08/28/23: Cynopsis Media Tech Update

Monday August 28, 2023

IBM introduced Watsonx Code Assistant for Z, a generative AI-assisted product that will help enable faster translation of COBOL to Java on IBM Z. The product will be generally available in 2Q24 and is being designed to help accelerate COBOL application modernization. Watsonx Code Assistant for Z will preview during IBM’s event, TechXchange, in Las Vegas next month.

Amazon launched a Fire TV Channels app that offers Fire TV customers over 400 content providers, including ABC News, CBS Sports HQ, MLB, Fox Sports, NHL, IGN, IMDb, Martha Stewart, and GoTraveler, and more. Users can find the Fire TV Channels app via the “Your Apps and Channels” section.

Meta plans to launch a desktop version of X rival Threads this week, reports The Wall Street Journal – assuming it can get the kinks worked out. “It’s a little bit buggy right now, you don’t want it just yet,” posted Instagram head Adam Mosseri last week. “As soon as it is ready we will share it with everybody else.” While Threads’ introduction in July was a success, usage has fallen off, with the absence of a full web version among the complaints.

Microsoft announced the release of Public Preview of Python in Excel. Python in Excel makes it possible to natively combine Python and Excel analytics within the same workbook, no setup required. With Python in Excel, users can type Python directly into a cell, the Python calculations run in the Microsoft Cloud, and results are returned to the worksheet, including plots and visualizations.

Elon Musk wants to remove headlines from news articles shared on X, according to a Fortune headline. The goal is to reduce the height of the preview posts so users can see more content in a single window. The report also says the move would curb clickbait.

Through a partnership with digital commerce tech company Dotter, VDX.tv now offers shoppable video ad units that include product specs, prices updated in real-time and availability info across multiple, region-specific retailers.

beIN Media Group has expanded its partnership with software provider Synamedia to add immersive capabilities for viewers across 24 countries in Middle East and North Africa. One of the new features allows sports fans to watch two live matches simultaneously on a single screen.

Microsoft will sell cloud gaming rights for Activision Blizzard titles to Ubisoft in a restructuring designed “to address the UK CMA’s concerns regarding cloud streaming,” Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick said in an email to employees. The United Kingdom’s Competition and Markets Authority had previously blocked the deal in the country due to concerns that Microsoft could make Activision Blizzard titles exclusive to Xbox and create a monopoly via its cloud services; with Ubisoft purchasing the rights to cloud publishing of new and current Activision Blizzard titles, that argument is out the window, signaling perhaps the final hurdle in Microsoft’s battle to close a blockbuster deal that’s been in the works since early 2022.

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ADVERTISING

The sports, family/parenting and pets categories showed the greatest growth in programmatic video advertising ad spend in 2Q23, according to PubMatic. The pets category saw the largest spend growth overall in the quarter, and the third-largest YoY growth in video ad spend (up 60%). The family and parenting category had the quarter’s second-largest growth in YoY video ad spend, at 116%. “Some advertising sectors experience seasonality, while others tend to flow with macroeconomic conditions — and some are at the whims of both,” noted the report.

TikTok announced the launch of the Search Ads Toggle, a new feature on TikTok Ads Manager that allows brands to serve ads in TikTok search results. The Search Ads Toggle leverages advertisers’ existing In-Feed Ad creative to serve ads alongside organic search results from relevant user queries. When the Search Ad Toggle is engaged, ads are automatically created using the advertiser’s existing ad content and served against relevant user queries alongside organic search results. The ads are labeled as “Sponsored” content.

Quotient, a digital promotions and media technology company, is launching a digital OOH platform to enable retailers to offer brands and advertisers end-to-end planning, activation, and measurement to reach customers in the physical world. “We can identify relevant screens in-store, on-site, or en route to store,” said Norm Chait, Regional Vice President of DOOH at Quotient. “Even many miles away that are seen, based on the data, to score higher against a particular brand or category buyer and drive more store visits and increase basket size.” Last November, Quotient formed a global partnership with Hivestack.

DisplayX announced the debut of its AI-Powered DOOH Platform in Times Square on Friday. DisplayX’s 3D technology morphs static DOOH ads into interactive experiences. In addition, an ad credit system on its programmatic ad platform enabling to buy ad credits in advance, and then bid for placements based on real-time market conditions.

Edison Interactive and AirSqreen have entered a global strategic partnership, building client-accretive transparent reporting with AirSqreen’s real time campaign verification technology on Edison Interactive’s DOOH and cross-device screens. “We continue to see growth in the DOOH space from both an inventory and advertising perspective, and we are excited to partner with companies that are bringing useful tools to the marketplace,” said Jeremy Straight, SVP Sales and Marketing of Edison Interactive. “As a media owner in the DOOH vertical, we want to provide our advertisers with the tools they need to launch transparent and measurable media campaigns.”

iCliniq, a provider of healthcare resources, has rolled out an expanded version of iCliniq Engage, its suite of contextual advertising engagement solutions. The telehealth advertising solutions enable pharmaceutical companies a precise way to target display and video ads on more than 50,000 pieces of original, medically reviewed, high-intent, contextually relevant health content pieces.

STREAMING

New NBCUniversal FAST channels are now streaming on Google TV and Android TV devices. The four additions include Murder, She Wrote; Universal Crime; Lo Mejor de Telemundo; and Historias de Amor.

MuxIP, provider of automated solutions for ad-supported streaming, has launched its Pod FAST TV product, which will enable global streaming distribution of vodcast and podcast content targeting major FAST channel platforms. MuxIP made the announcement at the Podcast Movement conference in Denver, along with PodcastOne TV, which is a new linear FAST channel powered by FASTHub for Pod FAST TV, launching this summer.

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Job of the day

SENIOR STUDIO TECHNICAL MANAGER
A+E NETWORKS
HYBRID NYC
Technical manager for live, studio, productions/eveants. Provides technical oversight, support, solutions, troubleshooting, and in-house technical resource. Functions as Studio and Tech Manager for Studio and Tech Manager for remote productions, on-site and off-site corporate events. Requires 5-7 years production technical management experience. Full info HERE

SENIOR DIRECTOR, DIGITAL CONTENT LICENSING
A+E NETWORKS
REMOTE
Negotiate, draft & review agreements for owned & operated platforms/services, third-party platform. Exp. in digital media, content licensing (domestic/international), linear & on-demand rights & distribution, Privacy & Data Security preferred. Min 5 yrs of exp. supporting digital media at media company or streaming platform. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
FETV
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

SENIOR DESIGNER, MOTION GRAPHICS & DIGITAL >>
REELZ/ALBUQUERQUE, NM: Strong graphic design foundation including – typography, color, composition & concepts & stays up to date with motion design trends & visual effects. Expert level experience w/After Effects, Photoshop & Illustrator is req. Knowledge of InDesign & 3D design software is a +. Exp. in greenscreen keying, tracking & rotoscoping techniques are also a +. 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

SENIOR MANAGER, AD SALES MARKETING
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NYC
Manage the pre-sale client facing pitch process and post-sale activation of cross-platform television, streaming, digital & social media integrated marketing programs. Write & create compelling sales presentations, one-sheets & cross-platform sponsorship opportunities. 5+ yrs exp. with ad sales marketing, integrated marketing, brand advertising. Full info HERE

DIRECTOR, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP, INC.
NYC or LOS ANGELES
Manage messaging, vision and strategy in the marketplace and internally. Responsible for helping to build, execute and enhance ad sales brand reputation and to raise awareness of the organization both internally and externally. 10+ years’ related media experience and experience with an ad sales organization. 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

DIRECTOR, MEDIA SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS >>
PBS DISTRIBUTION/ARLINGTON VA, Hybrid: Oversee media systems operations, including daily operations as well as development and implementation of overall media supply chain. Work with external vendors and internal stakeholders on design and implementation of hardware and software solutions for media systems. 7+ yrs of work exp. in the areas of television, media, or consumer products. 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

SR. DIRECTOR, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT >>
SHOUT! FACTORY/LOS ANGELES: P&L responsibility, ownership over all aspects of a project, standalone releases or a licensed library of titles. Works w/production, publicity, creative services, distribution/sales, digital, finance, legal, acquisitions & licensors to best position the project for success. 7+ yrs of exp. in marketing, business development, or product management. Full info HERE

SALES OPERATIONS MANAGER >>
SHOUT! FACTORY/LOS ANGELES: Prepare accurate reports using data from internal & external sources for sales planning & analysis. Communicate w/our distributor on a regular basis with an understanding of their systems & deadlines. Announce release date, pricing confirmation & metadata for staff & distributor. 3+Yrs exp. in Sales Planning & Analysis/Finance Administration. Full info HERE

SENIOR CONTENT PRODUCER
INTERACTIVE ONE
NYC
Oversee video/creative production team thru ideation, production planning, crew/talent hiring, & budget/project management. Shepherd campaigns from development, pre-production, & production thru editing & delivery. Help w/shoots as well as postproduction team. 5+ yrs exp. spanning editorial, design, advertising agency, film, branded entertainment. Full info HERE

CREATIVE DIRECTOR
INTERACTIVE ONE
NYC
Respond to both RFPs and direct-to-client assignments from brands and agencies. Examine client brief and lead ideation or adapt pre-existing creative. Identify innovative storytelling and emerging video formats. Minimum of 7 yrs exp. producing compelling video, television and digital media content across multiple channels and platforms. Full info HERE

AD SALES PLANNER >>
SINCLAIR BROADCASTING GROUP/NYC, Hybrid: Responsible for creating, analyzing & communicating sales proposals to the Sales team for presentation to advertising agencies and/or clients. Collaborate w/all media platforms & departments to create proposals, execute campaigns, manage stewardship & pacing of linear & digital deals. Point of contact post sale & provide excellent client services. Full info HERE

DIRECTOR, PRODUCTION LIFETIME/LMN MARKETING PRODUCTION OPERATIONS
A+E NETWORKS
Remote
Lead campaign planning & production oversight, ensuring best-in-class creative. Direct Campaign Planning rollouts & ensure production readiness of marketing initiatives. Oversee production on high-end graphics/design/editorial projects. 7+ yrs working in a fast-paced, highly collaborative team, with relevant work exp. in production management. Full info HERE

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/NYC: Determine best news stories for the program and create daily rundown. Work with show host in program preparation and execution. Identify compelling news stories. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to producers, associate producers, and casting producers. 3+ years executive producing experience or overseeing newscast production. Full info HERE

STAGE MANAGER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/WASHINGTON DC: Works with Production management to maintains cast and crew lists and manages local rehearsal and show calendar. Oversee daily technical run-throughs directly prior to shows. Willing and able to work shifts between 12noon to 11pm and occasional Weekends and some longer hours during election and special events. Full info HERE

BROADCAST ENGINEER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/WASHINGTON DC: Troubleshooting, repair, and preventative maintenance of television broadcast equipment, computers, and broadcast computer networks in a 24x7x365 environment. Serve as E.I.C. during live and taped shows. Electrical Engineering, or other technical degree preferred. 5+ yrs as broadcast engineer, or equivalent knowledge. 5+ yrs in live TV production. Full info HERE

PRODUCER >>
NEWSMAX MEDIA INC/NEW YORK: Generate story ideas through research of news reports, social media, websites & contacts. Strong understanding of Newsmax brand & talent. Identify impactful news stories that result in provocative, compelling television. Delegate responsibilities as appropriate to associate producers, assignment editors & video editors. Bachelor’s degree preferred. Full info HERE

AD SALES COORDINATOR, DIRECT RESPONSE
TV ONE
NYC, Hybrid, Remote
Work with account executives & sales planners utilizing internal computer system to fulfill sales orders through the execution of client schedules. Serve as the primary point of contact for ad agencies & TV One to resolve discrepancies, confirm schedule changes & distribute post & pre-logs. Bachelor’s degree or 2 yrs of exp. in advertising sales. Full info HERE

MANAGER OF ENTERPRISE CONTENT, WTKR
SCRIPPS NETWORKS
NORFOLK, VA
Collaborates w/other newsroom managers to leverage the Scripps content strategy as the foundation for market-specific local content strategy. Leading a team of people to regularly & reliably produce targeted enterprise & investigative stories of impact & importance to our community. 3 yrs of exp. in digital media, journalism, broadcast preferred. Full info HERE

SR. DIRECTOR, DIGITAL PLATFORMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
TV ONE
SILVER SPRING MD, NYC, Hybrid Remote
Develop, cultivate, and socialize vision, mission, and strategy for Digital Business, Programming Visibility, Content Creation and Content Partnerships & Data Governance. Lead and facilitate cross-functional and cross-company project teams. 12 yrs in the media & emerging platform landscape with building digital platforms and vMVPD growth strategy. Full info HERE

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