AOL to Get $50 Million in Advertising Deal

America Online Inc. said it will receive $50 million over the next three years in return for selling its subscribers on travel, shopping and automotive services offered by CUC International Inc. The deal, one of the largest involving advertising in the online world, is AOL’s latest effort to reduce its reliance on monthly subscriber charges and shore up its financial position. Since December, the Vienna, Va.-based company has stopped charging many subscribers by the hour, forcing it to seek additional sources of revenue. Stamford, Conn.-based CUC sells merchandise, travel packages and other services at a discount to customers who buy memberships. AOL shares, which have been on a steady upswing in the last month, rose $3.125 to close at $60.50 on the New York Stock Exchange.