Gannett Launches Unique High-Impact Gravity Ad Unit for Mobile After Desktop Success

MCLEAN, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) today launched the all-new mobile iteration of its groundbreaking advertising product Gravity, with the high-impact ad unit now available in the USA TODAY native applications for iOS and Android. Developed in-house by Gannett Digital, the Gravity technology revolutionizes how digital video advertising is developed in a customer-centric, integrated fashion on main section fronts across mobile. LG will be the first featured advertiser on this platform, starting today.

“As news consumption continues to migrate to mobile devices, we knew that it was important for us to move our Gravity unit to that platform as well”

An astounding 61% of Gannett desktop users across 140+ markets have interacted with Gravity advertisements in 2015. The 61% interaction rate is 143% higher than the 10.1% interaction rate garnered by IAB Billboard advertisements that have run across the online ecosystem (Moat 2014 Industry Standards Report).

“As news consumption continues to migrate to mobile devices, we knew that it was important for us to move our Gravity unit to that platform as well,” said David Payne, chief product officer, Gannett. “The data proves to us that consumers not only enjoy the experience, but are more inclined to interact with Gravity than any other advertising platform – giving both users and advertisers exactly what they need.”

The beautiful high-end video content from Gravity ads can be of any variety or length, and delivered with IMAX-like video playing automatically. Users can initiate sound by tapping an unmute button. Users can get to their news content at any point by simply scrolling down or clicking a “Get News” button at the bottom of the ad. Users will see the ads when engaged in the USA TODAY native application, and navigate from an article back to a section front (News, Sports, Life, Money, Tech, Travel, and Opinion). Users will only see the ad unit one time on any 24-hour period. Additionally, the ads can be triggered by the user clicking on a “leave-behind ad” on any of the standard section front ad spots.

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a next-generation media company committed to strengthening communities across our network. Through trusted, compelling content and unmatched local-to-national reach, Gannett touches the lives of nearly 100 million people monthly. With more than 110 markets internationally, it is known for Pulitzer Prize-winning newsrooms, powerhouse brands such as USA TODAY and specialized media properties. To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.

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Gannett Co., Inc.
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