© powerbooktrance

Associated Press CEO Tom Curley this week announced the formation of the Mobile News Network, a smartphone-specific news platform.

"We are working with Apple on iPhone design and functionality and promotion of the Mobile News Network, which will likely involve house ads in participating member media," Curley said. "While the mobile site was designed specifically for the iPhone, it readily can be ported to other smart phones."

"Mobile News Network will be free and ad-supported," notes Will at IntoMobile. "The advertising revenue will be split 50/50 between the AP and the publishing newspaper, giving struggling newspapers another revenue stream to help boost their bottom line."

"The network will be the first product to be released by the AP's Digital Cooperative, a program designed to find new digital outlets for the news and information produced by AP members," according to Editor & Publisher. "The network is being tested with a limited number of Digital Cooperative members, and is expected to launch publicly by the summer with a broader participant base."

More here from the Washington Post ... more here from iPhone Matters ... more here from NewsFactor ... more here from Media Buyer Planner ... more here from Broadcasting & Cable ... and the press release is here.