Gannett Acquires Social Media Firm Ripple6

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on November 14, 2008 - 10:13am.

McLean, Va. - Gannett (NYSE: GCI), the publisher of USA Today and 84 other daily papers, said that it has paid an undisclosed amount to acquire Ripple6, a New York-based provider of social media technology and analytics.

Ripple6, which will become a unit of Gannett, currently powers the company's MomsLikeMe.com sites, which recently rolled out in 80 local markets.

It also powers social media properties for Procter & Gamble and the soon to be launched MixingBowl.com, Meredith Corp.'s social network focused on meals and meal planning.

Using Ripple6's platform, site publishers can offer their users various social networking capabilities, while also generating incremental revenue.

The move is part of an effort by Gannett to expand its digital business at a time when newspaper circulation and revenue is on the decline.

Last month, Gannett announced plans to cut about 10% of jobs -- upwards of 3,000 positions -- at its local papers.