Internet Broadcasting, a company that provides local Web sites, content and advertising to several media companies, introduced a new Web ad unit called a “hover ad.”

Anchored to the bottom of the user’s browser, the ad remains visible as the user scrolls up and down a Web page. The reader can minimize the ad at any time, leaving a branded button at the bottom of the screen that can be expanded or closed.

Post-Newsweek Stations is one of the first of IB’s media partners to test the new ad format. “[The IB hover ad] gives [advertisers] added visibility and branding — and provides a great new way to promote offers and special sales. We’ve been selling the IB hover ad in beta for three weeks and advertisers have already seen a return on their investment, which gives us an advantage over other Web sites in our market,” said Catherine Badalamente, director of digital media for Post-Newsweek Stations.

See the “hover ad” here.