Media General Taps Worldnow for Station Sites

Broadcaster hires Web services outlet for new content management system

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/9/2013 1:20:01 PM

The broadcaster Media General is partnering with digital services provider Worldnow on a new content management system (CMS) for its station sites. Media General previously handled those duties internally.

Worldnow's CMS is designed specifically for broadcasters and provides a single workflow between newsrooms, websites and mobile devices.

"Worldnow's content management system was created with broadcasters in mind," said Andy Lobred, vice president, digital media for Media General. "Worldnow's extensive broadcast-centric experience has helped deliver strong audience and revenue growth across their existing 450+ managed websites. Our partnership will allow our stations to leverage Worldnow's technology, content and revenue best practices in new and exciting ways."

Worldnow will provide national advertising sales support and a select set of local advertising training and programs. Stations also will have access to Worldnow's national and niche content.

"Winning Media General's confidence is a testament of our 14 years of experience in the local broadcast marketplace," said Craig Smith, chief revenue officer at WorldNow. "We see ourselves as an extension of the Media General team. That is how we view all our partners."

Media General has relaunched wfla.com on the Worldnow system. Its 17 other station websites will convert to the Worldnow CMS in the first quarter.