MSNBC buys hyperlocal site EveryBlock

Posted by Leah McBride Mensching on August 18, 2009 at 11:10 AM

MSNBC.com on Monday bought EveryBlock, a start-up created by Adrian Holovaty that he funded by winning a two-year, US$1.1 million Knight News Challenge grant. The buy was for an undisclosed amount, likely in the low millions, The Inquisitr reported. Holovaty created the site in 2007.

The Chicago-based EveryBlock, which aggregates things like crime statistics, community news and restaurant inspection information, is a "low cost, hyperlocal model that actively competes with local newspapers."

The new ownership also puts cable television in the hyperlocal market, according to the Inquisitr. MSNBC.com is a joint venture between NBC Universal and Microsoft.

"We've known that the end was near for a long time because our grant was for a fixed period of time," Holovaty told the Chicago Tribune Monday. "I've been out there talking to funders in various shapes and forms for a while now."

Charlie Tillinghast, president of MSNBC.com, said the site is looking to increase its local news online, and EveryBlock's features and partnerships on the local level will help. The site will keep its original look, according to the Tribune.