08/30/21: Cynopsis Media Tech Update

Monday August 30, 2021

In settling a lawsuit brought by a group of small app developers, Apple will allow developers to tell customers about alternative payment methods that avoid Apple’s commissions. (The hitch: developers cannot alert customers inside apps.) Apple also agreed to set up a $100 million fund for payouts to developers who have made less than $1 million a year from Apple’s app store, and agreed not to raise its 15% commission from small app developers on consumer purchases for at least three years.

Apple has also introduced the News Partner Program, a slate of initiatives to expand its work with and support for journalism. The program aims to ensure Apple News customers maintain access to trusted news and information, supports publishers’ financial stability and advances efforts to further media literacy and diversity in news coverage and newsrooms. The News Partner Program is designed for subscription news publications that provide their content to Apple News in Apple News Format.

Snapchat has updated its “Scan” feature to offer different ways of using Snap’s Camera. Among the features are Camera Shortcuts, which offers suggestions like relevant soundtracks and Lenses.

Instagram plans to launch a series of improvements “designed for inspiration and discovery,” said head of Instagram Adam Mosseri in a blog post. “These changes make Instagram Search more than just a way to find accounts and hashtags,” said Mosseri. “We’re moving towards a full search results page experience that makes it even easier to go deep on your interests.” The keywords users can use to search for content is expanding, and search results will be improved to accommodate deeper exploration.

Vice Media Group laid off 17 staffers in the Vice Digital and Refinery29 groups, according to the Vice and R29 unions. The cuts were part of the company’s “focus on building content for our digital communities in the native says they consume it,” said a memo to staff from Chief Digital Officer Cory Haik, who noted a “remarkable increase” in views and engagement for some entertainment brands through visual platforms, versus a “precipitous decline” in text consumption.

Netflix has ventured deeper into the video game space with the launch of its first in-app mobile game integration – in Poland. Members can try Netflix mobile gaming on Android with two games, “Stranger Things: 1984” and “Stranger Things 3.” “It’s very, very early days and we’ve got a lot of work to do in the months ahead, but this is the first step,” tweeted Netflix Geeked.

Add TV discovery service Reelgood, IBM Watson, Thinking Right and more to the list of measurement companies asking to be included in NBCUniversal’s search for new audience measurement solutions. Earlier this month, NBCU sent a request for proposals from 54 companies for accurate and independent measurement services for the new multi-screen landscape. The company is reviewing over 70 responses to the call.

After facing significant backlash, UK subscription site OnlyFans has dropped plans to ban pornography from its service. The move, a swift turnaround less than a week after OnlyFans announced its plans to ban porn beginning in October, comes as the company cites the need to comply with the policies of its banking partners to pay its content creators. “Thank you to everyone for making your voices heard. We have secured assurances necessary to support our diverse creator community and have suspended the planned October 1 policy change,” the company said in a tweet. “OnlyFans stands for inclusion and we will continue to provide a home for all creators.”

Shopify and TikTok are partnering to allow consumers to buy products directly in the TikTok app. In a pilot program, Shopify merchants will be able to add a shopping tab to their profiles and link to products within TikTok posts.

Facebook is looking to launch its own advisory committee for election-related policy decisions, according to The New York Times. The company has reportedly approached policy experts and academics it is interested in recruiting for the group, which would give it cover for some of its most consequential choices. The group would potentially be empowered to weigh in on issues like election misinformation and political advertising. Plans are for the commission to be in place for the 2022 U.S. midterm elections.

German publishing group Axel Springer has struck an agreement to acquire digital political news outlet Politico, in a deal topping $1 billion. The deal includes the remaining 50% share of the companies’ current joint venture, Politico Europe, and the more recently launched tech news website Protocol.

Bright, the startup from YouTube executive Michael Powers and investor and music manager Guy Oseary that’s recruited celebrities, artists and influencers to host ticketed live Zoom events, announced $15 million in funding from investors. The funding round was led by Sound Ventures, Oseary’s investment firm co-founded with Ashton Kutcher, RIT Capital and Regah Ventures. Individual investors include Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann, Amy Schumer, Shawn Mendez, Drew and Jonathan Scott (“Property Brothers”) Bethenny Frankel (“The Real Housewives of New York City”) and singer Ryan Tedder. In addition, Bright announced that Jessica Alba, Kane Brown and Maria Sharapova are joining the company as advisers.

Audience demand measurement company Parrot Analytics has expanded its analytics suite DEMAND360 with the launch of Talent Demand, offering daily updated audience demand analytics. “It’s now time we turn our focus to the next slice of the entertainment industry sorely in need of an upgrade when it comes to the question of audience preferences. This time, instead of focusing on the ‘what’, we focus on ‘who’,” said Wared Seger, CEO, Parrot Analytics. “It’s always been our purpose to connect creators with consumers and Talent Demand will accelerate this mission by helping creators, talent and executive decision makers evaluate the right talent mix to bring their stories to life.”

Visual effects and animation studio DNEG announced plans for increasing its Canada-based VFX and animation operations and talent pool. DNEG is planning a new studio in the Greater Toronto Area that will initially employ up to 200, including many new technology positions, as well as expanding its existing Vancouver and Montreal offices, and adding a new studio for its Feature Animation division in Vancouver. DNEG also has North American operations in Los Angeles.

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STREAMING

Kinema, the cinematic experience platform, has expanded its film library to a total of more than 60+ new titles. New partners include Magnolia Pictures, Greenwich Entertainment, Abramorama, Cargo Releasing, Frameline, Film Movement and Well Go USA.

Rotten Tomatoes is launching its OTT channel on Samsung TV Plus, Samsung’s free ad-supported video service. The Rotten Tomatoes Channel features 24/7 linear programming, more than a dozen originally produced shows and nearly 200 hours of content. Among new shows debuting at launch are “Behind the Movie,” “Trailer Trivia” and “Year in Review.”

Netflix is airing a global fan event that will provide exclusives and sneak peaks at some fan-favorite programs. Named for the streamer’s signature opening tone, Tudum unfurls Saturday, September 25 at noon across Netflix’s YouTube channels worldwide, Twitter and Twitch—with stars and creators repping more than 70 original series, films and specials including “Bridgerton,” “The Crown,” “Cobra Kai,” “The Witcher” and “Stranger Things.”

ADVERTISING

VIZIO announced it has successfully closed its 2022 upfront negotiations, topping $100 million in brand and agency commitments, a fourfold increase over 2021. “We’ve developed an advertising business model that is unique in the industry,” said Mike O’Donnell, Chief Revenue Officer of VIZIO’s Platform Business. “We’re providing agencies with access to premium CTV inventory, the ability to target and measure with precision and access to insights that can inform their investment strategies for all linear and CTV.” VIZIO noted its upfront success is supplemented by its growing direct advertising business, which in the last year has doubled participating unique brands and tripled average revenue per advertiser.

Viamedia’s video platform QTT announced the launch of QTT Marketplace, an open-platform destination for advertisers and agencies accustomed to digital platforms to access directly premium, curated local and national television inventory. “Buyers and sellers can now take advantage of their investments in data-driven audience planning tools by activating at scale through QTT’s seamless translation platform,” said John Piccone, President of QTT. “As a result, we now have an array of partners offering premium television inventory through demand- and sell-side platforms to connect them directly with traditional and new digital advertisers.” Initial television participants include A+ Networks, Fox, Reelz and Magnite.

TransUnion has launched TruAudience solutions, the culmination of 2.5 years building a suite of identity, addressability and data solutions, that integrates the technology and expertise from acquisitions Tru Optik, Signal Digital and TruSignal. “The marketing and advertising sector is on the precipice of reinvention with the demise of third-party cookies, the rise of privacy-centric solutions and the overarching need for brands to break down silos and communicate to consumers across channels — from connected TV and audio, to direct mail and linear TV,” said Matt Spiegel, EVP of Marketing Solutions and Head of Media and Entertainment Vertical, TransUnion. “TruAudience addresses all of these factors.”

EDO Inc., the mid-funnel measurement platform for Convergent TV, and Xandr have partnered to make EDO’s search engagement data available on Xandr’s sell-side and buy-side advanced TV platforms, Monetize TV and Invest TV. Invest TV buyers can configure RFPs with EDO data and Monetize TV sellers can generate data-driven linear TV proposals that are optimized to drive search outcomes for brands.

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America announced a collaboration between the OAAA Programmatic and Automation Committee and IAB Tech Lab to integrate digital out of home into OpenRTB (Real-Time Bidding) specifications. “Standardized specifications are crucial for automated workflows and these OpenRTB specs will advance digital OOH’s inclusion in the digital omnichannel mix,” said Anna Bager, President and CEO, OAAA. “Once these standards are in place and adopted, DOOH will be able to easily be bought alongside other programmatically sold formats, allowing the medium to tap into new budgets.”

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Job of the day

MANAGER, STREAMING TV PROGRAMMING STRATEGY AND SCHEDULING
JUKIN MEDIA
LOS ANGELES, CA
Supports Director on all Streaming Team department responsibilities. Manage program strategy and scheduling and manage on-air promo strategy and scheduling. Evaluate potential program acquisitions and create editorial calendar Bachelor’s degree and 5+ Years TV and/or Streaming TV Programming Strategy, Scheduling and Acquisitions experience req. Full info HERE (9/15)

COORDINATOR, INTERNATIONAL SALES, DISTRIBUTION
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
LOS ANGELES, CA
Provide sales & distribution support to the SVP in key areas such as updating right management system, export of availabilities, reports, and other international tools, and gather data for sales & distribution support. Invoicing, reports, material deliveries, screeners, contracts, schedule. 1-2 yrs exp supporting sales & distribution teams req. Full info HERE (9/15)

SENIOR WRITER/PRODUCER “PrEditor” >>
UP tv/ATLANTA, GA: Conceive, write, produce and edit breakthrough on-air promotional spots, launch campaigns, and marketing sales tapes. Provide creative direction and help oversee promo work of editors, promo producers and freelance creative help. 7 yrs with cable, network, local television station, ad agency, or other applicable industry related experience. Full info HERE (9/15)

CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE >>
UP tv/ATLANTA, GA: Ensure all subscriber questions and concerns are addressed quickly. Utilize written communication via ZenDesk to respond to, troubleshoot, and resolve customer issues. Ensure that customer interactions reflect our values and communication strategy. Ability to triage issues and clearly communicate solutions in a concise manner. Full info HERE (9/15)

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER >>
UP tv/ATLANTA, GA: Oversee day-to-day management of campaigns & ensure brand consistency. Develop social media campaigns & drive brand awareness, and engagement. Understanding of the full social landscape & how it is successfully managed within the entertainment industry. Experience using native and enterprise level digital & social workflow and paid media solutions. Full info HERE (9/15)

SALES PLANNER >>
UP tv/NYC, NY: Work with advertising agency contacts & other advertising sales personnel to ensure that administration aspects of accounts are in order. Build, revise and maintain all sales proposals for AEs. Assist in the compilation & enhancement of upfront and scatter pricing and planning tools: reweight charts, pricing guide, etc. 1+ years related cable exp. Full info HERE (9/15)

MEDIA TRAFFIC COORDINATOR >>
CIRCLE MEDIA/NASHVILLE, TN: Manage ad sales orders and distribute marketing materials. Create show formats and timing the log to exact time specs. Prepare, build, and enter all commercial orders and run reports for sales. Broadcast or Radio Traffic experience, and a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Wide Orbit or related program and Microsoft office expertise is a plus. Full info HERE (9/15)

PUBLIC RELATIONS ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE – INTERACTIVE GAMING >>
42West-BHI/LA, NYC, AUSTIN, SALT LAKE CITY: Work on your favorite games! Execute and oversee gaming campaigns across PC, console, and mobile titles. The ideal candidate would possess a passion for gaming and writing with a minimum of three years of PR experience within the games industry, including experience managing campaigns, communications, and conducting strategic media relations. Full info HERE (9/15)

SUPERVISOR, FIELD OPERATIONS >>
SPECTRUM/BIRMINGHAM AL: Responsible for overall fulfillment operations of the system locations from the node to the home across the assigned area. Supervise installation and service to meet customer expectations, technical quality standards, employee productivity and company safety requirements. Full info HERE (9/15)

MARKETING RESEARCH MANAGER >>
PAC-12 NETWORKS/SAN FRANCISCO, CA: Provide quantitative and qualitative analyses, actionable recommendations, and presentations. Organize and compile media research that supports brand management and works closely with sales team to provide relevant research/data points. 5+ years of experience in the marketing and media research field within a media organization required. Full info HERE (9/14)

DIGITAL DISTRIBUTION OPERATIONS MANAGER
INSP, LLC
CHARLOTTE, NC
Manage all communication with external distribution partner operations teams for onboarding, asset delivery and troubleshooting issues. Drive overall execution for all digital distribution projects. Project Manager for the creation and/or procurement of digital assets. Five or more years of experience and Bachelor’s Degree req. Full info HERE (9/10)

SALES PLANNER
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
LA, CA
Build and modify sales plans and orders, maintain media schedules, manage posting process and coordinate, track and implement added value elements for clients. Min 1yr. exp as Sales Planner or Sales Buyer or 1-2 yr. exp as a Sales Assistant in comparable Ad Sales environment req. BA degree in Marketing, Advertising or Comms strongly preferred. Full info HERE (9/9)

MANAGER RESEARCH
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
LA, CA
Deliver consumer focused, data driven insights that support and guide decisions relative to the development, acquisition and scheduling of all Crown Media content. 5+yr relevant research exp in cable, broadcast and streaming. Knowledge of Nielsen-based systems and viewing stats. Exp with Star Method, Tableau and Google Analytics a plus. Full info HERE (9/9)

SENIOR MANAGER, PROGRAMMING & ACQUISITIONS >>
iN DEMAND/NYC, NY : Maximize indie TVOD revenue for iND and affiliates, Act as primary contact for all 70+ indie studios under iND offering. Identify and activate new business relationships with content providers and negotiate license agreements for acquisition of movie and television product for VOD. Minimum of 3-4 years of work experience, preferably in related area. Full info HERE (9/7)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
DISH MEDIA
NYC, NY
DISH Media is looking for a top-tiered advertising sales professional to call on advertising agencies and clients. This individual’s success will be directly tied to an ability to help our client’s strategize and achieve their growth objectives. Full info HERE (9/6)

SALES PLANNER
DISH MEDIA
NYC, NY
We’re looking for an energetic Sales Planner to join our NYC team. The Sales Planner will be responsible for execution and maintenance of ordered deals and acting as a facilitator of the sales process by providing proposals that meet the needs of both DISH Media Sales and client’s needs. Full info HERE (9/6)

MEDIA SALES COORDINATOR
DISH MEDIA
EL SEGUNDO, CA
DISH Media is looking for a new Media Sales Coordinator. This role will be responsible for the daily account management and support to assigned Account Executives. We are looking for candidates with the ability to build and sustain relationships across Ad Agencies and Clients to assist our sales staff succeed in this rapidly evolving environment. Full info HERE (9/6)

MEDIA SALES COORDINATOR
DISH MEDIA
NYC, NY
DISH Media is looking for a Media Sales Coordinator. This role will be responsible for the daily account management and support to assigned Account Executives. We are looking for candidates with the ability to build and sustain relationships across Ad Agencies and Clients to assist our sales staff succeed in this rapidly evolving environment. Full info HERE (9/6)

GRAPHIC DESIGNER
DISH MEDIA
NYC, NY
We are seeking a highly creative individual to fill the role of Graphic Designer. This person will be responsible for developing and executing creative concepts that propel and enhance the DISH Media brand visually across all communication channels. Full info HERE (9/6)

TARGETING & ATTRIBUTION MANAGER
DISH MEDIA
NYC, CHICAGO, LA
The Targeting & Attribution Manager (TAM) supports pre-campaign target recommendations and manages post-campaign attribution and measurement. Provides executional strategy for measurement studies, to analyze the success of DISH Media’s targeted advertising business, across both DISH and Sling TV. Full info HERE (9/6)

SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST
DISH MEDIA
NYC, NY
The Sr. Research Analyst reports directly to the Advanced TV Analytics Team Lead. The position supports various divisions within DISH including Media Research, Analytics, Sales & Marketing. Providing reporting on qualitative & quantitative data; assisting w/audience delivery forecasting; providing timely updates of Research & Marketing materials. Full info HERE (9/6)

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE – CLIENT VERTICAL
DISH MEDIA
NYC, NY
The Client Vertical role will focus on driving revenue within a set number of verticals. Work with the various teams within DISH Media (Sales, Data, Analytics, etc) to elevate the sales strength of their verticals. You will be a part of a Client Vertical team that represents DISH Media in the marketplace mostly with client direct decision makers. Full info HERE (9/6)

DIRECTOR OF PROMO STRATEGY AND SCHEDULING >>
GAC MEDIA LLC/NYC, NY: Work across various departments to coordinate promotional priorities on a monthly and weekly basis. Review creative and identify needs to ensure promotional inventory is being used effectively. Use Grip-It to schedule and book promotional time for primary and secondary events. At least 3-5+ years’ experience working in Promo or Inventory Management. Full info HERE (9/6)

SALES ASSISTANT, DIRECT RESPONSE >>
GAC MEDIA LLC/NYC, NY: Accurately enter all orders for Direct Response schedules. Review and process orders to ensure that all necessary paperwork is submitted for cross functional teams. Pull pre and pot logs for clients. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills and Bachelor’s degree required. Full info HERE (9/6)

SALES ASSISTANT, GENERAL RATE >>
GAC MEDIA, LLC/NYC, NY: Accurately enter all orders for linear & digital advertising schedules. Review & process orders to ensure that all necessary paperwork is submitted for cross functional teams. Manage advertising copy for clients, including correct distribution of Traffic Instructions & client spot uploads as needed. Strong analytical & problem-solving skills req. Full info HERE (9/6)

DIRECTOR, SALES AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
THE JIM HENSON COMPANY
BURBANK, CA
Generating leads and closing sales for creative service vendor opportunities. Building and establishing valuable industry relationships within entertainment to yield potential business development opportunities. Establishing new partnerships and maintaining existing partnerships with clients. Experience in entertainment sales is preferred. Full info HERE (9/6)

NETWORK TV VIDEO CONTENT EDITOR
WEIGEL NETWORKS
CHICAGO
Video Editor responsible for editing and formatting content to air on the Weigel Ntwrk brands and in accordance with FCC rules and regulations and SOP’s. Responsible for the clarity and accuracy of content broadcasted. 2+ yrs exp. Exp w/Adobe Prmr, Attn to detail and familiarity with FCC rules and regulations for what is permissible to air required. Full info HERE (9/4)

VP- CLIENT MANAGEMENT >>
RING2MEDIA INC/REMOTE: Responsible for all strategic planning, implementation of growth initiatives, and overall success. Design and pitch campaign growth opportunities and new strategic initiatives to create new Revenue opportunities. Success will be measured by growth rate of accounts; in terms of both Overall Revenue and scope of services.” Full info HERE (9/3)

VP-BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT >>
RING2MEDIA INC/REMOTE: Robust experience in the Medicare Advantage, Health Insurance, and Life Insurance verticals required. The ideal candidate will have existing relationships at the carrier, broker, and IMO/FMO levels & an intimate knowledge of Lead Generation/Customer Acquisition, with a deep functional understanding of the economics and Customer LTVs in the space.” Full info HERE (9/3)

MANAGER, BRAND MARKETING
CROWN MEDIA FAMILY NETWORKS
STUDIO CITY, CA
Develop & execute consumer marketing campaigns. Create innovative & compelling tactics such as sweepstakes, experiential activations, email campaigns, promotions and more for top-tier linear & streaming platforms and brand extensions within Crown Media. Clever, enthusiastic team player with ability to multi-task and interface with all departments. Full info HERE (9/2)

VP COMMUNICATIONS, DOCUMENTARIES >>
Discovery Inc/NYC or LA: Help lead and promote new content in the docs and doc series space across Discovery Factual and discovery+. Pitch and secure media coverage in a wide range of media outlets as well as launching awards campaigns with established relationships in the premium doc space. Must have 10+ years exp in-house and/or agency setting. Full info HERE (9/2)

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER – PROGRAM INTEGRATIONS >>
Discovery Inc/NYC: Food Network’s Program Integration team is seeking an AP to help project manage integrated content across linear and D+ platforms. Looking for passionate people with television, marketing, or media background and 1-3 years exp in coordinating and project managing. Full info HERE (9/2)

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER >>
PROCAM TAKE 2/NYC, NY: Procam Take 2 is an ambitious team of individuals who are excited about what we do & our booming industry. We are looking to hire creative and passionate professionals who are always pushing themselves to achieve their best. As our business development manager, you are an integral part of the Procam team and play an important role in our success. Full info HERE (9/2)

MARKETING MANAGER >>
MAVTV/CORONA CA: Develop & execute marketing campaigns & proactively create, plan, & execute innovative marketing & communication strategies to expand viewership & revenue opportunities. Develop a campaign strategy and identify target audiences and deployment capabilities, and facilitate media buys for Network advertisements. 4+ years of experience in TV required. Full info HERE (9/2)

PRODUCTION MANAGER
EarthxTV
DALLAS
Ability to interface with production partners and ultimately responsible for all the crew, talent, locations, and all the contracts associate with the production. Will hire crew, heads of departments, etc, over-seeing the onboarding process and ongoing paperwork. Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience required. Full info HERE (8/30)

DIRECTOR OF TRAFFIC & SCHEDULING
EarthxTV
DALLAS
Responsible for scheduling all programming, commercials, and promos.
Oversee completion of programming grid – Building formats and maintaining program schedules in the traffic system. Assign all house numbers to content as it is delivered and coordinate all logs. Bachelor’s degree and/or a minimum of 3-5 years of relevant experience required. Full info HERE (8/30)

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