NEW YORK, NY -- August 2, 2001 -- The Online Publishers Association (OPA) announced today that membership is now open to any organization that demonstrates a commitment to publishing high-quality online content and meets its membership criteria.

Membership criteria are based on four core attributes: intent to create a sustainable Web publishing business; commitment to producing a significant portion of original content; adherence to the OPA mission statement and an ongoing demonstration of best practices; and the commitment of a senior executive to represent the organization upon acceptance into OPA. A more detailed list of membership criteria as well as a membership application form can be found online at www.online-publishers.org/membership.

In addition, OPA has elected its first set of executive officers. Martin Nisenholtz, CEO of New York Times Digital, was elected chairman of the organization, Sarah Chubb, president of CondeNet, was elected secretary, and Christopher M. Schroeder, CEO and publisher of Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, will serve as treasurer. Each of the elected officers will serve a one-year term.

"We are pleased to have these three industry leaders as our executive officers," said Michael Zimbalist, acting executive director of OPA. "Each represent organizations dedicated to the highest standards in online publishing, and as leaders of their online divisions, exemplify the level of commitment that OPA members bring to our association."

Martin Nisenholtz is currently CEO of New York Times Digital. Before being named to that post in June 1999, he served as president of The New York Times Electronic Media Company since June 1995. Prior to that, Mr. Nisenholtz served as director of content strategy for Ameritech Corporation, and from 1983-1994, worked at Ogilvy & Mather Worldwide, where he founded the Interactive Marketing Group -- the first creative development unit at a major U.S. advertising agency devoted specifically to interactive communication. Mr. Nisenholtz began his career in 1979 as an assistant professor and research scientist at New York University.

Sarah Chubb is president of CondeNet, a leading creator and developer of upscale lifestyle brands online. Prior to becoming president in April 2000, Ms. Chubb was director of CondeNet since 1996, where she led its expansion to the current roster of three destination sites, including Epicurious, Concierge and STYLE.com. Ms. Chubb has been involved in new and traditional media for more than 16 years and has held numerous positions, including associate publisher of Conde Nast's Allure advertising director of Allure, and advertising manager of Vogue, among others.

Chris Schroeder serves as CEO and publisher of Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive, the new media subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. Prior to becoming CEO and publisher in January 2000, Mr. Schroeder served as president and chief operating officer since October 1999. Previously, Mr. Schroeder was president and CEO of The Washington Post Company's LegiSlate, Inc., an online legislative and regulatory news and information service, which has since been sold. Mr. Schroeder joined The Washington Post Company in 1995 as director of corporate strategy and was later elected treasurer by the Board of Directors. Before joining the Company, he was a partner with Thayer Capital Partners in Washington, D.C., and before that, worked in investment banking with Salomon Brothers in New York.

About the Online Publishers Association

Founded in June 2001 by twelve of the Internet's leading content brands, the Online Publishers Association (OPA) is an industry trade organization whose mission is to advance the interests of high-quality online publishers before the advertising community, the press, the government and the public. Members of OPA represent the highest standards in Internet publishing with respect to editorial quality and integrity, credibility and accountability. For more information about the Online Publishers Association, visit www.online-publishers.org.

CONTACT:
Lisa Carparelli
Online Publishers Association
(917) 743-4537
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