Mountain View, CA, August 1, 2001 - Netscape Communications, a subsidiary of AOL, Inc. (NYSE: AOL), today announced the launch of Netscape.com's redesigned News channel, which features a clean, new look that allows easier access to a wide range of news sources, including CNN.com and Time.com, along with in-depth news coverage and analysis from a variety of partners. In addition, the redesigned channel more closely integrates Netscape's popular online tools including e-mail, message boards and online polls with specific news coverage.
With easier navigation and more focused top-line news coverage, the News channel now offers more opportunities to showcase a greater depth and variety of news content from Netscape's many content partners. The redesign also features an expanded presence for up-to-date, breaking news and analysis from news leaders CNN.com and Time.com, giving Netscape visitors a greater choice of the highest-quality news available. Articles and information from an array of other top content providers, including AP, Reuters, CBS MarketWatch, weather.com, ZDNet News, AOL's Government Guide, Mondo Mini Shows, and iPipe - which provides comics, columnists and editorial cartoons - are also featured prominently throughout the site.
Netscape's online tools and services are also more tightly integrated with articles and features throughout the News Channel. The new layout makes it easier to discuss, debate and speak out on a wide variety of current news events. For example, visitors who find a news story to be of particular interest will be able to click the "Talk About It" icon below the story's headline and enter into a message board discussion of that topic. Or, click on "Email This Article" to send an electronic copy to a friend. In addition, an expanded "News Lookup" feature offers instant access to recent coverage from AP and Reuters on any news topic they choose, while the ever-present Netscape Toolbar provides a quick and easy way to access Netscape's Instant Messaging, WebMail and Search wherever they are on the News channel.
The News Channel has also increased the depth and breadth of its coverage of a full range of topics with expanded news departments providing in-depth coverage of Politics, Science, Space, U.S. and International Events, and even local news and comics. The Department pages are all easily accessible via a navigation bar featured prominently on the left of the News Channel main page.
The News Channel is the first in a series of redesigned channels that will be rolled out on Netscape.com over the course of the Summer and Fall, providing greater choice and increased access to the information users want most, all from one online destination.
"The redesigned News channel on Netscape.com provides visitors with a greater variety of top quality information that's easier to find -- with enough in-depth coverage to satisfy even the most demanding news hound," said Susan Mernit, Netscape's Vice President of Programming and Design. "We are especially pleased with the tight integration of Netscape tools, along with the enhanced presence of CNN and Time.com on the News channel, which now gives our visitors access to the most up-to-date news and analysis while showcasing the cross company synergies we have achieved at AOL Time Warner."
In addition to its new look, the News channel also offers more in-depth coverage of the hottest news topics, providing a variety of in-depth reports on today's current events. For example, "Special Reports" combines the most talked about news stories with a variety of supporting articles, special features, multimedia clips and even photo galleries from all of Netscape.com's content providers.
"We are pleased to be working with Netscape and Time.com to take the Netscape News channel one step further," said Mitch Gelman, senior vice president and executive producer at CNN.com. "Now that Netscape's tools such as message boards and e-mail are even more closely integrated with our quick and comprehensive news coverage, visitors to Netscape.com will have a richer overall news experience."
"We're proud to be an anchor of the new Netscape news area along with CNN.com. They're both great brands, and the redesign is a win-win for Netscape users," said Richard Stengel, Editor of TIME.com
About Netscape
Netscape Communications is a leading provider of tools and services wherever people go on the Internet. Netscape pioneered the development of world-class Web browsers, including Netscape 6, and offers a full range of convenient Web applications. Netscape.com is one of the most visited sites on the Internet with more than 40 million registered users. Netscape Netbusiness ranks among the fastest-growing Internet destinations for small business owners. A subsidiary of AOL Inc., Netscape is based in Mountain View, California. Additional information on Netscape is available on the Internet at http://home.netscape.com, by sending e-mail to info@netscape.com or by calling 650-254-1900.
Netscape and Netscape logo are registered trademarks of Netscape Communication Corporation in the United States and other countries.
