• September 30, 2008

More than 500 newspapers have signed up for the AP Member Marketplace, an online exchange that allows participants to exchange stories, photos and graphics, according to The Associated Press.

Launched in April, the service will add new capabilities Oct. 1 to provide members with greater flexibility in setting their exchange parameters and preferences. So far, the AP Marketplace has brought on 53 papers in Ohio, 45 in Pennsylvania and 26 in Texas, among the 20 states where 10 or more member newspapers have signed up.

The exchange is among other online efforts the AP has embarked on to remain relevant in the digital era. Most recently, it replaced Microsoft with Comcast subsidiary thePlatform to power its online video ad network.

Rollout of the new technology platform, to be completed by December, is expected to help network affiliates better showcase their news video. By creating its own online networks and exchanges, the AP hopes to compete with a growing array of ad networks eager to pull in cash-hungry newspapers.--Mark Walsh