Bundling video, blogging, and print with QR codes is paying off as the most successful program for Metroland in decades. In fact, the program generated $1 million in annual sales in the first three months, of its launch by ten community newspapers in York, Ontario in Canada. The program plans to have $8 million in new sales across its 100 plus newspaper sites by the end of the year. Here is a full break-down of the program. more

Looking for a simple way to monetize and reinvigorate a dining guide? Pottsmerc.com created online video profiles for its advertisers and gained significant incremental revenues. Here's a quick case study on how they did it, including how ad sales people can shoot videos, pricing the multi-media package, and how they handled "paid versus editorial" content online. more

The Journal Register Company (JRC) gives video cameras to sales reps and reporters. But what kind of training do sales people need to use the devices in the field? At the JRC-owned Pottstown Mercury, video sales projects range from multi-media dining guides to Bartender of the Year Contests. Jared Semet, Online Sales Manager, shared his video starter kit with us. Here are his tips and a few additional pointers to use training reps. more

Dallas-based Rev up launched its first Local Proud discount site in partnership with WKBW television in Buffalo and is actively seeking media partners in Dallas. The program uses a green "couponless coupon" theme and ties in with the shop local movement. National brands are not targeted. more

YellowBook.com is doubled 2009 online sales to $400 million in 2010. Since yellow page companies had a head-start on other media in transforming their companies lessons learned are relevant to all media types. At Borrell Associates Local Online Advertising conference, Patrick Marshall, Chief New Media officer, gave nine keys to their success. more

This platform comes with an extensive video ad library and editing tools. more

User-generated video news is difficult to get. KXJB television in North Dakota found a way to engage hundreds of viewers in submitting photos and videos. Their site, valleynewslive.com, partners with younews.com to allow citizen journalists to submit videos of weather conditions nearby. more

Shycast, a provider of large scale contest software (apartments.com is a client) is entering the local marketplace. As "proof of concept" it launched the Shop Local Video Contest in its hometown, Princeton. Here's how the contest works. more

Yellow page directory companies got a head-start on other media in transforming their companies to interactive media. In particular, YellowBook.com is on track to double 2009 online sales to $400 million in 2010. At Borrell Associates Local Online Advertising conference, Patrick Marshall, Chief New Media officer, gave ten keys to success. more

Straight from the Borrell Associates' 2010 Local Advertising conference, we selected the ten strategic areas that all local media companies need to focus on this year, from search to promotions, from domain name strategies to politics. more