Real Cities Network Partners With Real Media

San Jose, CA-based Knight Ridder New Media’s Real Cities network and New York-based Real Media signed an agreement that will expand the network into most of the top 20 U.S. markets.

“Knight Ridder and Real Media have proven track records building online advertising networks and custom sites that meet the needs of advertisers,” said Kathy Yates, vice president/business development of Knight Ridder New Media. “Together we can rapidly produce a very focused network, one that has efficient reach for national advertisers.”

Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

The Real Cities Network of community information sites was introduced last October and is being expanded to other city sites that connect advertisers with people on community-based sites, Yates said.

The expanded Real Cities network will be represented exclusively by Real Media. Dave Morgan, President of Real Media, said: “Real Cities is the kind of network that advertisers have told us they want to buy. It offers the strength and reputation of America’s leading media companies and the power and creativity of the interactive media.”

The expansion is expected to double Real Cities’ reach and add significant coverage in the top 20 markets, the companies said. Additional cities joining the network will be announced soon.