An exciting new media partnership has been formed between WDIV/LOCAL 4, Michigan's oldest and best-known television station and the Detroit Free Press, the No. 1 newspaper in the state.

The two news organizations will join forces in local news and weather coverage, special projects and political polling, according to a joint announcement made by the station and the newspaper.

"LOCAL 4 and the Free Press each have a long and rich history of service to the citizens of Metro Detroit. This new relationship will allow us to enhance that history as we collaborate on news stories and take advantage of each newsroom's resources," said WDIV's Vice President and General Manager Steve Wasserman.

"One of the most exciting concepts already in the works is The Michigan Poll, which will be a far reaching effort to take the pulse of the region's citizens on subjects such as politics and the economy," added Wasserman.

LOCAL 4 meteorologist Chuck Gaidica's daily forecast will begin to appear in the Free Press next week as well as Ruth Spencer's consumer column and Kim Adams' health reports. Free Press reporters and columnists will be lending their expertise to LOCAL 4's daily newscasts.

Free Press Vice President and Editor Paul Anger and WDIV's Vice President and News Director Neil Goldstein will jointly oversee the partnership.