LEE ENTERPRISES PARTNERS WITH GARY VAYNERCHUK'S VEEFRIENDS TO PRODUCE EXCLUSIVE WEEKLY COMICS

Core Insights - Lee Enterprises Inc has partnered with VeeFriends to produce original comics that will be published weekly in its publications, marking a significant content expansion strategy [1][5] - VeeFriends, created by Gary Vaynerchuk, features a universe of 251 characters aimed at connecting with audiences through storytelling and positivity [2][6] - The comics will debut on February 23 and will include characters like Brave Bison and Empathy Elephant, designed to inspire and entertain readers [3][6] Company Strategy - Lee Enterprises is enhancing reader experiences through strategic content partnerships, with this collaboration being a key example of delivering premium content [5][6] - The partnership aims to engage audiences by integrating interactive elements, such as live drawing events and a Readers' Choice feature for fan contributions [4][6] Industry Context - The collaboration reflects a growing trend in the media industry to incorporate diverse content formats, such as comics, to attract and retain subscribers [5][6] - VeeFriends' focus on community-driven experiences and storytelling aligns with current consumer preferences for engaging and relatable content [2][7]