CNN acquires Zite
02 Sep 2011
CNN has acquired technology company Zite, a news app for the iPad that gives users a personalised magazine-like experience.
The announcement was made by Jim Walton, president, CNN Worldwide, a division of Turner Broadcasting System, Inc, a Time Warner Company.
CNN has added Zite to its already robust portfolio of digital products as a separate, stand-alone business that will continue to innovate and provide users with the news and information they want.
''Zite represents the next generation of content discovery and personalized publishing, and CNN wants to help lead in that space,'' said KC Estenson, general manager, CNN Digital. ''We think we can advance the industry in a meaningful way that helps content creators expand their businesses while growing the distribution of a product that people already love. The Zite technology can also help CNN's Websites and apps serve more personalised content, making our current digital services even better.''
Zite is an iPad app that leverages deeper technology to provide an individually personalised experience. Zite surfaces content to users that they will find most interesting from a variety of sources across the Web by learning users' preferences and getting smarter as it's used.
''In CNN, we have found a partner who shares our vision and passion. Being part of the CNN family gives us the capital to grow Zite's business and continue to innovate in the space,'' said Mark Johnson, CEO of Zite.
Johnson will continue to run Zite's day-to-day operations from its headquarters in San Francisco and will report to Estenson. Founder Ali Davar will stay on board as Executive Director. Mike Klass will continue to lead Zite's technology R&D as CTO. Zite will be a wholly owned subsidiary of CNN.
Available for free on the iPad, users can download Zite from the App Store or iTunes.
