Yahoo’s launching a new, sponsored digital series hosted by Katie Couric called Cities Rising: Rebuilding America, sponsored by H&R Block. Couric will visit cities across the country that are making “comebacks.” She’ll start in Buffalo, N.Y. and head to New Orleans, Oakland, Houston, Pittsburgh, and Detroit in the six episode series. Lisa Utzschneider, chief revenue officer for Yahoo, says that viewers should expect more branded content like this:
We’re working with top brands like H&R Block that want to connect with our engaged consumers around high quality video content on Yahoo. Our audience is constantly looking for entertaining video programming from amazing storytellers like Katie Couric, and we’re delivering this for consumers along with unique opportunities for advertisers.
Viewers won’t miss who’s sponsoring the series or why: an H&R block video about filing taxes and getting your refund will air at the end of each episode. They’ll also use Yahoo Splash Ads in each episode. According to an official statement, Couric is happy about the initiative of having big brands like H&R sponsor Yahoo’s journalism:
I’m excited to have a chance to focus on what’s working and positive in the country right now, and it’s starting in many American cities that are finding new ways to reinvent themselves. Everyday people with big ideas are getting their communities back to work and thriving again, and we’re telling their stories with support from our sponsor H&R Block.
The episodes will be released every other week at yahoo.com/cities-rising.