Earlier this month, comScore released new data which showed that online classifieds are growing at a tremendous rate.  According to a report by iMedia Connection, "comScore Media Metrix released a study that found traffic to the online classifieds category has grown 47 percent in the past year to 37.4 million internet users, reaching about 22 percent of the total internet population. "

With the potential for such a huge audience, it's no wonder that some newspaper chains are making moves to enhance their online classified offerings.  One example is Cox Newspapers, which has recently rolled out click to call functionality across each of its sites, including AJC.com, PBPost.com and Statesman.com. 

As Greg Sterling notes, the deal will help sales and will be something of a differentiator for the newspapers in an increasingly competitive online classifieds environment.