10/09/23: Cynopsis Media Tech Update

Monday October 9, 2023

At Google’s Pixel Event 2023, the company unveiled Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the latest versions of its smartphone technology. New features in the phones camera include Magic Editor, enabling background filling and subject repositioning, and Best Take, which allows the combination of multiple shots to create the best group photo. Google also introduced updates and enhancements for the Pixel Watch, Pixel Buds Pro, Google Assistant and Android 14 operating system.

Google is also working on cutting down on spam and unwanted emails. Starting in 2024, Google will enhance its requirement that emails sent to Gmail addresses have some form of authentication; require bulk senders to offer a way unsubscribe with one click; and stay under a reported spam threshold.

Elon Musk is facing a lawsuit from the FCC over his failure to appear for testimony in the SEC’s San Francisco office on September 15. Two days before the scheduled testimony — focused on Musk’s acquisition of a large amount of Twitter shares before his takeover of Twitter — Musk notified the SEC he would not appear. “Musk attempted to justify his refusal to comply with the subpoena by raising, for the first time, several spurious objections, including an objection to San Francisco as an appropriate testimony location,” says the SEC’s lawsuit. An attorney for Musk told Bloomberg, “The SEC has already taken Mr. Musk’s testimony multiple times in this misguided investigation — enough is enough.”

X Corp. ad revenue slid -54% year-over-year in August, the most decline of any social platform in its competitive set, according to Guideline. TikTok’s led the pack with ad revenue up +72%. The only other platform to see ad revenue dip was Snap, down -4%.

X is testing three premium subscription tiers: Premium Basic, Premium Standard, and Premium Plus. Basic would come with full ads, Standard would replace the current $7.99 Premium plan with half the ads, and Plus would be ad-free. During a briefing last week, the company also said that while about 90% of its top advertisers have returned to the platform, they are bringing smaller budgets.

Netflix struck a deal for a “Squid Game” slot machine, based on the South Korean smash hit show. Gaming company Light & Wonder will build the slot game, integrating games from the survival series.

The personal data of about 6800 current and former employees of Sony’s game division and their family members may have been exposed in a hack back in May. The company notified those affected by the breach, caused by a vulnerability in Progress Software’s MOVEit file transfer platform, on October 3.

The IAB Tech Lab released an “Identity Solutions Guidance” document for public comment. IAB Tech Lab’s Rearc Addressability Working developed the guide for advertisers, publishers, media agencies, data collaborators, and ad tech vendors to “demystify the landscape, better understand the scope and scale of ID solutions and the technology, so that they can evaluate different ID Solution partners.” Industry executives have until November 4 to make a comment before the lab moves to ratify it as a digital ad industry technical standard.

DOOH – one of the fastest-growing media sectors – is everywhere. And now it has a home at Cynopsis, which is launching a weekly newsletter dedicated to DOOH on November 1. For details, contact [email protected].

Cineverse Corp. has partnered with Vionlabs, provider of AI video metadata solutions. The partnership allows Cineverse to leverage Vionlabs’ AI technology to enable next-generation search capabilities on the company’s Cineverse streaming platform and to serve as a key metadata provider for an upcoming advanced search product.

Yahoo is spinning out Vespa, its platform for applications that leverage AI and data online at scale, as a separate and independent entity. Vespa will continue powering Yahoo’s internal solutions across search and dynamic recommendations as well as enabling personalized content and ads to users. As part of the spin-out, Yahoo will continue to invest in Vespa and remain its largest customer. “Vespa has been a critical component to Yahoo’s AI and machine learning capabilities across all of our properties for many years,” said Jim Lanzone, CEO of Yahoo. “While remaining Vespa’s biggest customer and a key investor, we’ll continue to leverage all that Vespa has to offer while simultaneously creating a new business opportunity that allows other companies to harness its technology as an independent entity.”

Vizrt, focused on real-time graphics and live production solutions for content creators, introduces the Viz Pilot Edge 3.0, featuring improved navigation for users and enhanced functionality. “We are taking practical steps to ensure journalists can tell stories most efficiently by building products for a workflow that is relevant not only for today’s newsrooms but also for the newsrooms of the future,” said Ionut ‘Johnny’ Pogacean, Senior Product Manager for Viz Pilot Edge.

Cynopsis Top Women in Media Awards

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ADVERTISING

Vistar Media announced its ‘real-time sports updates’ dynamic capabilities, enabling advertisers to automatically integrate real-time, league-specific sports updates into their advertising creatives, including specific matchups, live scoring and game results, to create localized hype among fans. “If you’re trying to inspire someone to take an action – from tuning in to a game, to placing a bet, buying a ticket or even buying beer – you should prioritize making your message relevant and immediate,” said Leslie Lee, SVP of Marketing at Vistar Media. “For sports-related marketing, featuring real-time game updates or upcoming match details makes your ads specific, engaging and likely to drive results.”

WPP unveiled a partnership with commerce company Shopify to jointly develop products with shared insights, and pairs WPP’s network of over 13,500 commerce experts with Shopify’s platform to help brands scale faster. Shopify will collaborate with WPP on product development in order to build targeted solutions across sectors including consumer packaged goods, health and wellness, and fashion.

Uber’s advertising division is expanding its In-Car Tablet Advertising business to major markets across the U.S. including Las Vegas, Miami, Philadelphia and Washington D.C., with additional markets rolling out throughout the year. Since the initial roll out in Los Angeles and San Francisco earlier in 2023, the performance of In-Car Tablet Advertising had an average completion rate of more than 95% and an average ad exposure of two minutes per trip for ads shown during the ride.

STREAMING

Rooster Teeth is taking a bite out of YouTube. The WBD brand removed some of its most popular animated series from YouTube, explaining the numbers don’t add up. “YouTube revenue just is not cutting it for us right now,” said Rooster Teeth showrunner and writer Kerry Shawcross in an Instagram post. “It just doesn’t make sense to have our whole back catalog on YouTube anymore. Animation’s hard and it’s expensive… Ultimately it’s about making sure that your support is going as far as it can go.”

Watch out, Roku: Comcast Corp and Charter Communications are offering a new streaming set-top device, Xumo Stream Box, for $60. The device can access most major subscription streaming apps, and allows access to legacy pay TV companies’ streaming branded services. Comcast bought Xumo in 2020, and in 2022 contributed Xumo to a joint venture with Charter.

BroadwayHD inked a deal with NBCUniversal for US streaming rights to their “Live!” musical productions. Subscribers will have access to productions such as “Hairspray Live!,” “The Sound of Music Live!”, and “Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert.” The on-demand digital streaming media company, which records and distributes live theatrical productions through its platform, will also make the app available on Smart TVs from Samsung, LG, and those operating Google’s Android TV System.

TMB’s FAST channel At Home with Family Handyman is now available on Samsung TV Plus. The channel also adds two new series to the DIY brand’s programming slate, “Pet Palaces” and “Workshop It.”

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Lynn Leahey
Editorial Director
@Lynn_Leahey

Kerry Smith
Division President
Access Intelligence

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VP/Group Publisher
@robertacaploe

Executive Director of Sales
Albert Nassour
917-545-3129

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Job of the day

ACCOUNT DIRECTOR
FUTURE TODAY
CHICAGO
Represent Future Today, selling an expansive portfolio of O&O CTV apps, inclusive of HappyKids, Fawesome, The LEGO Channel, FilmRise, Blippi. 5+years selling linear/streaming/OLV exp req.Biz dev position inclusive of direct, pmp/pg.Solid relationships; agency & client. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE DIRECT RESPONSE >>
OPPORTUNITY MEDIA/NY(Remote/Hybrid):
Seeking an energetic achiever with excellent written & organizational skills for role to assist in growing revenue for dynamic Direct Response Team: BA Degree, Min 2 yrs DR Experience req. Wide Orbit Exp a +. Fully info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
TV ONE
NYC, Hybrid, Remote
Communicate the value & brand strength of Urban One Networks to advertisers & agencies. Create compelling presentations that convey the benefits & features of our programming and the viewing audiences. Proactively keep clients informed of pertinent account and network information. Min. 4+ yrs national advertising sales or equivalent sales exp. Full info HERE

VP/HEAD OF ADVERTISING SALES
FREEBEE
FL/NYC Remote
Lead, manage, develop, and grow Ad Sales teams. Attract and retain the best talent. Work with leadership team to set, achieve, and grow revenue targets across OOH, Digital and Experiential. Instrumental in driving the team to exceed all expectations and goals. 15+ years’ experience in advertising, media, and relevant sales management roles. Full info HERE

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
FREEBEE
MIAMI
Achieve revenue and growth targets across linear and digital. Identify and execute strategies which result in exceeding revenue targets. Develop and execute effective sales strategies that showcase as well as maximize overall revenues for the overarching National Sales division. 7-10 yrs exp. in advertising, media & relevant sales management roles. Full info HERE

SENIOR AUDIO/VIDEO PROMOTION PRODUCER >>
WHYY/PHILADELPHIA: Produce best-in-class promotional spots, accurately reflecting WHYY’s brand mission, from strategy through management approvals. Write killer scripts for audio and video to engage audiences. Organize promotional spot production schedule for video and audio spots needed for TV, FM, digital and social platforms. 10-15+ years’ experience. Full info HERE

DIGITAL DIRECTOR, NEWS >>
WHYY/PHILADELPHIA: Develop a cogent strategy for developing and publishing WHYY news content across social media and emerging digital platforms. Convey and create SEO, social media and digital best practices in concert with the digital staff with the focus of informing and developing the newsroom’s digital muscles. Five or more years of journalism experience. Full info HERE

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
FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT TV
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

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