Some news-sharing alliances that emerged in 2008

A look at some of the news-sharing partnerships that emerged in 2008:

OHIO -- The state's eight largest newspapers have formed a loose alliance called the Ohio News Organization, or OHNO. Nearly a year old, the cooperative includes coverage of sports, state government and local events. Papers can use stories in print and link to the others' Web sites.

MAINE -- Five of the state's major newspapers launched a statewide alliance in September. Papers can use stories in print and link to the others' Web sites.

SOUTH FLORIDA -- The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post and the South Florida Sun-Sentinel began exchanging stories in September and extended that in late October to Treasure Coast Newspapers. Under the deal, made permanent in December, a paper that saw a basic news story on another's Web site could grab it for printed editions and link to it online. In recent weeks, the papers began coordinating and sharing longer features as well.

FLORIDA CAPITAL -- The Miami Herald and the St. Petersburg Times have agreed to combine their Tallahassee staffs. Although the two do not compete for circulation, their reporters have historically competed fiercely on stories. But both have trimmed staff and saw cooperation as a way to maintain and expand coverage.

TEXAS -- The Dallas Morning News and the Fort Worth Star-Telegram began sharing photos and such features as concert reviews in November. Talks continue on expanding the exchange. Possibilities include having only one paper send photographers to out-of-town Dallas Cowboys games.

TELEVISION -- In November, local television station groups owned by Fox and NBC announced plans to share video taken at news events like crime scenes and press conferences. Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas and Washington are the initial markets.

INTERNATIONAL -- The McClatchy Co., which includes The Miami Herald and The Sacramento (Calif.) Bee, started a three-month trial on Dec. 1 with The Christian Science Monitor to share coverage from Nairobi, Kenya, Caracas, Venezuela, New Delhi, India, and Mexico City. Items can be used in print or online.

MARYLAND -- The Washington Post and The (Baltimore) Sun announced in late December plans to exchange some of their Maryland news and sports articles. Exclusive stories and articles on competitive topics, such as Maryland state government and University of Maryland athletics, typically won't be shared. Papers can use each other's stories online after they have appeared in print in the originating newspaper.