Article: New Syndication Breed: Classmates.com hits TV; Reality show based on site gets backing from Best Western.(News)(Twentieth Television launches 'Classmates' based on the popular Web site)

Byline: WAYNE FRIEDMAN

News Corp.'s Twentieth Television this week begins testing a reality TV show based on the popular "Classmates'' Web site on 25 of its Fox-owned stations. "Classmates,'' along with next year's launch of "eBayTV,'' represents a new breed of syndicated TV programs seeking a promotional lift from strong Internet brands.

"Classmates'' will extend the franchise of Classmates.com, a site where school friends, lovers, prospective lovers and even enemies look to reacquaint themselves. "The idea has been around for years,'' said Michael Smith, president-CEO of Classmates Online. "It grew out of the member stories we got from people.''

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