UNITED GOES OUTSIDE THE BOX, FINDS GEMS

With the May 5 launch of "The Knight Life" comic, United Media continues to diversify its cartoon lineup in a way not typical of most major syndicates. And all five of the eclectic cartoon features introduced by United since January 2007 have found some traction in daily newspapers -- a medium that has often shied away from syndicated content outside the so-called norm. United SVP/General Manager Lisa Kiem Wilson reports that the five cartoon features are doing OK considering today's tough economic conditions. Also, United has had some success selling the features to newspaper Web sites -- some of which allow slightly edgier content than in print editions. United may be more adventurous than several of its rivals when it comes to features launched since early 2007. But other syndicates have some older and newer cartoons that can push the envelope.