• by Fern Siegel , June 15, 2010

Gannett Broadcasting is launching hyper-local Web sites in 10 markets served by its TV stations.

The media giant has teamed with DataSphere Technologies to kick off sites in Atlanta, Tampa, Washington, D.C., Grand Rapids, Jacksonville, Fla., Buffalo, LIttle Rock, Portland, Maine, and Macon, GA.

Individual Gannett TV sites will be integrated with the community sites to benefit both consumers and advertisers. Users can access local news content and events, while businesses can target specific customers.

There's no timetable on when the new sites will appear.

DataSphere has worked in the station Web arena before, with Raycom, LocalTV, Hubbard and Fisher Communications to generate online ad profits.

The Gannett agreement implements DataSphere LocalNet service, which currently provides technology, advertising and sales capabilities for seven media companies and more than 300 community sites.

Dave Lougee, president of Gannett Broadcasting, said the partnership gives viewers and advertisers "an easy way to keep up with local events and connect with each other."

Gannett operates 23 TV stations in 19 U.S. markets.