LocalTV LLC and DataSphere to Launch Community Websites in 11 U.S. States

BELLEVUE, Wash., May 17 /PRNewswire/ -- LocalTV LLC, one of the largest US broadcasting groups, and DataSphere Technologies, a provider of hyperlocal web technology and sales solutions for media companies, will launch community focused websites in 12 markets served by LocalTV LLC.  These markets include: Denver, CO (KDVR); St Louis, MO (KTVI); Salt Lake City, UT (KSTU); Kansas City, MO (WDAF); Milwaukee, WI (WITI); Norfolk, VA (WTKR); Oklahoma City, OK (KFOR); Greensboro, NC (WGHP); Wilkes Barre-Scranton, PA (WNEP); Des Moines, IA (WHO); Davenport-Rock Island-Moline, IL (WQAD); and Fort Smith, AR (KFSM).

These community websites will feature hyperlocal news content and include user-generated content about area happenings & events. Local businesses will also benefit from the opportunity to target their potential customers. In addition to powering the community websites, DataSphere will provide existing LocalTV LLC websites with enhanced functionality, including market-leading site search, coupons, business directory, video gallery and ad targeting.

"LocalTV LLC is committed to finding the best available resources to support our stations creating strong content and serving the needs of our advertisers and customers," said Bobby Lawrence, CEO of LocalTV LLC. "DataSphere's technology and sales services will help us continue to lead in providing the most relevant exchange in the local marketplace, while giving our stations the leading edge in today's competitive media environment."

This agreement is the latest implementation of DataSphere Technologies' LocalNet service, a comprehensive solution that already provides turnkey technology, advertising and sales capabilities for 7 media companies and more than 300 community sites.

"LocalTV LLC has  proven themselves to be thought leaders and innovators in the broadcasting industry," said Satbir Khanuja, CEO of DataSphere. "We're excited to be able to help them continue to realize the vision of providing outstanding service to their communities and advertisers."

LocalTV LLC is a broadcast holding company created in 2007 to acquire nine heritage television stations in eight mid-sized markets.  In 2008, the company acquired eight Fox Affiliates previously owned by News Corporation.  In 2009 Local TV sold one station in Birmingham, AL and purchased WTVR in Richmond, VA. Local TV is owned by Oak Hill Capital Partners and a consortium of bankers and high yield lenders who drank the Kool-Aid and are as enthusiastic about our future as we are.  Stay tuned.

DataSphere Technologies, Inc.  (www.DataSphere.com) is the leading Web technology and hyperlocal ad sales company focused on generating online profits for media companies. DataSphere offers a range of turnkey solutions to rapidly improve website monetization and visitor experience with minimal investment of time and money.  DataSphere's solutions also incorporate broadcast TV content and process knowledge provided by its strategic partner Fisher Communications. The company is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington, USA and led by a team of Internet veterans with backgrounds from Amazon.com, IMDb, Microsoft, RealNetworks and AltaVista.

SOURCE DataSphere Technologies, Inc.