Richmond, VA, June 1, 2010 — Leading Christian publisher Zondervan has reached an agreement naming Salem Web Network (SWN), the online division of the nation’s leading Christian media corporation, as the exclusive sales agent for BibleGateway.com.
“The reach that these two organizations will be able to offer advertisers is unequaled in today’s marketplace,” said Rachel Barach, General Manager of BibleGateway.com.
Zondervan, publisher of the world’s most popular modern English Bible (New International Version or NIV), is the custodian of the publisher-neutral BibleGateway.com, the number one biblical information site on the web.
“The combined audience of Salem Web’s national brands and BibleGateway.com will provide ministries and advertisers with a fantastic opportunity to reach the online Christian audience even more effectively,” said Jonathan Yang, Vice President of Sales for Salem Web Network.
Salem Web has seen steady growth over the past year through new website launches and acquisitions. With a reach of more than 10 million users each month, the online network has provided ministries and advertisers — including Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Liberty University and Gospel for Asia — with a highly engaged and interactive Christian audience. Salem’s knowledge and insight into the Christian audience and the reach of BibleGateway.com, with more than 8 million unique users each month, will give advertisers a unique opportunity get their message in front of the most engaging users online.
“We’re very excited about adding an audience the size of Bible Gateway’s to SWN’s network of sites such as Christian Faith Crosswalk.com, OnePlace.com , Christianity.com, Crosscards.com and other national brands,” said Tom Perrault, Senior Vice President of Salem Web Network. “Our ministry and advertising partners will benefit from the same solution-based expertise applied to much greater scale.”
About Salem Web Network
Salem Web Network, the online division of Salem Communications, began in 1999 with a single website – OnePlace.com. Today, SWN consists of 12 national sites, including the most well known brands in the faith marketplace, such as Christian faith, family, and fun – Crosswalk.com, Christian radio and ministry broadcasts online – OnePlace.com, Online Bible – BibleStudyTools.com, and Christian theology and foundations – Christianity.com. Additionally, more than 50 radio station websites are part of SWN’s platform, which now reaches more than 7 million users every month. Visit: www.salemwebnetwork.com.
About Salem Communications
Salem Communications (NASDAQ: SALM) is a leading U.S. radio broadcaster, Internet content provider, and magazine and book publisher targeting audiences interested in Christian and family-themed content and conservative values. In addition to its radio properties, Salem owns Salem Radio Network(R), which syndicates talk, news and music programming to approximately 2,000 affiliates; Salem Radio Representatives(TM), a national radio advertising sales force; Salem Web Network(TM), an Internet provider of Christian content and online streaming; and Salem Publishing(TM), a publisher of Christian-themed magazines. Upon the close of all announced transactions, the company will own 93 radio stations, including 59 stations in 23 of the top 25 markets. Additional information about Salem may be accessed at the company’s website, www.salem.cc.
About Zondervan
Zondervan is the world’s leading Christian publisher of books whose authors are noted for their excellence in the craft of writing as well as their worthy contribution to the ongoing global evangelical conversation. The works published by Zondervan not only confirm readers’ faith and understanding, they also challenge and stretch readers’ thinking. For more than 75 years, Zondervan has delivered transformational Christian experiences through general, ministry, and academic resources by influential leaders and emerging voices, and been honored with more Christian Book Awards than any other publisher. Headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., Zondervan resources are sold worldwide through retail stores, online, and by Zondervan ChurchSource, and are translated into nearly 200 languages in more than 60 countries. Visit Zondervan Books on the Internet at www.zondervan.com/books.
Contact:
Jonathan Yang, Vice President of Sales
(804) 205-9731
jonathan@salemwebnetwork.com
Kristie Wahlquist, Director of Marketing & SEO
(804) 205-9674
kristie.Wahlquist@salemwebnetwork.com
Tara Powers
(616) 233-0500
tpowers@lambert-edwards.com