by
Star Tribune Launches New iPad Application, with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota as Exclusive Sponsor for First Two Months
New medium allows a more intimate reading experience and introduces cross-platform advertising
MINNEAPOLIS (August 9, 2011) — The Star Tribune Media Company launched its iPad® application yesterday, adding to its growing number of platforms on which readers can consume their news. Combining the best of the market-leading Star Tribune newspaper and StarTribune.com website, the application showcases the work of Minnesota’s largest news-gathering organization, offering in-depth news coverage and high-impact photography and video.
“Our iPad application will engage Star Tribune readers in an entirely new way,” said Mike Klingensmith, publisher and CEO of Star Tribune. “The app is managed by a dedicated editorial team and will be updated frequently as news events dictate. It’s both a timely and an elegant, thoughtful reading experience.”
The demand for Star Tribune content continues to increase, with print circulation and online activity both up year-over-year. With more than 195,000 unique visitors currently viewing StarTribune.com on their iPads each month, the company is meeting the demand of digital users through this new platform.
All app downloads come with a complimentary subscription through October 16, courtesy of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, the app’s exclusive advertiser for the first two months.
Innovative cross-platform advertising model
The Star Tribune iPad app provides advertisers with an effective new medium for reaching the growing number of Minnesotans who use multiple platforms to receive their news. Most significantly, advertisers now have the chance to easily deploy cross-platform campaigns. Beginning in mid-October, for advertisers who purchase a half-page or larger full-run print ad in the newspaper, Star Tribune will seamlessly convert their ad to a format compatible with the iPad app, where it will also run.
“Consumers have many choices for how and when they interact with Star Tribune,” said Klingensmith. “By allowing advertisers to easily purchase cross-platform ads, we’re helping them extend their ad’s reach and connect with their target audiences most effectively.”
Star Tribune also has plans to introduce iPhone and Android applications this fall. “Star Tribune is dedicated to meeting our readers’ needs and providing ways for advertisers to leverage new opportunities,” said Klingensmith. “We will continue to provide the most comprehensive news, information and local perspective, across the widest range of platforms for all Minnesotans.”
About Star Tribune Media Company
Star Tribune Media Company is a locally owned and operated media company serving Minnesota and the upper Midwest. Minnesota is the only U.S. market in the top 10 in household income, home ownership, health and fitness, literacy, spending on the arts, credit scores and online activity. With the 14th largest daily circulation newspaper in the U.S., the most-visited local website, and Twin Cities Values, Star Tribune reaches more consumers than any other Minnesota media brand. For more information visit startribune.com or startribunecompany.com.