From advising people on installing new backyard irrigation systems, windows and tile countertops to fixing broken washing machines, furnaces and doors, Popular Mechanics is a premier provider of home improvement information and has a long and respected history in assisting consumers with their "how-to" resources. KRD Real Cities users will have access to a wide-variety of Popular Mechanics home improvement specialty guides, illustrated how-to articles, and access to extensive searchable databases on power tools and outdoor power equipment, as well as relevant articles spanning hundreds of categories from the print and online versions of Popular Mechanics.

"Our strategy has always been to deliver the deepest content available to Real Cities users in dozens of markets from coast to coast," said Tim Lambert, vice president, sales and marketing for Knight Ridder Digital. "Popular Mechanics' comprehensive resources are a perfect match for Real Cities, and it is highly complementary to our Living channel offerings. Together we'll be able to provide consumers with value-added content while increasing the exposure of Popular Mechanics."

The unique partnership between Popular Mechanics and Knight Ridder Digital also includes programs to drive traffic to the Popular Mechanics site PM Zone located at www.popularmechanics.com, and subscriptions to Popular Mechanics through the promotion of future sweepstakes programs.

In addition to the new Popular Mechanics content, KRD Real Cities users will find helpful resources for all aspects of daily living in categories such as: gardening, home design, health, nutrition, drug & pharmacy, family vacations/travel guides, food, restaurant reviews, dining tips, recipes, education, school ratings, online learning, maps & directions, spa vacations and special occasion planning among many others.

Also available to consumers is the KRD Real Cities locally-created interactive service, "Ask The Expert," which provides professional advice and solutions-oriented data. "Ask The Expert" in the KRD Real Cities Home section now offers content in the areas of Window & Doors, Kitchen & Bath and Home Mortgage. The popular "Ask The Expert" service is also integrated throughout all channels within KRD Real Cities in the areas of Business, News, Sports, Entertainment and Classifieds.

Jay McGill, vice president/publisher, Popular Mechanics, says, "Popular Mechanics is pleased to partner with Real Cities Network to deliver our expert, time-tested home improvement advice to a wider audience."

The new Popular Mechanics content will be available on Real Cities Web sites listed below. Users can click on KRD's Real Cities Living channel, then select "Home" to view the content.

About Knight Ridder Digital and Real Cities

Knight Ridder Digital, a leader in local information and classified services on the Web, helps consumers make the most of their local online experiences on the Internet. Knight Ridder Digital develops and manages the Internet properties of Knight Ridder, the nation's second-largest newspaper publisher. Knight Ridder Digital is the founder and operator of Real Cities, the largest national network of city and regional Web sites.