-By Katy Bachman

Fisher Communications announced Monday (Feb. 1) it has invested $1.5 million in DataSphere Technologies, a company that provides the online platform for Fisher's network of hyperlocal Web sites in the markets where Fisher owns TV stations. The investment gives Fisher a minority equity stake in the company, which is based on Bellevue, Wash.

As part of the investment, Colleen Brown, president and Chief executive officer of Fisher joins DataSphere's board of directors.

Since last fall, Fisher has rolled out more than 100 neighborhood sites in Seattle; Portland and Eugene, Ore.; Bakersfield, Calif.; and Boise, Idaho.

In partnership with Fisher, DataSphere distributes the technology and sales solutions to other broadcast companies looking to establish hyper local sites.

"We are combining DataSphere's proven technology and sales solutions with our deep community connections and other traditional strengths to create a series of neighborhood Web sites that allow us to better serve our viewers, listeners and business partners and diversify our sources of revenue. We look forward to working with DataSphere to bring this successful platform to other local media companies across the country," said Brown.