Tribune Joins Gannett In Joint Metromix Expansion

By: Joe Strupp Gannett Co. Inc. and The Tribune Company announced a joint venture that will expand the Metromix brand of entertainment sites to a national network.

The newly formed company, Metromix LLC, will launch Metromix.com in the top 30 U.S. media markets, along with other key metro areas, a joint release stated. Terms were not disclosed, but the new entity will be equally owned by both companies.

Metromix, currently available in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and other Tribune markets, is a "one-stop guide to restaurants, bars, clubs and events," the release states.

"Gannett and Tribune are a powerful combination of deep local market experience, superior content and national scale," said Tim Landon, Tribune Interactive president. "With this partnership, we can grow Metromix into a true national brand, adding value for advertisers who want to reach a highly desirable demographic."

Jack Williams, Gannett digital president, also praised the move, noting: "Together, we can take the established and successful Metromix brand and deliver it -- with full authority -- to all the nation's top markets."

Originally launched by the Chicago Tribune, Metromix is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, officials said.