Tribune Co. creates Tribune Interactive, consolidating online operations of four newspapers and 17 television stations. Having long ago consolidated online operations, Knight Ridder in June hinted at at a possible spinoff for the first time. While none of the online units are profitable, neither are they financial black holes. Three major newspaper publishers announce portal plans. Read more .
Auctions go local.
Another audiotex service folds. Microsoft continues shifting its online strategy from content creation to software sales. The auction craze moves into employment. Two newspapers begin another chapter of the e-book push. In order to better serve advertisers, Thomson Newspapers merges its Thomson Interactive Media and Thomson Target Media units.