Microsoft becomes exclusive third-party digital advertising provider of contextual and paid search ads for magazine-branded Web properties. REDMOND, Wash. and NEW YORK, July 7
REDMOND, Wash. and NEW YORK, July 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft
Corp. and Rodale Inc. today announced an agreement in which the two companies
will collaborate to deliver relevant advertising to Rodale's portfolio of
branded health, wellness and fitness Web properties. Under the agreement,
Microsoft becomes the exclusive third-party provider of contextual and paid
search advertising for Rodale's online network, including its key brands
MensHealth.com, WomensHealthmag.com, Prevention.com, RunnersWorld.com and
Bicycling.com.
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"Rodale is the authoritative source for trusted content in health, fitness
and wellness around the world and on the Web, and we are pleased to provide
our advertisers greater access to this valuable audience segment," said Scott
Howe, vice president of the Advertiser and Publisher Solutions Group at
Microsoft. "The inclusion of Rodale in our lineup of syndicated advertising
partners is a strong indicator that we're continuing to gain significant
traction with our advertising platform and further complements our vertical
expertise in health, finance, travel, autos and entertainment."
Microsoft implements innovative ad-serving technologies, contextual
advertising and paid search advertising capabilities through its adCenter
platform, an offering available via the Microsoft Advertising portfolio. The
contextual advertising offering helps advertisers connect with
health-conscious consumers in more effective ways by matching placements of
text-based ads with Rodale's editorial content. If a consumer visits
RunnersWorld.com or is reading an online article about running shoes or
equipment, he or she might be more likely to see an ad for running shoes than
an ad for a microwave oven, because of the content on the Web page. This
targeting functionality provides advertisers with an enhanced level of
audience segmentation, and gives consumers an improved and more relevant
online experience.
"Combining Microsoft's contextual advertising and paid search advertising
capabilities with our compelling content will provide additional value to our
visitors by ensuring the advertising they see is aligned with their
interests," said Daniele Campbell, associate vice president, Interactive
Marketing, Rodale.
Rodale's extensive range of health and wellness Web sites includes
MensHealth.com, Prevention.com, RunnersWorld.com,WomensHealthmag.com,
Bicycling.com, OrganicGardening.com, BestLifeOnline.com, RunningTimes.com,
iYogalife.com and MountainBike.com. All are expected to begin providing
Microsoft contextual advertising by the end of July, with paid search
advertising to follow at a later date.
About Rodale
Rodale is a global multi-platform media company with a mission dedicated
to the health and wellness of the individual, community and planet. The
company, which reaches more than 70 million people worldwide, publishes some
of the best-known health and wellness lifestyle magazines, including Men's
Health, Prevention, Women's Health, Runner's World, Best Life, Bicycling,
Running Times, and Organic Gardening, and is also the largest independent book
publisher in America with a collection of international titles, including The
South Beach Diet, An Inconvenient Truth and Eat This, Not That. Rodale's broad
range of media platforms includes magazines, books, video, and extensive Web
sites. The company is also a leader in direct-response marketing and has more
than 25 million active customers in its database. Visit the web site at
http://www.Rodale.com.
About Microsoft Advertising
Microsoft Advertising provides world-class advertising tools and solutions
for digital advertisers and publishers to drive brand and consumer engagement.
The portfolio includes all of Microsoft's digital advertising businesses: its
global media network that includes MSN, Windows Live, Office Live, Xbox LIVE,
Live Search, Facebook and more, and its global technology platforms and tools
that include Atlas, AdECN, adCenter, DRIVEpm, Massive and ScreenTonic, which
together create engaging digital advertising experiences for their consumers.
Microsoft Advertising helps make buying and selling media simple, smart and
cost-effective across media and devices in the Microsoft network of properties
and beyond, which spans 42 markets globally and 21 languages. Visit
http://advertising.microsoft.com for more information.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in
software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their
full potential.
SOURCE Microsoft Corp.
