WebProNews

Newspaper publishers Tribune Co. and Gannett Co. have entered into a joint venture to expand a national network of local entertainment Web sites.

The new company, Metromix LLC, will launch Metromix.com in 25 of the country's top 30 markets, and over 40 markets by the end of 2008. Metromix is a local guide to restaurants, bars, clubs, events, concerts and movies. The guide is currently available in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago.

"We are pleased to join with Tribune in expanding Metromix," said Jack Williams, president of Gannett Digital.

"Together we can take the established and successful Metromix brand and deliver it -- with local authenticity -- to all the nation's top markets. The concept is simple: make it fun, make it relevant, make it the place to go. That's what Metromix is all about."

Metromix was originally launched by the Chicago Tribune and recently had its 10th anniversary in that city. In cities where Gannett and the Tribune do not have operations they may partner with other media companies to act as local affiliates.

Metromix will be co-owned equally by Gannett and the Tribune. Financial terms of the venture were not disclosed.