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Ad execs get the message

The Internet Advertising Bureau, a 4-month-old trade group for ad-supported Web sites and online services, reports that 71 companies have signed on as charter members.

CNET News staff
The Internet Advertising Bureau, a 4-month-old trade group for ad-supported Web sites and online services, reported today that 71 companies have signed on as charter members.

These members represent most of the major players in the interactive realm, accounting for an estimated two-thirds of the ad revenue generated from online ad sales. In addition to ad-supported companies, its associate members include firms that provide research, accounting, auditing, legal, and other support services to the Internet ad industry.

The bureau's goal is "making the Internet a credible medium for advertisers," said Rich LeFurgy, acting chairman of the organization's steering committee and vice president at Starwave.

Other members of the committee include ad executives from Infoseek, Juno Online Services, Microsoft, Prodigy, Softbank Interactive, Time Incorporated New Media, Turner Interactive Marketing & Sales, and CNET: The Computer Network.

The bureau's next general meeting will be held December 11 in New York City to coincide with the Internet World convention. There, the group will reveal results from its industry advertising revenue reporting program, administered by Big Six accounting firm Coopers & Lybrand.

The group also extended its charter membership period through September. Information on the Internet Advertising Bureau is available via email from iab@edelman.com.

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