KING5.com inks deal with CityVoter

The local directory service CityVoter has landed a big TV client: KING5.com is now using CityVoter to power its ongoing “Best of Western Washington” contest. CityVoter’s approach is to use a “best of” contest — leveraged by on-air promotion — to build a local business directory with user reviews. Businesses can also log in to update and enhance their listings. In addition to powering partner listings, CityVoter is also a standalone local business directory. Press release follows below. (Full disclosure: I worked at KING5.com until May of this year but had no role in the CityVoter deal.)

PRESS RELEASE — Sept. 16, 2008 — KING 5 announces the 16th Annual Evening Magazine’s Best of Western Washington contest and the launch of KING 5’s Best Guide, powered by CityVoter. CityVoter welcomes KING 5 to the growing CityVoter client community, which includes leading media companies in more than 30 percent of the top 50 DMAs.

KING 5’s Best guide (www.king5.com/best) will feature descriptions, photos, maps and comments on Pacific Northwest treasures. The guide is kicking off with the 2008 Evening Magazine Best of Western Washington competition which invites people to nominate, vote and comment on their favorite spots, locals and businesses. In addition, businesses can now log in to the guide to easily create, manage, and promote their own web profile, at no charge.

Beginning September 15, visitors to www.king5.com/best can vote, nominate and comment on their choices for the best in Western Washington. The four-week contest ends October 13; winners will be announced online and featured on Evening Magazine the week of October 27. After voting ends, all the winners and nominees will be featured on KING 5’s Best Guide, offering visitors the inside scoop on Western Washington’s finest.

“Evening Magazine’s Best of Western Washington has always been a great way for people to recognize the folks and places that make the Pacific Northwest unique,” commented KING 5 President and General Manager Ray Heacox. “CityVoter’s technology and innovative approach is the perfect complement to our long running tradition and commitment to providing our community with information to enhance their daily lives.”

“As the first television station in the Northwest, KING 5 is considered one of the strongest in the country,” said Josh Walker, CityVoter’s founder and CEO. “We are thrilled to partner with them to support their contest and develop KING 5’s Best, a year-round guide to the best of Western Washington.”