02/14/22: Cynopsis Media Tech Update

Monday February 14, 2022

Hoping to obtain regulatory approval for a $68.7 billion acquisition, Microsoft announced a new set of Open App Store Principles. “We have developed these principles in part to address Microsoft’s growing role and responsibility as we start the process of seeking regulatory approval in capitals around the world for our acquisition of Activision Blizzard,” said President and Vice Chair Brad Smith. “We want regulators and the public to know that as a company, Microsoft is committed to adapting to these new laws, and with these principles, we’re moving to do so.” The pledge comes under four areas: Quality, Safety, Security and Privacy; Accountability; Fairness and Transparency; and Developer Choice.

In an anti-trust complaint, the European Publishers Council has accused Google of using “a barrage of unlawful tactics to foreclose competition in ad tech.” The European Commission opened an investigation last year into whether Google favors its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of rivals, advertisers and online publishers

Also announcing policy updates was TikTok. “Our policies are designed to foster an experience that prioritizes safety, inclusion, and authenticity,” said Cormac Keenan, Head of Trust and Safety. “They take into account emerging trends or threats observed across the internet and on our platform.” Some of the changes included strengthening TikTok’s dangerous acts and challenges policy; broadening its approach to eating disorders; and adding clarity on the types of hateful ideologies prohibited on the platform.

Apple introduced a feature that allow US merchants to accept Apple Pay, credit and debit card payments with the tap of one iPhone to another – no payment terminal needed. The new capability is expected to be available to payment platforms and app developers in an upcoming iOS update.

Twitter claimed 6 million new daily active users in 4Q21, citing “modest” impact from Apple’s iOS privacy changes. Revenue was up 22% year over year, to $1.57 billion, due to “ongoing revenue product improvements, solid sales execution, and a broad, continued increase in advertiser demand.”

YouTube TV is getting updates, wrote Chief Product Officer Neal Mohan in a blog post. “I’m delighted to share that this year, we’ll launch a redesign that will further streamline the user interface, including updates to Library and Live, which will give our viewers more control over how they organize and watch their favorite content with an even smoother experience,” said Mohan. Another update will let viewers use their phones to engage with content they’re watching on their television.

IAB is sounding the alarm that a lack of preparedness for the depreciation of third-party cookies could lead to a potential digital advertising measurement blackout. Highlights from IAB’s new State of Data 2022 report include:
66% of advertisers are not adjusting their measurement strategies.While first-party data was a hot topic in 2021, spending on third-party data continues to grow.Nearly 60% of companies are not increasing their investment in first-party data.“If we don’t diversify our approach to the market, soon we’ll be operating by the equivalent of candlelight,” said Angelina Eng, VP, Measurement and Attribution, Programmatic+Data Center, IAB. “The industry risks losing $10 billion in annual sales – without a serious plan for what happens when everyone’s in the dark.”

No problem, said EU leaders after Meta threatened to stop operations of Facebook and Instagram in Europe. Meta was responding to a preliminary order from the EU, compelling the suspension of transfers of EU users’ data to the US. “After being hacked, I’ve lived without Facebook and Twitter for four years, and life has been fantastic,” said German Economy Minister Robert Habeck. Added French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire at the same press conference, “I can confirm that life is very good without Facebook and that we would live very well without Facebook.” “We have absolutely no desire to withdraw from Europe. Of course we don’t,” wrote Markus Reinisch, Meta’s VP for Public Policy in Europe, in response. “But the simple reality is that Meta, like many other businesses, organizations, and services, relies on data transfers between the EU and the US in order to operate our global services.”

Adobe announced new features and updates to Creative Cloud video tools, including new features in Premiere Pro to streamline video and audio editing workflows as well as performance improvements. Updates include Remix powered by Adobe Sensei, previously in public beta; 3x faster Speech to Text; 10x faster export for 10-bit 420 HEVC formats; new Linear Wipe and Block Dissolve GPU-accelerated effects; and Canon EOS R5 C camera support.

Pixellot, provider of AI-Automated sports video and analytics solutions, has partnered with Austria’s Morawa Digital to bring sports content of teams and leagues that have not had coverage before. During the 2022 season, Morawa Digital will begin installing Pixellot systems with a goal of connecting hundreds of venues across Austria. The rollout plan will include live coverage of amateur league games followed by video analysis and streaming of 1+2 Bundesliga Soccer and the Women Bundesliga first league soccer, 1+2 handball Bundesliga, 3+4 soccer leagues, and the regional ice hockey league.

Dynamic location intelligence for service provider Nrby has partnered with Advanced Media Technologies to deploy the Nrby location intelligence platform in Blue Ridge Communications systems. Blue Ridge is leveraging the Nrby platform to optimize performance and customer satisfaction by using SmartPin technology to provide visibility into maintenance needs and potential issues requiring resolution. Nrby technology also will be used to support construction crews and contractors in Blue Ridge’s complete fiber to the home rebuild of their cable system.

Vaudeville Sound Group announced its expansion with a new department that will focus on developing and producing immersive spatial audio. Vaudeville will broaden its development and production capabilities by identifying natural sounds and creating synthetic audio for its clientele. Manager Mirko Vogel and Business Development Manager Rob Calder will oversee the division, based in the company’s Vancouver headquarters.

VisualOn Inc., a streaming solutions provider that optimizes the impact of the video player, announced the availability of its VisualOn Watch Party ShowTime. The feature of its co-watching solution offers a new content category to increase viewer engagement and loyalty, giving viewers access to their favorite VIPs while combining it with their favorite content through a branded interface.

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ADVERTISING

Data solutions company Ocient announced that its campaign forecasting solution was selected by MediaMath. The Ocient campaign forecasting solution enables advertising technology customers like MediaMath to analyze higher-resolution data sets and deliver faster, more accurate insights on demand. “Working with Ocient enabled us to get to market months faster,” said Anudit Vikram, chief product officer at MediaMath. “We left the customization of our solution to Ocient, meaning we didn’t need 10 or more of our own engineers dedicated to making it work.”

Mediaocean unveiled a solution aimed at enabling advertisers and agencies to more seamlessly create and place dynamic ad campaigns across social media platforms. The solution integrates ad server and creative automation and reporting platform Flashtalking, which Mediaocean acquired last year, with the centralized social media campaign management system Mediaocean.

CTV advertising delivery and measurement platform Innovid and TVSquared, the measurement and attribution platform for converged TV, have entered into a definitive agreement in which Innovid will acquire TVSquared in a cash and stock transaction valued at approximately $160 million. “In acquiring TVSquared, we aim to provide the most complete view of the total TV and digital universe through a scalable, currency-grade measurement platform,” said Zvika Netter, CEO and Co-Founder of Innovid. “Additionally, we immediately accelerate and broaden our scope globally.”

Speaking of Innovid, Peach, a new API integration by video advertising workflow and delivery company Peach using Innovid Creative Bridge will enable customers to deliver creative assets from Peach straight into their campaign folders. From there they will be able to use Innovid’s features, including the ad server or their interactive and dynamic creative optimization tools.

LockerDome has relaunched as Decide, with a focus on developing machine learning technologies that automate decision-making in the real world. As a part of the relaunch, Decide is introducing its machine learning and decision platform, the Decision Marketplace, to help navigate shifts currently impacting the digital advertising industry. The technology enables the rapid development of machine learning models to render automated, intelligent decisions and optimize outcomes for brands and publishers across the open web without the use of third-party cookies or the crutch of intrusive identity-layer data. “At Decide, we believe that the convergence of three macro trends – the embrace of measured media, the flattening of ad stacks, and the fragmentation of identity – is reshaping the future of advertising on the open web,” said Gabe Lozano, co-founder and CEO of Decide. “Successfully navigating these waters is not just dependent on the rapid development and iteration of machine learning models but also on our ability to automate intelligent decisions in the real world.”

IAB Tech Lab has formed The Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs) Working Group, inviting developers working on advanced cryptography, data scientists, privacy and security systems engineers and others to participate. “In 2020, we launched Project Rearc as a global call to action to ‘re-architect’ digital marketing, and since then, we’ve been developing a portfolio of solutions to support addressability and the sustainability of an ad-funded internet,” stated Shailley Singh, SVP, product, IAB Tech Lab.

STREAMING

Streaming hours for Tubi skyrocketed40 percent in 2021 from the prior year, to hit 3.6 billion hours streamed. This from an annual report from the Fox Corp. streamer, which also noted AVOD viewing is poised to overtake SVOD this year as viewing continues to migrate from the subscription to free, ad-supported model. Fox execs shared the news during the company’s Q2 earnings call, where Fox reported a 9 percent overall jump in revenue during the quarter. Tubi’s library now comprises 41,000 film and TV titles; its SVOD audiences grew by 8 percent in 2021, while AVOD increased by 16 percent.

Over at Disney, flagship streamingservice Disney+ reached 129.8 million subs during the company’s first fiscal quarter, which helped the company beat Wall Street expectations. The current subscriber tally is 11.8 million more than at the end of the previous quarter and ahead of analysts’ predicted 125.4 million. Revenue at the parent company climbed 34 percent to $21.8 billion.

StackTV, Corus Entertainment’s multichannel streaming service, is expanding distribution with carriage on Canada’s Rogers Ignite TV and Ignite Smartstream. The service is also adding Lifetime to its suite of networks.

Blue Ant Media announced the launch of TotalCrime, a FAST channel on The Roku Channel in the US. Three quarters of the channel’s lineup is exclusive true crime programming, available only to The Roku Channel’s audience.

France Channel is now available on Struum. The streaming service aims to put viewers in touch with its French “Culturetainment.”

Fox Weather can now be accessed on YouTube TV, Amazon News, The Roku Channel, fuboTV, and Xumo. Additionally, the full linear service will be accessible on Fox Television Stations’ Diginet channels in 17 markets and select simulcast hours on FTS duopoly stations across the country.

DEALS

IDG has acquired Selling Simplified, a Marketing-as-a-Service platform that provides lead generation products, data services and analytics. The acquisition of Selling Simplified allows IDG to add contact and account level AI powered lead generation capabilities to its suite of intent-based marketing technologies.

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Editorial Director
@Lynn_Leahey

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Division President
Access Intelligence

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VP/Group Publisher
@robertacaploe

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Albert Nassour
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Job of the day

DIRECTOR, DIGITAL PRODUCT
A+E NETWORKS
NYC OR REMOTE
Develop Ad Supported streaming products across Mobile, Web & Connected TV devices & collaborate with engineering, UX/design, sales & marketing teams. Operate as a product owner; have 5+ yrs product management experience in a software/Web/mobile or connected TV app. environment. Strong technical, creative, strategic acumen. Curious and innovative. Full info HERE (2/28)

DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT MARKETING
TEGNA
NYC PREFERRED; DC/MCLEAN, VA ALSO POSSIBLE
Natural leader and an outstanding writer and communicator, responsible for representing the voice of our local and national customers while blending our product strategy with the tactics we need to drive customer success and revenue. Full info HERE (2/28)

PRODUCT MARKETING MANAGER
TEGNA
NYC PREFERRED; DC/MCLEAN, VA ALSO POSSIBLE
Represent the voice of the customer while serving as the glue that binds our product strategy to the tactics we need to drive customer success and revenue. The PMM will continuously focus on the creation of product positioning and buyer personas, generating demand, helping enable sales, and shaping the product roadmap. Full info HERE (2/28)

JR. ANALYST, AUDIENCE RESEARCH
FETV
NYC
Daily email sent to Executives about network performance outlining top program performances with Households & Key Demos, with context. Daily update of excel based network programming grid. Develop a Weekly Schedule Analysis Report giving insight into performance. Strong understanding of Nielsen concepts and terminology, plus exp with Nielsen data. Full info HERE (2/28)

MEDIA PLANNING COORDINATOR >>
IFC NETWORK/NYC: Strategically schedule/enter promos. Monitor programming ensuring promo assets are accurate. Work with Traffic on logs/formats. Review asset delivery/screen content. Proficient in Office, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Detail-oriented/Ability to prioritize/Meet deadlines. Full info HERE (2/28)

SCHEDULING COORDINATOR >>
AMC NETWORKS/NYC: Daily input of schedules for multiple nets. Work with Ops and Media Planning on program delivery, formats & versions. Maintain tracking docs, work with large amts of detailed info & tight deadlines. Acute attn to detail. Proficient in Excel, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Full info HERE (2/28)

COORDINATOR, MULTIPLATFORM SCHEDULING, INTERNATIONAL >>
AMC NETWORKS/NYC: Enter on-demand and digital linear channel schedules into various databases. Track content from multiple networks. Contribute to special projects as needed. Collaborative spirit with strong attention to detail. Excellent in Excel, background in media preferred. Full info HERE (2/28)

OPERATIONS AND STRATEGY MANAGER >>
BYUB/PROVO, UT: Dynamic, strategic leader who will work with various departments to analyze and improve existing processes and organizational structures. The candidate must have a deep understanding of BYUB’s mission and vision, be a collaborative leader and be dedicated to increasing the audience by assisting in delivering an optimized entertainment experience. Full info HERE (2/28)

PRODUCER, THE FAMILY HANDYMAN, STREAMING TV
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Produce curated and original series for Streaming TV in the DIY and home genre first, and other genres second. Maintain and influence creative alignment with the Channel and Brands. Contribute to the ideation of new show concepts in the DIY space. 4+ Years Production Experience (digital & linear) in the DIY/Home genre. Full info HERE (3/6)

DIRECTOR, CURRENT PROGRAMMING & DEVELOPMENT, STREAMING TV
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Establish long-term creative programming strategy to achieve business unit KPIs (audience, sales, distribution). Detail plans and budget to help develop, help commission, and acquire programming. Ideate show concepts to fit our numerous brands on a daily basis. 7+ years in creative production for digital / streaming / television. Full info HERE (2/24)

ACCOUNT MANAGER
JUKIN MEDIA
WEST COAST (REMOTE – SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA)
Responsible for pre-sale planning & post-sale management & execution. Working closely with operations & sales on trafficking & QA for ad campaigns including scheduling, inventory requests, & production timelines. Helping sales & marketing put together pitch decks for client meetings and formal RFPs. 2-5 yrs prior exp in the advertising/media space. Full info HERE (2/24)

ACCOUNT SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE
CW
NYC
Work closely with Directors/Account Executives in positioning the network (Linear & Digital) to new and existing clients. Communicate with major agencies/clients serving a key role in the sales process. Collaborate internally with various departments to provide solutions for advertisers. 3+ years in media. Full info HERE (2/24)

DIRECTOR, SCHEDULING & ACQUISITIONS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Develop programming strategies/schedules that achieve or exceed rating & revenue goals. Manage the production of network schedule grids & identify, evaluate & secure acquisition opportunities utilizing data to make optimal acquisition decisions. Min of 5 yrs of prior program scheduling & acquisition experience in cable/digital channel or network. Full info HERE (2/24)

ART DIRECTOR, GLOBAL CREATIVE CONTENT
A+E NETWORKS
NYC OR REMOTE
Creative lead in print, promotion, & marketing from concept to completion. Conceive, design and direct the production of key art, sales tools and collateral to position & sell our brands & content globally. Translate business objectives into campaigns that viewership. Must have 5+ years and Must LOVE television (Reality, Scripted & Non-Fiction.) Full info HERE (2/23)

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA & DIGITAL CONTENT >>
REELZ/ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Oversee day-to-day management of social campaigns. Develop social media campaigns that drive brand engagement. Proven track record of using social platforms, user generated content and influencer management. Ability to place targeted buys on social and digital platforms. 7 to 10 yrs’ exp with website operations and social media management. Full info HERE (2/23)

RESEARCH CONSULTANT – TEMPORARY POSITION >>
REELZ/NYC: 7+ years of experience developing strategic approaches to position Reelz in the advertising marketplace and support programming. Ideal applicant will have a passion for media research, possess relevant experience, and need little supervision. Proficient with Nielsen audience data and systems. Full info HERE (2/23)

DIRECTOR OF SALES
CIRCLE MEDIA
REMOTE (PREFER NYC, CHICAGO, NASHVILLE)
Year over year growth of our advertising sales projections. Source, create, and maintain relationships, as well as execute contracts for our Linear/Cable/VOD networks. Management of the pre and post sales process will be executed against a yearly goal. Use of qualitative sales packaging and the drive to meet/exceed sales goals is a top priority. Full info HERE (2/22)

ACCOUNT MANAGER
PLAYON! SPORTS
ATLANTA
Manage relationships w/ high school administrators & athletic directors to increase production quality & quantity of broadcast events. Manage, route, & track school’s technical issues until they are resolved. Assist with school’s marketing needs to build awareness & grow revenue. 2+ yrs exp in cust service or acct mgt. Exp w/ CRM tools. Full info HERE (2/21)

VIDEO PROGRAMMING MANAGER
theGrio
ATLANTA
Mainly programming original & licensed video content for our mobile & OTT apps. This role includes identifying our original video content, facilitating & driving the company’s licensed video content to distribute through our OTT, mobile apps & digital platforms. Duties also include scheduling, curation & successful playout of this content. Full info HERE (2/21)

SOCIAL MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER/VIDEO EDITOR
theGrio
ATLANTA
Video editor/multimedia designer to edit compelling original social video and graphic design content for all social platforms. Full info HERE (2/21)

DIRECTOR OF VIDEO
theGrio
NYC
Will provide oversight and leadership for video content and editorial content associated with African American news, culture and lifestyle stories, and other interactive content that compliments specific programming themes and brand initiatives across theGrio’s. Full info HERE (2/21)

ASSISTANT MEDIA NEGOTIATOR >>
LOCKARD & WECHSLER DIRECT /IRVINGTON NY: Supports media negotiators in buying airtime in their assigned broadcast/cable networks. Assists with the preliminary research on availability of airtime and rates. Enter media rates, solve media discrepancies, update internal data. Pull daily reports and Nielsen ratings. Self-motivated, well-organized multitasker who is eager to learn. Full info HERE (2/20)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE III, SALES
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP/WKRN
NASHVILLE TN
Implements strategies to consistently grow revenue and exceed revenue goals. Establishes credible relationships with local business community. Makes sales calls on existing and prospective clients. Maintains assigned accounts and develops new accounts. Minimum one year’s experience in sales, preferably in media or digital sales. Full info HERE (2/20)

CREATIVE PROJECT MANAGER >>
VIACOMCBS/MIAMI FL: Manages global projects/campaigns/Asset production through the entire lifecycle: planning, creative, production, delivery, and wrap. Defines project scope, including timeline, resources, labor hours, & external costs. Manages, organizes, and distributes all project documentation. 6+ yrs’ exp in creative project management of work across the media. Full info HERE (2/20)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATE (LEAD GENERATION) >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP: Initiate lead generation strategies that include outbound sales marketing campaigns. Identify, prospect, and lead introductory meetings to qualify leads for Business Development Executives. Create & deliver a detailed dossier on prospect – for seamless transition to Business Development Executive. 3+ yrs of relevant business development experience. Full info HERE (2/19)

MEDIA PLANNING COORDINATOR >>
IFC NETWORK/ NY: Strategically schedule/enter promos. Monitor programming ensuring promo assets are accurate. Work with Traffic on logs/formats. Review asset delivery/screen content. Proficient in Office, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Detail-oriented/Ability to prioritize/Meet deadlines. Full info HERE (2/19)

SCHEDULING COORDINATOR >>
AMC NETWORKS/NYC, NY: Daily input of schedules for multiple nets. Work with Ops and Media Planning on program delivery, formats & versions. Maintain tracking docs, work with large amts of detailed info & tight deadlines. Acute attn to detail. Proficient in Excel, exp w/ sched software, background in media. Full info HERE (2/19)

SENIOR MANAGER ACCOUNT MANAGEMENT
G4
REMOTE, LOS ANGELES OR NEW YORK
We are looking for talent who will help to build the foundation for a long-term business. Candidates should have sales planning and client success management experience. Extensive background in traditional linear and digital media sponsorship sales, and the overall support of multi-year, value-driven partnerships. Full info HERE (2/18)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
G4
REMOTE, LOS ANGELES OR NEW YORK
Candidates should have extensive experience in consultative sales, working with brands to develop strategic and long-term partnerships. You will represent a portfolio of Gaming, Esports and Entertainment offerings that are some of the best in the world. Ideal candidates have experience thinking strategically and creatively for their partners. Full info HERE (2/18)

ACCOUNT MANAGER
G4
REMOTE, LOS ANGELES OR NEW YORK
Candidates should have sales planning and client success management experience. Background in account management for digital media sales (and linear preferred) operations. The Account Manager will be responsible for managing the day-to-day sales operations partnership relationships and campaign management. Full info HERE (2/18)

PROJECT MANAGER >>
TLC/SIVER/SPRING, NYC: If you’re passionate about entertainment here’s your chance to get a job with a leading television brand with women! TLC is looking to hire a Project Manager position on the Marketing team (through staffing agency YOH). If you are looking for a fast paced, creative and strategic place to grow apply here. Full info HERE (2/17)

INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE >>
AXS TV/TORONTO: Responsible for building & maintaining ad sales bookings &d weekly advertiser branding in a timely manner. Liaised with client & traffic department to ensure copy was received & instructions were applied. Resolve discrepancies related to Core business deals. 1-2 yrs exp working with advertising agencies/television traffic departments is preferred. Full info HERE (2/17)

DIRECTOR, FINISHED PROGRAM ACQUISITIONS AND DISTRIBUTION, STREAMING TV
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES
Source and identify finished TV program and digital series acquisitions for Streaming FAST Channels. License our TMB/Jukin original Streaming Channel productions for distribution. Responsible for negotiating and closing both inbound and outbound deals. 7 years of relevant work experience at a media company, ie program sales/program acquisitions. Full info HERE (2/16)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE (BRAND ADVERTISERS) >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP: Establish and maintain senior-level relationships, develop and pitch unique mission-driven programs, and negotiate long-term partnership agreements with brands and advertisers. Support creation and present strategic, cross-media concepts to multiple stakeholder groups. 10 + years of relevant business development experience. Full info HERE (2/16)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE (FOUNDATIONS/NON-PROFITS) >>
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP: Establish and maintain senior-level relationships, develop and pitch unique mission-driven programs, and negotiate long-term partnership agreements with non-profits and foundations. Support creation and present strategic, cross-media concepts to multiple stakeholder groups. 10 + years of relevant business development experience. Full info HERE (2/15)

BROADCAST PLANNER
CADENT
NYC
Cadent is looking to hire a Broadcast Planner to join our fast-growing team! In this role you will work closely with Sales to build proposals & media plans, assist with pricing for ad packages and work closely with operations to finalize orders. If you have broadcast experience and enjoy working with numbers, we would love to speak with you! Full info HERE (2/15)

DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS, PRODUCTION & DISTRIBUTION >>
BLUE ANT MEDIA/NYC: Build and implement strategic and results-driven trade marketing and PR plans with a focus on the U.S. and U.K. markets. Execution on all announcements from the production and distribution teams. Writing and routing releases, Op-eds and written interviews and manage PR agency relationships. Minimum eight yrs of experience in a media relations role. Full info HERE (2/15)

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