17 billion was spent on U.S. website advertising in 2006, which turned out to be the fourth successive year of expansion in the market. Online-ad revenue generated from search-engine advertising was 40%, while display advertising, including banners and media ads, generated 32% of total revenue. The growth of interactive advertising is supported by advertisers and agencies that have started to recognize the medium as a tool that can influence consumer behavior.
U.S. Cellular opts for new ad agency
Publicis & Hal Riney will now create advertising for Chicago-based cell-phone carrier U.S. Cellular Corporation, whose advertising account is worth more than $100 million. Publicis will manage the company's consumer and BtoB efforts. U.S. Cellular's expenditures on measured media totaled $75 million in 2006. The company's expenditures made up a small slice of the $1 billion spent by top-tier carriers on measured media in 2006. About 6 million customers rely on U.S. Cellular's services, and it operates in 150 markets in 26 states; most of its subscribers live in the Northwest, the Midwest, New England, and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Denver ad agency sold to its president
Colorado-based advertising and marketing agency Heinrich has been sold to its president, George Eddy, by founder George Heinrich. Eddy has been with Heinrich for more than 15 years, and before joining the agency he served companies in the credit industry, such as Rocky Mountain Bank Card System and Citicorp/Diners Club. Heinrich, which is headquartered in Denver, has centers in Honolulu, San Francisco, Albuquerque, Chicago, and Minneapolis and manages accounts for Wells Fargo, Federated Department Stores, Fifth Third Bank, and Country Insurance.
Advertising Age names Idea Integration as a top agency
Idea Integration has been acknowledged as one of the top interactive and marketing-services agencies by Advertising Age. Idea Interactive, an Ideas Agency group, was ranked 41st on Advertising Age's list of the "Top 50 Interactive Agencies" and 86th on its list of "Top Marketing Services Agencies." The company works with major clients and has received ADDY and IAC awards. Idea Integration forms the interactive marketing and IT consulting unit of MPS Group. The company provides services to clients across the nation as well as in seven other countries. MPS Group is a Fortune 1000 company based in Jacksonville, FL.
