IRVINE, Calif. & KANSAS CITY, Mo.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Freedom Communications and Handmark® today announced a partnership in which Handmark will develop and support mobile apps for Freedom's newspapers and broadcast television stations.

"Freedom's ongoing development of mobile applications and advertising solutions dramatically improves how we reach and interact with local audiences"

Based in Irvine, Calif., Freedom Communications is a leading information and entertainment company supporting more than 100 publications, including daily newspapers, ancillary magazines and other specialty publications. The broadcast company's stations - five CBS, two ABC network affiliates and one CW affiliate - reach more than 3 million households across the country.

"Freedom's ongoing development of mobile applications and advertising solutions dramatically improves how we reach and interact with local audiences," said Burl Osborne, CEO at Freedom Communications. "Increasing numbers of people are using mobile devices to stay informed and connected within their communities, and Freedom's mobile offerings represent a tremendous opportunity to deliver personalized experiences while extending our trusted local content to new audiences."

The Orange County Register was the first Freedom location to launch its mobile app on April 2, which is available as a free download at ocregister.com/mobile. The application features top stories, video and photos, and users may customize what news topics or blogs appear in a "My News" tab. Information can also be stored for viewing later and offline viewing, and information may be shared via Facebook, Twitter, delicious or e-mail.

Handmark and Freedom will launch mobile apps for local CBS affiliate WPEC-TV 12 in West Palm Beach Fla., The Gazette in Colorado Springs, Colo. and The Daily Press in Victorville, Calif, in addition to other media properties in the coming months. These mobile applications will be available across all mobile browsers and smartphone devices, including iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, Windows Mobile devices and others.

Leading media brands and publishers continue to select Handmark based on its proven ability to develop and execute end-to-end mobile solutions. Handmark is an industry leader in the development, strategic distribution, monetization and on-going innovation across all the major mobile platforms, as well tablet devices such as the Apple iPad. The company's unique Mobile App Network also drives discovery and unique monetization opportunities for its partners.

"Our partnership with Freedom is a key milestone in expanding the way people connect with their most trusted local and regional news sources," said Paul Reddick, Handmark CEO. "We are excited to work with the Freedom team to innovate and broaden the experience for their customers, making their content more timely and accessible than ever before."

For more information about the Handmark Mobile Publishing Platform and the Mobile App Network, visit www.handmarkmobileapps.com.

About Freedom Communications

Freedom Communications, headquartered in Irvine, Calif., is a national privately owned information and entertainment company of print publications, broadcast television stations and interactive businesses. The company's print portfolio includes approximately 100 daily and weekly publications, including approximately 30 daily newspapers, plus ancillary magazines and other specialty publications. The broadcast company's stations - five CBS, two ABC network affiliates and one CW affiliate - reach more than 3 million households across the country. The Company's news, information and entertainment websites and mobile applications complement its print and broadcast properties. For more information, visit www.freedom.com.

About Handmark

Handmark a leading mobile media company, specializing in mobile solutions for publishers and media companies. Trusted by many of the world's leading media brands, Handmark delivers the industry's only full-service mobile publishing solution including development, distribution, monetization and on-going innovation across all major mobile platforms. Handmark continues to prove its leadership in delivering fun, engaging, valuable experiences for mobile customers leveraging its more than 10 years of experience.