SAN JOSE, C.A., February 13, 2001 | Real Cities, the premier network of city and regional Web sites, today announced the launch of its fourth annual everything-Oscars online destination. With the addition of on-demand video coverage of Oscar season, Real Cities continues to deliver innovative Oscars coverage to its network of local and regional Web sites. In addition to watching video coverage of the Awards show, Oscar fans will have the opportunity to view on-demand video clips from the nominations, the Oscars luncheon and the Vanity Fair after-show party. Real Cities' coverage of the 73rd Academy Awards also consists of pre and post-show news and entertainment features including:
* Interactivity: discussion forum, weekly Oscar trivia quizzes, movie trailers, screen savers
* News and resources: nominations coverage, celebrity interviews, non-stop gossip, Oscar predictions, movie reviews
* Fashion: runway slide shows, best/worst-dressed star polls
Real Cities' Oscars Web site can be accessed directly by visiting www.realcities.com/rc/entertainment/oscars, or by visiting Real Cities' local and regional Web sites. Coverage of the Oscars complements Real Cities' strong localized online entertainment services, including weekend planners that provide information and reviews on movies, restaurants, festivals, stage performances, live music, clubs and much more.
"The Oscars are more than just one night of celebration," said Judi Morrissey, online entertainment manager, KnightRidder.com. "From the announcement of the nominees to awarding the last statuette, the Oscars are an international phenomenon coming from one of the few places on earth that transcends geography, Hollywood. The Web is the perfect place for people worldwide to be involved with the Oscars, and RealCities.com is the most convenient address on the Web for them to do that."
About Real Cities
Real Cities consists of a unique partnership network that brings together the best strengths of leading U.S. media and Internet companies including KnightRidder.com, A. H. Belo Corporation, E.W. Scripps Co., Macromedia, Inc. and Blade Communications. Real Cities sites offer local information in a variety of categories including breaking news, business, travel, health, sports, traffic updates, shopping, classifieds, entertainment, community publishing and live interviews and commentary. Through a partnership with Palm, wireless users have access to Real Cities' local information. Among Real Cities' member Web sites are BayArea.com, Cincinow.com, DFW.com, Indy.com, KansasCity.com, Kentucky.com, Miami.com, Philly.com, PittsburghFirst.com, PhoenixAZ.com, Charlotte.com, TwinCities.com and NorthJersey.com.
Press contacts:
Cynthia Mallen Funnell, KnightRidder.com, (408) 938-6076, cfunnell@realcities.com
Bill Maxfield, PRx Inc. for KnightRidder.com, (408) 350-0796, bill_maxfield@prxinc.com
