• by Gavin O'Malley  @mp_gavin, April 24, 2009

Gannett Co. on Thursday announced the formation of a digital media network, which ties together roughly 100 digital communities with a combined reach of some 25 million people.

Included in the network are Gannett's various news and information sites, led by USAToday.com. It also includes the local sites for Gannett's network of newspaper and broadcast properties, such as AZCentral.com and IndyStar.com.

With the network, "we can combine the broad reach of our network with the engagement and affinity found on local sites," said Josh Resnik, vice president and general manager of the Gannett Digital Media Network, in a statement.

Beyond news and information, the Gannett Digital Media Network has been designed to help marketers build relationships with audiences on a variety of niche sites, including MomsLikeMe.com, HighSchoolSports.net, local entertainment guide Metromix.com, and action sports destination BNQT.com.

In addition, the newly launched Gannett Digital Media Network plans to leverage in-house technologies from rich media unit PointRoll, retail specialist ShopLocal, and Ripple6, its enterprise class social media platform.

"Advertisers are seeking new ways to reach consumers online, and we have integrated those solutions," said Resnik. "We are fortunate to be so closely aligned with leaders in the digital marketing space."