AOL'S Digital City Strengthens Lead as No. 1 Local Content Network, According to Latest Media Metrix Research
February 9, 1999 10:26 AM
DULLES, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 9, 1999--
Serving 60 US Metropolitan Areas, AOL's Digital City Network Now Reaches More Than 4.3 Million Consumers Each Month, Generating 40 Million Page Views Per Week
America Online's Digital City is strengthening its lead as the nation's No. 1 local content network and interactive community guide, with more than 4.3 million people using Digital City sites on AOL and the Web from home every month, according to Media Metrix.
In the December 1998 Media Metrix Report -- the most recent month for which the data is available -- Digital City ranks as the No. 1 local content network from home. AOL's Digital City achieved a 7.8 reach, touching more people than Citysearch-Ticketmaster and Microsoft's Sidewalk combined, furthering Digital City's lead as the most popular resource for local content among interactive consumers.
In addition, as a result of AOL's Digital City's tremendous consumer reach, Digital City was the first local content network to reach a billion page views per year. Currently, Digital City attracts more than 40 million page views per week ramping up to a total of 2 billion page views per year.
Ted Leonsis, President of AOL Studios said: "Online local content is becoming an increasingly important resource among interactive consumers. For example, according to the America Online/Roper Starch Cyberstudy 1998, almost half (48%) of all those online today say they regularly or occasionally go online to get local entertainment information.
"AOL's Digital City is attracting a large percentage of these consumers, for a significant amount of time, because of our dedication to bringing the online experience 'home' through providing valuable, relevant, convenient, habit-forming interactive services and content to people in the communities where they live, work, play and visit."
Paul DeBenedictis, President, Digital City, Inc. said: "For advertisers, Digital City provides the tools and services they need to market their brands at the regional and local levels.
"As the Internet continues to become an increasingly global phenomenon, and ecommerce fundamentally changes the way consumers research and purchase products, Digital City allows advertisers to stay connected to their target audience -- wherever they may be."
With the leading share of local online usage, AOL's Digital City continues to expand its lead in the marketplace through exclusive portal placements. The network is currently distributed through the Local Channels and Main Screen on AOL; the Local Channels on AOL.COM, CompuServe, ICQ and Netcenter; and on the Web at www.digitalcity.com.
Launched in September 1995, Digital City is the nation's oldest -- and largest -- local city resource and interactive community. Currently serving more than 60 metropolitan areas, the network provides a wide array of interactive products and delivers locally relevant news, community resources, entertainment and commerce in a dynamic and easy-to-use format.
AOL's Digital City combines useful local information, expert reviews, and the personal contributions of the people who use the service to help residents get the most from their communities.
For each city site, Digital City features local perspectives and information on headline news, weather, sports, entertainment listings, movie listings, dining guides, event guides, auto guides, relocation guides, and more.
Based in Vienna, Digital City, an AOL Studios business, is owned primarily by America Online and Tribune Company.
America Online, Inc., based in Dulles, is the world's leader in branded interactive services and content. America Online, Inc. operates two worldwide Internet online services: America Online, with more than 15 million members; and CompuServe, with approximately 2 million members.
America Online, Inc. also operates AOL Studios, the world's leading creator of original interactive content.
Other branded Internet services operated by America Online, Inc. include AOL.COM, the world's most accessed Web site; Digital City, Inc., the No. 1 local content network and community guide on AOL and the Internet; AOL NetFind, AOL's comprehensive guide to the Internet; AOL Instant Messenger, an instant messaging tool available on both AOL and the Internet; and ICQ, an instant communications and chat technology on the Internet.
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