CYNOPSISDIGITAL
04.21.16 Good morning. It’s Thursday April 21, 2016, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.
Content Obligations: Any outstanding costs that a distributor or service is contractually obligated to pay to producers or licensors for content.
TOP NEWS
The line between traditional TV and digital just blurred a little more. Comcast announced that, later in 2016, it will launch the Xfinity TV Partner app. Subscribers will be able to access their Xfinity TV service – everything, including live programming, VOD, and DVR – through select Roku streaming devices, Roku TVs, and 2016 Samsung smart TVs. No Comcast-issued set-top box will be required. (Time Warner Cable launched a similar app in 2013, but still required subscribers to rent a set-top box.) Comcast also announced the Xfinity TV Partner Program, an initiative to bring Xfinity TV to yet more devices.
AOL purchased RYOT, a production studio specializing in virtual reality and 360-degree video. AOL says it will use RYOT’s resources to boost The Huffington Post’s journalistic efforts. (RYOT and HuffPo have actually partnered before, on the Susan Sarandon-hosted reporting series The Crossing.) Interestingly enough, this is no anomaly. News outlets have been some of the earliest and most prolific adopters of VR and 360-degree video. It make sense: In an era in which the online news industry finds itself in dire straits, jumping onto emerging digital platforms may be the only way to keep up with the evolving demands of a more and more digitally savvy audience.
Programmers, TV marketers, and consumer-facing brands are always on the lookout for creative ways to engage with audiences beyond on-air promos. At the Cynopsis Out-of-Home Marketing webinar, you’ll learn how to craft cross-platform marketing campaigns that combine OOH and digital to drive awareness, tune-in, and social amplification. Register here.
Content is king. It’s also ridiculously expensive. But as far as Netflix is concerned, astronomical content obligations are a bullet that must be bitten. As of the end of Q1 2016, the streaming giant currently owes producers and licensors $12.3 billion. That’s up from $10.9 billion in the previous quarter. “As we’re adding more content now for the rest of the world… those markets [that] are growing in content spend more quickly than some of our more established markets,” said CFO David Wells on the company’s recent earnings call. Translation: You’ve gotta spend money to make money – especially if you decide to be active in 190 countries.
To coincide with Earth Day, the SVOD service Smithsonian Earth will offer seven free hours of content to non-subscribers from April 22-24. The service, which features an array of 4K Ultra HD content, will make the programming available via Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and www.smithsonianearthtv.com.
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE
CYNOPSIS KIDS !MAGINATION AWARDS
The competition for best kids’ programming and marketing initiatives
Entry Deadline: May 18, 2016
Late Submissions: May 25, 2016
Awards Event: September 27, 2016 (NYC)
Visit our website for additional information on: Who Should Enter, How to Enter, Eligibility Period, Categories, Deadlines, Sponsorship Opportunities, Contact Information, FAQ’s and more!
Will Netflix relent on its off-line viewing obstinance? In a Q1 earnings call, CEO Reed Hastings seemed to suggest that the service may consider allowing users to download Netflix titles for offline playback. When asked about offline viewing, Hastings said that Netflix should “keep an open mind on this.” It marks a notable shift: While companies like Amazon have embraced offline viewing, Netflix has, in the past, vocally rejected the idea. Hastings pointed out that, unlike in the States, many countries have spotty wireless networks. In other words, the shift in tone may have little to do with U.S. demand, and everything to do with reaching more viewers in other countries as the service carries out its massive worldwide expansion.
Captiv8 has captivated some big donors. A data-driven influencer marketplace that helps major brands buy ads across the channels of digital content creators, Captiv8 just nabbed $2 million in a new funding round. Captiv8’s investors include Social Capital, Jason Calacanis’ LAUNCH Fund, and United Talent Agency.
As a preface, Google conducted this research itself, so it should be greeted with all the appropriate wariness. Still, it’s notable: A new study from the tech giant examined 56 brands and ultimately determined that, in 77% of instances, YouTube advertising delivered a higher ROI than TV advertising. Again, caveats abound, though it’s worth noting that four different firms, using multiple methodologies, carried out the research, according to Business Insider. The message that Google is hoping to impart seems rather clear: Advertise on YouTube. Just this week, UBS stock analyst Eric Sheridan predicted that YouTube will grow at 21% over the next four years, and would account for a major percentage of YouTube’s overall revenue by 2020. Google, it seems, is eager to help that process along.
MTV News announced that, this week, it will launch five new podcasts spanning political, music, film, and pop-culture-related subject matter. The podcasts will be available via iTunes, Spotify, and SoundCloud. Meanwhile, MTV has brought on BuzzFeed Video News Editor Rachel Zarrell to serve as a news and video editor, as well as singer and writer Meredith Graves, who will host MTV projects. MTV has also brought on four well-established podcast producers to help with the initiatives. It begs the question – why podcasts? In the age of 4K video and immersive virtual reality, it remains a curious fact that podcasts have surged in popularity over the last couple of years. Successful casts such as Serial and WTF with Marc Maron have played a role in elevating the format. Availability is a factor too: Podcasts are actively promoted on an increasing number of popular devices and platforms, including Spotify and, starting just this week, Google Play Music.
Nathan Brown has joined Discovery Digital Networks, the web-native division of Discovery Communications, as SVP of Development and Operations. Brown, who recently served as Senior Vice President and General Manager of Video at The Huffington Post, will guide DDN’s business strategy and audience growth. Brown joins Discovery Digital Network’s at a pivotal moment; Discovery Communications has been pouring resources into the division over the last year or so, banking big on initiatives such as Discovery VR and expanded SourceFed Studios content.
LiveRamp, an Acxiom-owned company specializing in data onboarding and connectivity, announced a new hire. Jeff Smith will serve as LiveRamp’s new Chief Marketing Officer. In his new role, Smith will “accelerate LiveRamp’s growth by broadening the industry’s understanding of the strategic importance of data connectivity and its ability to unlock better customer experiences on any channel or device,” according to LiveRamp. Smith most recently served as EVP & Chief Solutions Marketing Officer at Nielsen.
Crackle held its Upfront yesterday, and the powers that be at Sony’s ad-supported streaming service made clear that they intend to build on an ambitious 2015 that saw the service’s first major foray into original scripted programming. First, the programming front: Along with renewing The Art of More, SuperMansion, and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, Crackle will be launching an original drama series based on Snatch, Guy Ritchie’s 2000 heist film.
But the day’s most intriguing announcements centered on Crackle’s newest advertising initiatives. The company will be making its streaming library – along with customizable ad solutions – available via virtual reality platforms. Crackle will also be launching a new initiative that it’s calling Break-Free Advertising. Unlike the VR initiative, Break-Free Advertising has nothing to do with exploiting new and emerging platforms; it’s just a very clever idea. Under the initiative, Crackle will make 100% of the ad inventory for an entire 10-episode series available to exactly five advertisers.
There are a couple of ideas at play here: First, the five advertisers will have only four competitors over the course of ten full episodes; more real estate means more attention, and more viewer impact. The format is also meant to give brands the chance to craft an evolving story or message designed to play out over the course of a ten episode series. The theme of the day, ultimately, was the value of grabbing viewers’ attention. “If you can provide experiences that are immersive, people won’t just give you their time – they’ll give you their attention,” said Eric Berger, GM of Crackle and EVP Digital, Sony Pictures Television.
Last month, an NBCU-owned cable network launched a new daily talk show, running only on the Facebook Live platform. Which network was it? You can find the answer here.
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE
Register now:
http://www.cynopsis.com/?p=57172.DIGITAL SPOTLIGHT
It’s good to see a prominent linear TV show give a shout-out to the rich world of YouTube celebrities – even if it’s just to emphasize that they’re not actually celebrities and that, in fact, no one’s ever heard of them. That’s our Stewie. Check out a (brief) Family Guy clip here.
See you tomorrow,
David Teich
04.21.16
Roberta Caploe: Publisher @robertacaploe
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group
Cynopsis Ad Sales: Mike Farina | VP, Sales | 203-218-6480
Cynopsis Job Listings Sales: Trish Pihonak | Director of Operations | 203-899-8459
CYNOPSISJOBS – For More jobs, visit Cynopsis.com
JOB OPENING: ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/Cablevision/Bronx-Westchester County & Brooklyn: Dvlp/Srvc/Maintain local clients &/or agencies purchasing ad space, to achieve est’d monthly/quarterly/annual sales goals. 1+ yrs previous outside sales/acct exec exp req’d. Media sales exp pref’d. Training provided. Res to: [email protected] (4/28)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/NBCU/LA: Seeking Account Executive to develop, generate and maintain new & existing business for NBCU News properties. 5+ yrs exp. Full info/apply HERE (4/28)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF PRO PARTNERSHIPS/CNBC/East Coast: Supports strategic partnerships w/financial firms & is responsible for optimizations that increase consumption of CNBC content. 5 yrs in digital media or information services, ideally with specific exp in partner/client mngmnt. Full info/apply HERE (4/28)
JOB OPENING: MGR, DIGITAL SALES OPS/NBCU/LA: Strong knwldg of the media bus. Min 3yrs exp in ad operations, sales support, or account mngmnt & the desire to continue in or move into digital sales ops. 1+ yrs exp mngng team of 2 or more. Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: MANAGER, PRIMARY RESEARCH/NBCU Bravo & Oxygen/NYC: Oversee quant & qual studies on content, talent, brand, to help guide netwk creative and aud strat. Background in quantitative research, & exp overseeing or working directly on complex quantitative analyses. Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, RESEARCH/Bounce/Grit & Escape/ATL: Extremely experienced media research professional who is data-driven & knowledgeable about the media landscape. 7+ yrs experience with media metrics and Nielsen, particularly NPower. Resume: [email protected] (4/27)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS/Director of Operations/LA: Oversee facilities, IT, asset management and overall operations for production company. Create secure and efficient systems and workflows. 5+ year in media or production environment. Resumes to [email protected] (4/27)
JOB OPENING: SOCIAL MEDIA STRATEGIST/GLOW/NYC: Craft/pitch/execute strategic SM plans for TV clients. Lead a team, own your projects. 5+ yrs TV or entertainmentMkting exp. SEND RESUME: [email protected] (4/27)
JOB OPENING: SOCIAL MEDIA COMM MGR/GLOW/NYC: Dvlp & execute innovative SM campaigns from start to finish. Be key element in SM strategy decisions and thinking. 3-4 yrs exp in professional SM capacity. SEND RESUME: [email protected] (4/27)
JOB OPENING: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT/BUSINESS ANALYST-VIDEO/McClatchy/DC: Work closely w/Dir of Video Business Ops to mng third party partner relationships & optimize rev opportunities. Bus Deg pref’d Min 3 yrs digital and/or media bus. exp. Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: VP of COMMUNICATIONS/ITV America/LA or NYC: Dvlp/execute communications strategy that protects, builds and enhances awareness for large independent prod of non-scripted content. Mng internal and external partners. Min 7 years experience with major media brand. Resumes to [email protected] (4/27)
JOB OPENING: NEW BIZ SALES DIRECTOR: Leader in delivering live & on-demand sports + ent. to any Internet-connected device seeking Sales Jedi to maximize revenue gen via new cust acquisition. Req’d 5 yrs exp + track record. NY, CHI, SD, LA, DAL, DC. Resume: [email protected] (4/27)
JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/FOX/NYC: Candidate to support quantitative/qualitative rsch for the syndicator’s off-ntwrk & orig prgrmng & competition. In-depth knwldg of TV/Media landscape & impact on TV viewing. Exp w/MS tools. BA deg. Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, PROGRAMMING & OPERATIONS/Cordillera Communications/St. Paul, MN: Seeking TV professional with 10+ yrs experience. Group programming, research, financial analysis, retransmission consent, operations & more. Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: MGR, PARTNERSHIPS & INSIGHT/NBCU/NYC: Rsercher/consumer insights specialist to support TV & digital sales strategy for auto category across entire NBCU portfolio. 5+ years experience in TV/media research at a media brand, agency or supplier Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: SR ANALYST CLIENT INSIGHT/NBCU/NYC: Rsercher/consumer insights specialist to support TV & digital sales strategy for finance & studio category across entire NBCU portfolio. 2+ yrs. Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: SVP DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION/Discovery/NY or MD: Digital sales vet to champion digital content dist strategy to grow rev, expand reach of content across platforms & create value for dist/MVPD partners thru TVE, OTT, VOD, mobile, SVOD, etc. Lead a team of talented dealmakers, mktrs & ops experts. Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL RESEARCH MGR/Discovery/NY: Data whiz to gather and interpret data from multiple systems to provide analysis and estimates for Discovery’s digital products and how content is being consumed across platforms. 5+ yrs exp w/online analytics, Google Analyics,ore. Full info/apply HERE (4/27)
JOB OPENING: VP, ON-AIR PLANNING & STRATEGY/Fox Sports/Los Angeles: Lead/dvlp/implementation nat’l on-air promo strat., seasonal launch plans for FOX Sports property, ovrsee on-air mrkting strategy, scheduling & promo placement. 7-10 yrs exp prgrm scheduling & strat. Full info: Apply (4/27)
JOB OPENING: SR MGR, MULTIPLATFORM PRODUCT MKTG/COMEDY CENTRAL/NYC: Spearhead mktg efforts for all dig. products (on all available platforms) 4-5 yrs buying/plan’g, & executing paid media campaigns many platforms 2-3yrs exp executing pd ad campaigns on key platforms. Full info/apply HERE (4/26)
JOB OPENING: FULFILLMENT SPECIALIST/A+E Networks/Stamford CT: Client liaison for multi clients & platforms worldwide. Knowledge tech spec file, tape, audio formats. Mulit task,tight deadlines, min 3 yrs exp post prod, fluency in foreign language a plus. Full Info/Apply HERE (4/26)
JOB OPENING: COUNSEL, LEGAL & BUS AFFAIRS/WEtv/NYC: 3+ yrs exp at a tv netwk, tv prod co, cable progrmming service, studio or comparable media co. Law firm exp pref. Must have non-scripted and reality progrmming exp. Full info/apply HERE (4/26)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MANAGER/TV OneMD/NYC: Analyze the relationship between platforms such as TV, VOD, Mobile, Desktop, SVOD, and other emerging platforms. 5+ yrs rsch exp at a media co., agency or advertiser. Asst w/training Research Analysts & interns, as needed. Full info/apply HERE (4/23)
JOB OPENING: ANALYST, CONSUMER PRODUCTS MARKET ANALYTICS/Nickelodeon/NYC: Work w/retail sales & lines of bus. teams. Track POS data thru retail to inform lines of business & retail sales on prod performance Knwldg syndicated srvcs such as Nielsen AOD, IRI, and/or NPD Decision Key. Full info/apply HERE (4/23)
JOB OPENING: MGR, DIGITAL RESEARCH/NBCU/NYC: support research team to provide quantitative research primarily for the brdcst network’s entertainment programming and media landscape. 3-5 yrs of exp w/web analytics. Exp w/analyzing both online & TV data pref’d. Full/info apply HERE (4/23)
JOB OPENING: SR ANALYST, BROADCAST ENTERTAINMENT RESEARCH/NBCU/NYC: Supply quantitative data analysis for NBC entertainment & competition. 1-2+ yrs experience with media research metrics and Nielsen, particularly NPower. Strong data management skills preferred. Full info/apply HERE (4/23)
JOB OPENING: COORDINATOR/BRaVe Ventures/NYC: creative, energetic & motivated team member to support executive leadership across day to day business ops, actively contribute to our social community, & provide support across business lines. BA deg & 1yr work exp. Full info/apply HERE (4/23)
CASTING CALL: Companies can showcase their casting notices/casting calls here. For information on rates and specs for posting a casting notice, please email Trish at [email protected]
EXPERT SERVICES ADS: These ads are for companies or people who offer an expertise in the field of media by way of production, voice over artistry, writing, set development, etc. For information on rates and specs for posting an Expertise Service ad email Trish at [email protected]
INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. These ads are always posted for free, and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at [email protected].
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED… There is no charge for placing your Situation Wanted ad… for more information contact Trish Pihonak at trish@cynopsis.com
E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203-899-8459 for rates and specs for Job Openings.
To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here.
%%PLUGIN_Unsubscribe: 2193667-unsub-generic%%
Copyright Cynopsis 2016
All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2016
