02/05/24: Cynopsis Media Tech Update

Medias First Morning Read

 

Monday February 5, 2024

Tech industry CEOs were in the crosshairs during a D.C. hearing last week focused on the sexual exploitation of children online. Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg, X’s Linda Yaccarino, TikTok’s Shou Chew, and Snap’s Evan Spiegel acknowledged the horrors of the issue, and outlined the safety measures being taken. But that wasn’t enough to satisfy senators backing legislation that increases platform liability and criminal enforcement. Calling for the repeal of Section 230, a provision that protects platforms from liability for third-party content, Sen. Lindsay Graham told Zuckerberg, “I know you don’t mean it to be so, but you have blood on your hands. You have a product that is killing people.”

X is opening an office in Austin aimed at stopping the spread of child sexual exploitation material. The “Trust and Safety center of excellence” will have 100 full-time content moderators, who will also enforce restrictions on hate speech and violent posts.

Meta reported revenue for 4Q23 of $40.1 billion, up 25% and ahead of analysts’ expectations. After a drive for efficiency that cost the company 22% of its jobs, CEO Mark Zuckerberg said, “Our communities are growing and our business is back on track.” Meta also announced its first cash dividend, news that sent shares up more than 14% in after-hours trading.

Amazon also topped forecasts with ad revenue up 14% year-over-year and revenue of $170 billion. “As we enter 2024, our teams are delivering at a rapid clip, and we have a lot in front of us to be excited about,” said CEO Andy Jassy.

Apple reported a better-than-expected 2% rise in overall fiscal sales for the quarter, after four straight quarters of sales declines. For its fiscal first quarter ended December 30, the company reported sales of $119.58 billion and profit of $2.18 per share. Sales of iPhones hit $69.70 billion, growing 6%.

Amazon introduced Rufus, a generative AI-powered shopping assistant trained on Amazon’s product catalog and information from across the web. With Rufus, launched in beta and rolling out to additional US customers in the coming weeks, customers can ask questions about products, shop by occasion, compare products and get recommendations. TikTok is testing a new feature that would link products to posts on the app, facilitating shoppable content, reports Bloomberg. The feature can identify objects in user videos and then encourage viewers to find similar items on TikTok Shop, the company’s e-commerce offering. Presented with a page of products, users can click to buy

Sports and entertainment company Endeavor announced the integration of its sports betting and data businesses, OpenBet and IMG ARENA, under the OpenBet banner. The integrated entity will marry OpenBet’s betting technology, content and services and IMG ARENA’s data rights and capabilities to create an end-to-end sports data, technology and content ecosystem for betting operators and rightsholders.

Nearly twice as many (88%) of Gen Z consumers use a smartphone to watch video in a typical week as they use a traditional MVPD set top box (48%), according to Hub’s annual “Video Redefined” survey. Results indicate that unlike their older counterparts for whom TV and movies still dominate entertainment time, Gen Z devotes as much time to gaming (23%), social media (14%), and non-premium video (19%) as they do to traditional TV and films. “This presents one more challenge to legacy media companies as they navigate the future of the video ecosystem,” said Mark Loughney, Senior Consultant for Hub. “It would be futile for them to try to claw back time from non-traditional platforms, so instead media companies should look to social media as opportunities to reach Gen Z with premium content.”

A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Comcast Cable Communications discontinue use of the term 10G in the product service name “Xfinity 10G Network” and when 10G is used descriptively to describe the Xfinity network. The advertising had been challenged by Verizon Communications. The NARB panel concluded that 10G expressly communicates at a minimum that users of the Xfinity network will experience significantly faster speeds than are available on 5G networks, and that claim is not supported because the record does not contain any data comparing speeds experienced by Xfinity network users with speeds experienced by subscribers to 5G networks.

ITV Studios has joined forces with Dutch-based Skoon Energy, the AI-powered software platform for clean mobile energy, to help deliver its Net Zero plans globally. The partnership calls for Skoon Energy to provide energy expertise and software tools to ITV Studios’ 60 plus production labels worldwide. It will simplify the implementation of clean power solutions, as well as offering access to their clean mobile energy systems that will share data insights on production emissions.

Dish Media has adopted the Unified ID 2.0 (UID2) identity solution across its suite of traditional satellite TV and OTT services. Pioneered by The Trade Desk, UID2 enables targeted advertising with greater precision and measurement across the open internet. By integrating UDI2 across its SlingTV and Dish Connected products, advertisers can build their media buys around Dish Media’s first-party data. Dish Connected was launched last spring and allows Dish TV’s live linear inventory to be executed in real-time, programmatically. In a statement, Dish Media SVP Kevin Arrix said the partnership “ushers in a new era of privacy-conscious, yet impactful, advertising experiences.”

WME has partnered with AI developer Vermilio to protect the talent agency’s clients from intellectual property (IP) theft and to help them monetize their image and likeness. Vermilio’s TraceID platform will store their current and future data, allowing them to track and authenticate the use of their IP, including their likenesses and voice.

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ADVERTISING

NBCUniversal has launched an automated precision tool, “Spot On Automotive,” for local auto advertisers buying premium CTV video for the first time. Enhanced with global marketing tech company Constellation, NBC Spot On connects local auto dealers to the brand safe video marketplace across Peacock, NBCU properties and select premium third-party video publishers. Volkswagen of America is the first brand partner. “At NBCUniversal, we like to say – to think globally, you have to act locally. Because local markets hold immense influence with audiences wherever they are,” said Shawn Makhijani, SVP of Business Development and Strategy & NBC Spot On, NBCUniversal Advertising & Partnerships. “By leveraging the power of NBC Spot On’s offering including Peacock, the industry’s most complete streamer, and pair it with Constellation’s seamless and effective buy-side management operations, we are able to transform what the future of local advertising can look like in the auto space.”

There are two CTV viewers for every one linear viewer in the US, and while 45% of ad budgets are moving to streaming globally, political media budgets continue to be dominated by broadcast television, accounting for 58% of spending in the 2020 election cycle, 53% in 2022, and an anticipated 51% in 2024. That’s according to AdImpact report, “Tipping Point: How the Shift of Live Sports to Streaming Is Accelerating the Growth of CTV Advertising” report. “Reach is a key currency for political advertising campaigns,” said Kyle Roberts, CEO of AdImpact. “With the rise of premium inventory on streaming platforms, political advertisers now have a wider range of opportunities to access targeted viewers directly.”

Clinch announced its integration with Google Ad Manager’s Creative Transcoding API, allowing videos to be served to various media owners that utilize Google Ad Manager DAI. “Our partnership with Google represents a significant step forward in streamlining ad campaigns and making ad serving more efficient and effective,” said Charel MacIntosh, Head of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Clinch. “This collaboration allows us to continue to deliver personalized video ad content with the utmost efficiency, enhancing the viewing experience for users while ensuring better outcomes for advertisers and publishers.”

TEGNA announced that Premion, its CTV/OTT advertising platform for regional and local advertisers, has closed on the acquisition of Octillion Media, a demand-side platform focused on local CTV/OTT advertising. “Octillion is precisely the type of smart bolt-on acquisition we have long considered to accelerate our already successful organically grown Premion business,” said Dave Lougee, President and CEO, TEGNA.

STREAMING

Syncbak is launching Zeam, a free streaming home offering updates on news, sports, and culture from local television stations across the country. Zeam has so far gotten buy-in from nearly 300 stations and 30 groups including Gray, CBS, News Press & Gazette, Hearst and Morgan Murphy. An eight-figure marketing campaign, including localized Super Bowl ads featuring John Stamos, will air across the country in different markets. “As viewers and the industry continue to migrate to streaming, local television stations need to find a way to build a sustainable business that helps them not just survive but thrive in the streaming age,” said Jack Perry, the CEO and founder of Syncbak. “That’s why we are launching Zeam, which not only serves as a master connector between stations, advertisers and viewers, but will also redefine what a successful model for local OTT looks like by breaking down the biggest obstacles local stations face in streaming – cost and complexity.”

Following in the footsteps of Netflix and Disney+, Hulu is cracking down on password sharing. Customers were informed the service is “adding limitations on sharing your account outside of your household.” The terms go into effect on March 14 for existing subscribers.

“Priscilla” starts streaming Friday, February 23 on Max. Written and directed by Sofia Coppola, the film is based on the book Elvis and Me by Elvis Presley’s ex, with Sandra Harmon.

Netflix secured a deal for buzzy Sundance documentary “Will & Harper.” The film follows Will Ferrell on a road trip with a lifelong friend who has transitioned.

Cynopsis Team

Lynn Leahey
Editorial Director
@Lynn_Leahey

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

Robbie Caploe
VP/Group Publisher
@robertacaploe

Executive Director of Sales
Albert Nassour
917-545-3129
Cynopsis Job Listings Sales
Rob Hudgins

CynopsisJobs
Check out more jobs in Cynopsis Classifieds »
Job of the day
SR. DIRECTOR, DISTRIBUTION COUNSEL
A+E NETWORKS
(Remote)

Partner with distribution attorneys/distribution team to achieve maximum value and rights from strategic deal development through drafting. Negotiate legal distribution deal terms and rights for the linear networks, TVE, VOD, OTT, SVOD, FAST and digital across all platforms. Min. 10 years relevant television/cable network legal distribution exp. Full info HERE

SVP-DIGITAL REVENUE DEVELOPMENT
>>
NEXSTAR/IRVING, TX: Work collaboratively with the Broadcast Leadership Team to lead sales strategies across all stations, divisions, and platforms. The role will work with station leadership, the National Sales Organization, and directly with clients to drive optimal revenue opportunities for all of Nexstar’s digital channels. Full info HERE

CLIENT SOLUTIONS COORDINATOR

UP ENTERTAINMENT
NEW YORK, NY

Play a pivotal role in providing project management and administrative oversight for the UP & Aspire Client Solutions Ad Sales team as well as develope and execution of linear and digital sponsorships, ensuring all elements related to the sponsorships are coordinated, scheduled, and executed correctly. Full info HERE

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF AD SALES
>>
HAYSTACK NEWS/NYNY, LA, CHICAGO: Responsible for developing large, meaningful partnerships to drive strategic and creative solutions for clients. You relish the opportunity to help advertisers build their brands by supporting the world’s most premium news publishers. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

INTERSECTION
LOS ANGELES, CA

Drive new revenue for our media around Los Angeles and beyond as well as building relationships with prospects and clients. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DIRECT RESPONSE >>
OPPORTUNITY MEDIA/NY(REMOTE/HYBRID):
Seeking an energetic achiever with excellent written & organizational skills for role to assist in growing revenue for dynamic Direct Response Team: required: BA Degree, Min 2 yrs DR Experience. Bilingual (English/Spanish) Wide Orbit Exp a +. Full info HERE

MEDIA COORDIATOR DIRECT RESPONSE >>
OPPORTUNITY MEDIA/NY(REMOTE/HYBRID):
Seeking an energetic achiever with excellent written & organizational skills for role to assist in growing revenue for dynamic Direct Response Team: required: BA Degree, Bilingual (English/Spanish) Wide Orbit Exp a +. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

INTERSECTION
SEATTLE, WA

Grow in billings, income, and experience on a team that continues to lead our industry. Take your career to the next level with a company that is transforming cities and delivering on our promises to our clients and to our long-standing Municipal and Transit Authority partners. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
INTERSECTION
PORTLAND, OR

Grow in billings, income, and experience on a team that continues to lead our industry. Take your career to the next level with a company that is transforming cities and delivering on our promises to our clients and to our long-standing Municipal and Transit Authority partners. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, AD SALES >>
FUSE MEDIA/NEW YORK, NY:
Support the Ad Sales team by prospecting, selling and expanding the Company’s advertising revenue base. The candidate will have a strong media sales background with a network of industry clients and prospects as well as establish a book of business and exceed pre-established activity and sales quota utilizing CRM tools to document sales activity. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, EAST COAST ADVERTISING SALES

THE ALLEN MEDIA GROUP
NYC (Hybrid)

Responsible for coverage of assigned advertising agencies and clients specifically dedicated to representing AMG linear, digital and streaming platforms. Also grow and maintain existing clients as well as prospect and close new business. Work closely with clients and advertising holding companies ensuring AMG is a ‘must-buy’ for advertisers. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

TV ONE NETWORK
(Remote, Hybrid)

Communicate the value and brand strength of the Network to advertisers and agencies as well as create compelling presentations that convey the benefits and features of TV One programming and the TV One viewing audience. Full info HERE

COPY COORDINATOR
TV ONE NETWORK
(Remote, Hybrid)

Manage the delivery and arrival of commercial content working closely with Manager of Commercial Operations to resolve conflicting traffic instructions as well as oversee maintenance of E-faxes and storage of client files. Responsible for entering original account data and revisions into the traffic system. Full info HERE

AD SALES COORDINATOR
TV ONE NETWORK
(Remote, Hybrid)

Establish business relationships with agency counterparts and internal departments including: Pricing and planning, inventory management, marketing, traffic and billing, also fulfill advertiser allocations requests, ensure stewardship delivery in accordance to deal guarantees, send commercial airing times, and update clients of programming. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
FUTURE TODAY
CHICAGO

Represent Future Today, selling an expansive portfolio of O&O CTV apps, inclusive of HappyKids, Fawesome, The LEGO Channel, FilmRise, Blippi. 5+years selling linear/streaming/OLV exp req. Biz dev position inclusive of direct, pmp/pg. Solid relationships; agency & client. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
TV ONE
NYC, Hybrid, Remote

Communicate the value & brand strength of Urban One Networks to advertisers & agencies. Create compelling presentations that convey the benefits & features of our programming and the viewing audiences. Proactively keep clients informed of pertinent account and network information. Min. 4+ yrs national advertising sales or equivalent sales exp. Full info HERE

VP/HEAD OF ADVERTISING SALES
FREEBEE
FL/NYC Remote
Lead, manage, develop, and grow Ad Sales teams. Attract and retain the best talent. Work with leadership team to set, achieve, and grow revenue targets across OOH, Digital and Experiential. Instrumental in driving the team to exceed all expectations and goals. 15+ years’ experience in advertising, media, and relevant sales management roles. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
FREEBEE
MIAMI

Achieve revenue and growth targets across linear and digital. Identify and execute strategies which result in exceeding revenue targets. Develop and execute effective sales strategies that showcase as well as maximize overall revenues for the overarching National Sales division. 7-10 yrs exp. in advertising, media & relevant sales management roles. Full info HERE

SENIOR AUDIO/VIDEO PROMOTION PRODUCER >>
WHYY/PHILADELPHIA:
Produce best-in-class promotional spots, accurately reflecting WHYY’s brand mission, from strategy through management approvals. Write killer scripts for audio and video to engage audiences. Organize promotional spot production schedule for video and audio spots needed for TV, FM, digital and social platforms. 10-15+ years’ experience. Full info HERE

DIGITAL DIRECTOR, NEWS >>
WHYY/PHILADELPHIA:
Develop a cogent strategy for developing and publishing WHYY news content across social media and emerging digital platforms. Convey and create SEO, social media and digital best practices in concert with the digital staff with the focus of informing and developing the newsroom’s digital muscles. Five or more years of journalism experience. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT TV
NYC
Represent FETV & FMC to media community via ongoing communications & relationship building. Maintain & develop strong working relationships w/both agencies & internal departments in support of sales efforts. Work w/sales management, pricing & planning to achieve quarterly revenue goals. 5+ yrs media sales exp. preferably in cable TV- agency exp. +. Full info HERE

BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS AND DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP/CHARLOTTE, NC:
Proactively identify, research, and develop new opportunities for our family-friendly programming blocks on ABC, CBS, NBC, The CW, Telemundo, & other media & digital/social outlets. Support creation and present strategic, cross-media concepts to multiple stakeholder groups that meet our client’s business objectives. 8 + yrs of business dev. exp. Full info HERE

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR
>>
BIG FISH ENTERTAINMENT/NYC/NJ: Coordinating onboarding for all new hires.
Administering the benefits and payroll changes for employees accurately.
Maintaining an efficient filing system—paper and electronic, for employee and company records related to their job functions. Building a successful bridge between management and employees. 7 yrs entertainment exp. preferred. Full Info HERE

TV/VIDEO SPONSORSHIP-PRODUCT INTEGRATION SALES REPRESENTATIVE >>
GAME ON MEDIA SOLUTIONS/Remote: Game On Media Solutions is looking for an independent business development oriented sponsorship sales representative. Focus will be on TV/Streaming project opportunities for brands that include product integration and placement. This is an Independent Contractor performance compensated opening. Attractive fees can be earned for closed deals. Full info HERE

BRAND ASSISTANT
>>
THE LEDE COMPANY/NYC: Full-service communication, strategy, and social impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, brand, entertainment, and nonprofit sectors, is seeking a Brand Assistant to join the Brand team in our New York office. The Assistant will play an integral role in supporting accounts for a wide variety of Fashion, Beauty, CPG and Lifestyle clients. Full info HERE

TALENT ASSISTANT >>
THE LEDE COMPANY/LA: Full-service strategy, communications and social impact consulting firm, specializing in corporate, entertainment and nonprofit sectors. We are looking for a Talent Assistant to a Talent Publicist in Los Angeles. We are seeking enthusiastic candidates who can work in a fast-paced environment, are driven & have strong communication and writing skills. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER FOR NATIONAL POLITICAL SHOW >>
BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS/CHARLOTTE NC: Develop and oversee the production of a daily or weekly national political show that covers the most important political news and events of the day. Develop and execute strategies to increase the show’s audience and engagement. At least 5 years of experience as an executive producer for a political show or similar program. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER OF NEWS/ENTERTAINMENT
>>
BAHAKEL COMMUNICATIONS/CHARLOTTE NC:
Oversee all editorial and entertainment content, news production and presentation. Responsible for day-to-day operations of the show: producing, writing, and guiding creative. Develop content for the News @ TEN, plan, assign and create production schedules. 7 years of experience as executive producer or show producer. Network experience preferred. Full info HERE

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