Schurz Communications selects multiplatform pair as digital partners

MISHAWAKA, Ind., April 24, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Schurz Communications, Inc., Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. (IB) and TownNews.com announced today an innovative, multi-year partnership to serve the multiplatform digital needs of Schurz's TV, newspaper and radio properties.

"In selecting the technology that will support the next phase of Schurz's digital growth and innovation, the ability to fully leverage content, data and workflow efficiencies across all of our properties – and with other media partners – was paramount," said Kerry Oslund, Schurz Communications' Vice President of Digital Media. "The IB-TownNews.com alliance meets the unique needs of broadcast and print publishers while removing the barriers that typically disrupt the free flow of information across platforms.  We are excited to be at the center of this innovative partnership."

Highlights of the agreement include:

• Two "best-of-breed" partners working together to interoperate their platforms and expand their services;
• An API-driven content exchange enabling sharing of content among Schurz properties and other publishers in compliance with embargos and distribution rules;
• Mobile capabilities, including adaptive frameworks and fully integrated workflows;
• A video CMS deployed across Schurz properties in support of seamless content sharing and optimal user experience; and
• Broad and robust development capabilities to support Schurz's digital initiatives.

After an exhaustive search for the right digital solutions, Schurz led two of its finalists to forge a unique alliance that will provide a "best of both worlds" solution for its TV, newspaper and radio properties. IB and TownNews.com, both leaders in their media platform markets, will carry this alliance forward to serve other publishers who require affordable, innovative and interoperable solutions.

With this partnership, IB and TownNews.com will work together to deploy a common set of tools for mobile, video and content sharing, including an interactive, API-driven content exchange. This exchange will enable Schurz to leverage its digital assets across all properties, platforms and partners while respecting content embargos and publishing rights.

"This partnership expands the set of solutions that TownNews.com and Internet Broadcasting are able to deliver to our respective clients and the markets we serve," said Marc Wilson, President and CEO of TownNews.com. "In an increasingly competitive environment, publishers demand access to the best and most engaging audience- and revenue-driving products available. Together we can help our clients set themselves apart."

"TownNews.com and Internet Broadcasting share a common vision and values," said Elmer Baldwin, President and CEO of Internet Broadcasting. "Our partnership will lead to a high degree of collaboration and cooperation in the years to come – benefiting our clients as well as our shareholders. We envision working together with the TownNews.com and Schurz teams to develop new, groundbreaking capabilities and sharing in the success as these capabilities are adopted by other media groups."

Schurz, IB and TownNews.com—in addition to sharing service offerings and integrating capabilities of their respective platforms for interoperability — will share certain account management, billing and administrative roles. IB will serve as the digital platform for Schurz's six TV broadcast news sites plus other specialty sites, and TownNews.com will serve as the digital platform for Schurz's newspaper and radio sites. All properties will have access to the others' content and will enable use by any consumer device through fully integrated mobile and adaptive frameworks.

About Schurz Communications, Inc.

Schurz Communications, Inc. is a diversified, privately-owned communications company based in the South Bend, Ind., area. It operates four other cable systems serving just under 90,000 subscribers (Coral Springs, FL, Hagerstown, MD, Sun Lakes, AZ and Maricopa, AZ). Schurz also publishes eleven daily and eight weekly newspapers, and it operates ten television stations in seven markets and thirteen radio stations in three markets. Schurz also owns a phone directory business and a printing company. Geographically, the company has a presence in Alaska, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, Missouri, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Virginia.

About Internet Broadcasting

Aiming to transform how broadcast media leaders engage and interact with their audiences, Internet Broadcasting offers scalable publishing solutions that power digital growth and strengthen consumer relationships. Internet Broadcasting solutions include an innovative SaaS-based digital publishing platform, original and syndicated content, and the IB Digital Agency, one of the largest digital advertising agencies.  Internet Broadcasting has had a long-term focus on serving local television companies with award-winning websites and services. Leading media companies such as Hearst Television, Turner Broadcasting, and The Washington Post Company's Post-Newsweek Stations group are clients.  Founded in 1996, Internet Broadcasting is headquartered in St. Paul, Minn.  For more information, visit www.ibsys.com.

About TownNews.com (www.townnews.com)

TownNews.com provides state-of-the-art online, publishing and revenue solutions to more than 1,500 news websites, producing more than one billion ad monthly impressions, and nearly three quarters of one billion page views monthly. Member newspapers include dailies, weeklies, shoppers and specialty publications from groups and independents in all 50 states and Canada. TownNews.com was founded as the International Newspaper Network (I.N.N.) in 1989. The firm's founder, Marc Wilson, serves as CEO and general manager. Lee Enterprises (NYSE: LEE) of Davenport, Iowa, became majority partner in 1996. TownNews.com is headquartered in Moline, IL.

SOURCE Internet Broadcasting