A new statewide advertising network involving student newspapers on Ohio college campuses is taking shape and is targeted for launch later this month. Modeled after the existing 2 x 2 Network operated by ONA’s AdOhio subsidiary, the collegiate network will allow advertisers to focus on the younger demographics associated with college and university students.
The collegiate network will consist of a group of campus newspapers that agree to run the 2 x 2 display ads on a weekly basis. Student ad reps will have the option of selling into the network along with AdOhio staff. When an ad is sold by a staff member at one of the campus newspapers, that newspaper will retain 70% of the $600 ad rate, with the remaining portion sent to AdOhio. If revenues are sufficient, the participating newspapers may also receive a revenue-sharing check at year-end.
With signups continuing, the student newspapers at the following colleges and universities have committed to participate: U. of Findlay, Otterbein College, U. of Akron, Sinclair Community College, Kent State, Ashland U. and Ohio Wesleyan. Several others are expected within the next two weeks.
The collegiate ad network is the result of efforts by Chris Underation and Hillary Warren, advisors for the newspapers at the U. of Findlay and Otterbein College.
During AdOhio’s successful campaign to increase the 2 x 2 Network last summer, Underation expressed interest in having his newspaper join. The Pulse was the first campus newspaper to join ONA when a college and university membership category was created in 2007.
Warren hosted the organizational meeting to kick off recruitment for the collegiate ad network.
“We’re very excited about this new advertising program that will increase our involvement with college and university programs,” says Frank Deaner, ONA executive director. “This is a way to help campus newspaper staffs with revenue as well as helping them as they pursue careers in the newspaper business.”
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