07/11/22: Cynopsis Media Tech Update

Monday July 11, 2022

TikTok’s in the crosshairs again over security concerns. Senators Mark Warner and Marco Rubio, the chair and ranking member of the Senate Intelligence Committee, wrote a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan requesting a further investigation into whether the company misled lawmakers about ByteDance employees’ ability to access US users’ data. The request follows a BuzzFeed News report that revealed that ByteDance employees in China were regularly accessing such data into early 2022. “In light of this new report, we ask that your agency immediately initiate a Section 5 investigation on the basis of apparent deception by TikTok, and coordinate this work with any national security or counter-intelligence investigation that may be initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice,” said the senators’ letter.

Apple announced it is adding “Lockdown Mode” to upcoming iPhone and Mac software for people, like journalists and activists, who are likely to be targeted by nation states using powerful spyware. Device owners subjected to hacking attempts will be able to immediately be able to disable certain features and prevent hardware forensic tools from downloading a device’s data.

Elon Musk is trying to back out of his $44 billion deal to buy Twitter. In a regulatory filing on Friday, Musk’s lawyers claimed Twitter was in “material breach of multiple provisions” of the deal, and “appears to have made false and misleading representations.” As for speculation that Musk is looking lower the price he’ll pay for the company, which is currently worth significantly less than Musk offered to pay for it back in April, Twitter chairman Bret Taylor tweeted, “The Twitter Board is committed to closing the transaction on the price and terms agreed upon with Mr. Musk and plans to pursue legal action to enforce the merger agreement.” Musk signed a legally binding agreement to buy the company includes a $1 billion breakup fee.

Reddit is set to offer blockchain-backed collectible avatars via a new storefront. Collectible Avatars are limited-edition avatars made by independent artists, in partnership with Reddit, and provide owners with “unique benefits on the Reddit platform,” said the company. If someone sets their Collectible Avatar as their avatar on Reddit, they can mix-and-match the avatar gear with other Reddit avatar gear and accessories, and their profile image in comments sections will have a glow-like effect. No cryptocurrency necessary – avatars are priced at a fixed amount and will be purchasable with government-issued currencies.

Netflix has partnered with audio technology company Sennheiser to launch spatial audio. “This magical combination of sight and sound will bring viewers closer to the story, and we’re excited to add this capability to other features we support like 4K, HDR, Dolby Atmos and Netflix Calibrated Mode,” said the company in a blog post. Among the titles available with the format are “Stranger Things,” “The Witcher,” and “Red Notice.” Users can find additional titles by typing “spatial audio” in the search bar.

Thirty-two percent of CTOs, developers, engineers and technical leads feel the most productive when they are creating better quality code, and 28% said that meeting and exceeding their managers’ expectations is what makes them feel the most productive, according to a survey done on behalf of Rollbar by Propeller Insights. Just 13% said that they equate productivity with the quantity of code they create. “Coding is hard, tedious work, and it’s easy for developers to become tired of it,” said Brian Rue, CEO and co-founder at Rollbar. “But, as our research highlights, developers care deeply about code quality and meeting business objectives, and they equate their productivity to these considerations and to improving product.”

TiVo parent company Xperi Holding Corp. acquired CTV software firm Vewd for $109 million. Xperi will absorb 275 Vewd employees and its management team will be integrated into Xperi’s management structure.

Parrot Analytics has released Movie Demand, adding to the company’s DEMAND360 global audience analytics product suite. Movie Demand provides insights into global and country-specific audience demand for movies across platforms and languages in 100+ markets. Movie Demand is offered alongside TV Demand and Talent Demand, providing industry stakeholders with an overview of the entertainment ecosystem.

Sound designer and composer Sefi Carmel has announced the launch of Sphere Trax, a music licensing platform and marketplace powered by Bitcoin SV. Set to launch later this year, SphereTrax will feature a curated gallery of high-end soundtracks and songs for film, TV, advertising, trailers, games, VR, AR and XR.

2022 Top Women in Media

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ADVERTISING

Leveraging sports staples such as the Super Bowl and the Olympics in recent months, NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock reportedly nabbed $1 billion in upfront ad revenue this year to double its 2021 take of $500 million. Peacock reports 28 million monthly users, including 13 million paid subscribers, at the end of the first quarter. Meanwhile, NBCUniversal’s total haul topped $7 billion, with reports stating that marks the most since Comcast acquired the network in 201 and a rise of mid-single digits, over 2021 revenue.

Crackle Plus has renewed its relationship with iSpot.tv through 2023. iSpot.tv will continue to provide its Unified Measurement solution to the brands working with Crackle Plus to quantify the incremental reach delivered over linear investments. This year, the streaming service will use iSpot’s ability to measure demographic reach and frequency for Crackle Plus campaigns. The measurement company will also provide support for select programmatic direct campaigns.

National CineMedia is expanding its NCMx data intelligence platform capabilities with Neustar, a TransUnion company, and ElementalTV. The NCMx platform leverages Neustar’s identify graph to give brands the ability to make real-time optimizations to their marketing campaigns, and transforms screen ads into interactive shoppable content, powered by ElementalTV.

STREAMING

For new streaming service Cineverse, Cinedigm is combining 15 FAST channels and over 15,000 on-demand shows that feature both Cinedigm and third-party content. An ad-free version of the AVOD platform debuting next month will roll out in the fall. Cineverse will be powered by an enhanced version of Cinedigm’s Matchpoint Blueprint platform, which leverages AI and machine learning to help streamline content preparation and delivery tasks. “We are pleased with the achievements that have been made to-date and look forward to showing how our technology, along with some new innovative features, will enhance the user experience for all of our channels – starting with our forthcoming service, Cineverse,” said Tony Huidor, Chief Technology and Product Officer at Cinedigm.

Future Today is making the company’s “Channel-as-a-Service” solution available to major brands. “Brands in every category are already investing billions in video content to better connect with and engage their target audience,” said Vikrant Mathur, Co-Founder, Future Today. “With our CaaS offering, we can help them activate that content in the CTV environment, where the audience is exploding, through dedicated, branded channels.”

Trade association OTT.X is now accepting submissions for the third annual Social OTT.X Impact Awards. The OTT.X Social Impact Awards is a program recognizes creators, producers, platforms and channels who are using the power of streaming video to make a positive impact. Deadline for submissions is September 1.

Newsmax has partnered with TuneIn, giving listeners access to Newsmax TV live and Newsmax Radio on Demand podcasts within the TuneIn app.

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Snap has tapped James Murray to serve as Chief Security Officer. Murray is retiring as director of the US Secret Service on July 30. “Jim will bring a wealth of experience to this new role, which will help ensure the safety and security of the more than 5,000 Snap employees who live and work across the globe,” said Snap.

Beachfront has tapped Marni Rommel to lead the Business Development team as Vice President. In her new role, Rommel will focus on driving adoption of Beachfront’s sell-side ad serving and decisioning technology, and on developing and managing monetization partnerships with leading media owners, programmers, and distributors.

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Editorial Director
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@robertacaploe

Executive Director of Sales
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Job of the day

COORDINATOR, SOCIAL CONTENT COMMUNITY
GSN
SANTA MONICA
1 yr exp. Day to day community & implementation coor. across all platforms. Troubleshoot issues as they arise. Monitor social channels; listen/engage with followers, identify real-time opp to create convo. Ensure consistent messaging across all networks. Assist with content creation/strategy calendar. Source clips, graphics, writing copy for posts. Full info HERE (7/25)

COMMUNITY MANAGER (SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR)
UP ENTERTAINMENT
ATLANTA (Hybrid)
Maintain a positive, entertaining & culturally informative dialogue with aspireTV and aspireTV LIFE viewers and potential viewers through aspireTV’s digital and social media channels, with particular emphasis on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram YouTube and Pinterest. Promote original online content through social channels. 2-3 yrs of industry exp. req. Full info HERE (7/25)

SALES ASSISTANT – NATIONAL
UP ENTERTAINMENT
NEW YORK, NY (Hybrid)
Maintain agency accounts including upfront &scatter order entry, inventory moves, & product allocations and Electronic Data Interchange, flowcharts, change notices, handling program changes, booking billboards for marketing sponsorships. Assist Account Executives, Sales Planner and Pricing Inventory in managing day-to-day Ad sales responsibilities. Full info HERE (7/25)

SR. WRITER/PRODUCER
UP ENTERTAINMENT
ATLANTA (Hybrid)
Conceive, write, produce and edit breakthrough on-air promotional spots, launch campaigns, marketing sales tapes and on-going episodic on-air promotions as assigned. Create digital-first content across brands for social media and streaming services including, but not limited to: Instagram stories, branded filters, GIFs and videos. 7 yrs exp. req. Full info HERE (7/25)

DIRECTOR OF SALES >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP/MEMPHIS: Create unique & customized media plans for high profile buyers leveraging Nexstar Digital’s full suite of products that can include but not limited to: OTT, Video, Social, Data, Addressable. Meet & exceed sales quota leveraging Nexstar’s products & manage a client pipeline & project revenue with a CRM. 3+ yrs exp. in selling TV, Video & Digital. Full info HERE (7/25)

FINANCE DIRECTOR (Hallmark Channel)
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
NYC or LA, STUDIO CITY
Responsible for financial planning, analysis & ad hoc decision support. Determine financial/business forecasts, assess new business opportunities, program acquisitions & new content strategies. BA/BS in Accounting, Finance or equivalent exp., 7+ yrs of financial planning & analysis exp. in media/entertainment & exp. with film forecasting/modeling. Full info HERE (7/20)

AD SALES BRAND MARKETING, COORDINATOR (Hallmark Channel)
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
NY, NY
Assist the VP, Director, and Managers of the Ad Sales team & provide administrative support including client communications, materials, PPT decks, event coordination, advertiser sponsorship opportunities, premiums & promotions. BA/BS in marketing or related field and 1-3 yrs experience in marketing or advertising at an entertainment company req. Full info HERE (7/20)

ADVANCED ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER (Hallmark Channel)
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
NY, NY
Will support Account Executives to understand agency and client goals and objectives by building digital and linear sales proposals that leverage Crown Media platforms to drive maximum revenue. Experience with digital ad serving systems including FreeWheel, 3-4 yrs experience in advanced TV ad platforms for an agency, network or publisher req. Full info HERE (7/20)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, ADVERTISING SALES (Hallmark Channel)
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
NY, NY
The AE will solicit ad sales from prospective clients and implement advertising sales strategies and sales marketing campaigns. BA/BS in Marketing or related field 3-5 yrs. AE experience and strong PC skills required. Full info HERE (7/20)

TRAFFIC COORDINATOR (Hallmark Channel)
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
NY, NY
Will edit daily broadcast logs and execute agency traffic instructions while maintaining commercial inventory. BA/BS in communications, advertising, business or related field & min 2 yrs television/radio traffic experience required. Wide Orbit a plus. Full info HERE (7/20)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE, AFFILIATE DISTRIBUTION
GSN
SANTA MONICA
2+ yrs in a cable network role. Experience in affiliate sales/marketing within TV. Responsible for reaching distribution and marketing goals within assigned accounts for GSN and Sony US Nets. Establish/manage day-to-day relationships with clients/sales prospects/and current affiliates. Strong sales-orientated person needed. Full info HERE (7/19)

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
GSN
SANTA MONICA
1+ yr exp in an admin type role. Entertainment experience is a plus. Coordinate calendar mgmt, logistics, prepping materials for meetings, ad hoc projects, research in the game show realm, creating ppt presentations, creating weekly agendas, participate in the dev process, general admin duties – phones, calendar mgmt., expenses. Full info HERE (7/19)

COORDINATOR, CURRENT PROGRAMMING
GSN
SANTA MONICA
1-2 yrs ex in a similar role. Serve as dept liaison, manage communications w/ internal teams and in-house productions. Maintain files, status reports, logging notes, watch final lock cuts, coordinate between post dept. organize and participate in the notes process for casting and presentation, actively participate in production dept meetings. Full info HERE (7/19)

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
GOOD MORNING FOOTBALL
NYC
Understand natively how to capture content within TikTok and provide visual guidance on social assets. Love the NFL and have the passion to create the best content for fans of both the NFL and the show. Love video editing, trying new tricks, and thinking how to engage and entertain social media users. Proficiency with a range of Adobe Products req. Full info HERE (7/15)

SR. DIRECTOR, INSURANCE & PRODUCTION RISK
A+E NETWORKS
NYC, Hybrid or Remote
Oversee all aspects of risk and insurance portfolio. Drive and support an Enterprise Risk Management initiative. Manage corporate insurance program and relationships with brokers/insurers. Create safety protocols for internal production units. 8 yrs exp. in insurance/risk management and expertise in enterprise risk management and loss prevention. Full info HERE (7/15)

STAFF ACCOUNTANT >>
AVALON MANAGEMENT, INC/BEVERLY HILLS: Client payment process – assist in recording checks and bank deposits received, ensuring correct entry into and maintenance of our artist database, ensuring our clients are paid accurately and on time. Liaising and working closely with internal stakeholders and converting sales orders. Experience of working in a similar role required. Full info HERE (7/15)

ACCOUNT MANAGER >>
RIVAL/Remote: Rival is seeking an Account Manager who will play a vital role in the organization’s management and oversight of the day-to-day servicing of its partner portfolio. Do you have experience working with partners and are you interested in making an impact at a growing company? This could be your next great opportunity. Full info HERE (7/14)

CONSUMER PRODUCTS COORDINATOR, SR. COORDINATOR OR MANAGER
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY
HOLLYWOOD
Work w/licensees across merchandise categories for all Henson properties, including but not limited to toys, books, graphic novels, apparel, etc. Shephard the product development approval process/assist in merchandising reviews to ensure brand integrity. Vet incoming product development concepts & submissions. 3-4 yrs of Product Development exp. Full info HERE (7/14)

TRAFFIC COORDINATOR- LOG SCHEDULING >>
SINCLAIR SPORTS GROUP/NYC, Remote: Schedule commercial, marketing, promotion spots, and secondary events on daily Traffic logs. Ensure that commercial inventory is scheduled according to client specifications. Interact with Planning, Programming, Sales, and Production. Collaborate daily with Copy Administrators, Ad Sales, Marketing and Network Operations regarding incoming orders. Full info HERE (7/14)

DIRECTOR, CLIENT ACTIVATION
HEARST MEDIA PRODUCTION GROUP
CHARLOTTE, NC
Oversee project management, execution, and client-service for all non-production related activations of partnerships with brands and non-profits. Serve as key client contact to ensure a positive, streamlined experience for our partners who fund multi-million-dollar, media programs on Network TV and digital that positively inspire people’s lives. Full info HERE (7/13)

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/COORDINATOR, CONTENT DISTRIBUTION & MARKETING
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Administrative support for registration, planning, and preparation of regional trade shows, local promotions and events as directed by the associated distribution and marketing team members. Provide administrative support to sales executives to create high quality PowerPoint presentations. 3+ yrs in sales, promotion, project management. Full info HERE (7/13)

DIRECTOR, ORIGINAL PROGRAMMING AND PRODUCTION
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Manage the development and acquisition of select new programs, master plan and budget. Identify, research and develop original programming content, including series, specials, studio shows and made for TV One movies that will drive audience viewership and sales revenue. 5+ years of experience in a development, programming and/or production role. Full info HERE (7/13)

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/PRODUCTION COORDINATOR
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Provide general administrative support in a professional, confidential & organized manner. Schedule appointments & maintain SVP’s daily calendar. Function as administrative liaison to internal TV One departments and other TV One offices. 3+ yrs of relevant exp in a fast-paced environment within entertainment, management and/or agency is preferred. Full info HERE (7/13)

COORDINATOR, SCHEDULING & RESEARCH
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING, MD
Assist with the monthly schedule releases and revisions for linear and digital platforms
Assist in maintaining program scheduling database. Communicate to key stakeholders upcoming programming plans and alert the teams of any changes. 1-2 years of experience in planning or responsible coordination to include internship and/or work experience. Full info HERE (7/13)

VP, PUBLICITY
STARZ/LIONSGATE
SANTA MONICA
Develop and lead press campaigns for STARZ Original Series. Develop and supervise the implementation of goals, strategies, tactics and timelines to create PR plans for assigned original programming and network marketing/branding efforts. 10+ years of experience in a related role within a corporate environment. Full info HERE (7/12)

BOOKING PRODUCER
ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA SEARCH
NYC
Highly rated and fastest growing cable news channel is seeking Booking Producers for primetime. Primarily responsible for securing on-air guests for interviews. Desired candidates must have previously worked as a booking producer (preferably in news). Must be a news junkie and ultimate team player. Full info HERE (7/12)

MANAGER, TELEVISION BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS
ENTERTAINMENT & MEDIA SEARCH
LOS ANGELES
Successful independent developer, producer and distributor of feature films and television programming seeking Business & Legal Affairs Manager for Television group. Desired candidates must have previous experience in business or legal affairs department at major studio, production company, or entertainment law firm. JD degree strongly preferred. Full info HERE (7/12)

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