Universal Inks Partnership With AOL

Universal Pictures and America Online have reportedly formed a partnership to promote movies and sell tickets on the Internet. An Associated Press report said the pact means all new Universal
releases will be marketed across AOL's Web sites and will receive prominent placement in its movie-related areas, including AOL Moviefone, through which movie tickets can be bought online.

The alliance, announced Thursday, is the latest in an apparent AOL
signing spree. Last week Sears announced a marketing and product
development deal with the access and content provider, which also has
partnered with Wal-Mart, Circuit City and Blockbuster in recent
months.

"This is a significant statement that online is now a permanent part
of our marketing mix," Marc Shmuger, president of marketing for
Universal Pictures, told the AP.

He added that prominent display of Universal products will not be
affected by the pending AOL acquisition of Time Warner, which is the
parent company of Warner Bros., a major Universal competitor.

Reported by Newsbytes.com, http://www/newsbytes.com.