‘Chat Rooms’ To Run Ads

Fri., March 7, 1997

Washington Post

America Online Inc. has opened its popular “chat rooms” to a new kind of visitor: advertisers.

The move was another major step in the company’s efforts to remake itself in the image of advertising-supported media companies. The plan is to sell banner ads in the electronic forums where users carry on live typed conversations.

The effort reflects AOL’s determination to generate new sources of revenue as it tries to lift itself out of the red.

The computer online service historically relied on revenue from subscriber fees but is now counting on advertising and online retailing to make it profitable over the long run.

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‘Chat Rooms’ To Run Ads

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

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