Cynopsis: DIGITAL
08/17/12

Good morning. It’s Friday, August 17, 2012, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis editions online, click here.

The US Department of Justice has cleared the way for Verizon Wireless to purchase unused spectrum from several cable providers, including Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks, for $3.6 billion. However, the approval comes at a price. The DOJ is limiting Verizon and the cable providers ability to sell each other’s cable and broadband services, because as its antitrust lawsuit alleges, these “commercial agreements would have harmed competition by diminishing the companies’ incentive to compete, resulting in higher prices and lower quality for consumers.” To that end, the proposed settlement from the DOJ, which all the parties have agreed to, also puts a time limit on a joint venture between Verizon Wireless, Comcast, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House to develop “new technologies that integrate wireless and wireline products.” By limiting this collaboration to December 2016, the DOJ says it’s further ensuring that this agreement will not diminish the companies’ incentives to compete against each other.

A report from The Wall Street Journal indicates that Apple has had discussions with major US cable operators over potentially allowing consumers to use the Apple TV device as a set-top box for live television. This follows the news of the company securing a patent for a programming display for a more live-TV friendly Apple TV. No deals have been made of course, but with constant chatter about Apple wanting to get into the television business (and potentially disrupt it), this lends some credence to such speculation.

GetGlue has released an revamped iPad app, which now offers a TV guide based on users’ preferences and activity on the social TV service. The guide surfaces a personalized list of shows, movies, and sports programs that the user already likes and watches. It consistently pushes new episodes above reruns; allows users to see what their friends are watching; and offers recommendations on new shows and movies that the user might like. Instead of a grid, the guide looks like a calendar, offering a view into what’s available today, tomorrow, this week, and next week, as well as marking the dates of premieres, finales, and major events like the Emmys, Oscars, and the Super Bowl. For sports fans, GetGlue says the guide will provide them with team schedules, stats, and live scores. And on the weekends, it will recommend new movies in theaters that match the user’s taste. The app also features a second-screen functionality. After users check-in to a program, they can access additional content like videos, images, tweets, and reviews, as well as chat with others about what they’re watching. Currently available for just the iPad app, the update will come to the iPhone, Android, mobile web, and online versions later this year.

Netflix has released stand-up comedian Bill Burr’s newest special, titled You People are All the Same, on Instant Watch. The special, which the company says is exclusive to Netflix as it hasn’t premiered on broadcast TV or been offered via on-demand channels yet, is available for streaming to subscribers in the US, Canada, UK, and Ireland. It joins two other stand-up specials that recently premiered on Netflix; Kevin Hart’s concert film Laugh at My Pain and Jim Gaffigan’s Mr. Universe, both of which are also available to subscribers in the aforementioned countries.

A new whitepaper from comScore makes the argument that “viewable and validated impressions” need to become the standard for digital advertising in order to move the industry forward in offering real value to publishers, agencies, and advertisers. According to comScore, validated impressions, which refer to those that come from ads that are actually viewable on a page, are among brand-safe content, and remove faulty data such as non-human traffic, would give a boost to all stakeholders, including providing publishers with higher CPMs, agencies with better reporting capabilities, and advertisers with higher campaign performance. “Some of the unfortunate byproducts of the online ad ecosystem’s aggressive innovation have been an increase in the complexity of campaign delivery and a virtually unlimited supply of inventory, both of which contribute to significant waste to the buying and selling processes,” comments Magid Abraham, President & CEO of comScore and the author of the paper. Moving to validated impressions, as opposed to just sticking with served impressions, as an industry standard would introduce an element of digital scarcity, and thus value for all, he argues.

Verizon Wireless has introduced its 4G LTE network in 34 new markets and expanded it in 38 other markets, raising its total coverage to 371 markets across the country. “We are ahead of schedule with our 4G LTE market roll out and will provide 4G LTE network coverage to more than 400 markets in the near future,” said Verizon Wireless CTO Nicola Palmer. The company says its 4G LTE network allows customers to use their smartphones and tablets at speeds up to 10 times faster than its 3G network.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

TubeMogul has released its first-ever “State of Real-Time Video Advertising” quarterly report, which covers trends the company is seeing in the space, based on campaigns run through its media-buying platform during the first half of 2012. According to the report, the size of the ad affects its completion rate. 30-second pre-roll ads with more than 1,000 pixels witnessed an average completion rate of 96.2%, while the average completion rate for those with less than 1,000 pixels fell to 80.1%. Similarly, the average completion rate for 15-second ads sat at 90.9% for those with more than 1,000 pixels, and 79.5% for those with less. Among its findings:

• Pre-roll video ad inventory available for real-time buying grew at a rate of 4.7% per month.
• In addition, CPMs for pre-roll video ads increased at a rate of 2.5% per month, reaching a high of $9.93 in June.
• Weekends are apparently pretty cost-efficient for video advertisers, as TubeMogul says they represent 29.6% of time-spent watching videos every week, but have the lowest prevailing CPMs at $8.67.

A recent Videology survey asked a pool of online video viewers about what most influences where they make a purchase. 27% of respondents indicated that sales/promotions were most influential in helping them decide where to make a purchase, while 24% pointed to location/convenience as being most influential. Everyday prices and selection/products were next (with 17% of respondents each), followed by shopping experience (14%) in the rear. Other findings from the July 2012 survey include:

• 67% of respondents acknowledged advertising frequently or occasionally “nudges them” to visit a store.
• 17% of respondents say that online/mobile advertising has the most influence on their purchase; tied with TV.
• The most influential type of advertising is apparently a print circular, which was cited by 22% of respondents.

The number of social network users worldwide will increase to 1.4 billion this year, up from 1.18 billion in 2011, according to a new estimate from eMarketer. While still a healthy rise, it’s actually a slight drop from the growth witnessed in 2011; something that eMarketer expects to continue as the global social network market reaches maturation. This year’s growth will be largely driven by emerging markets from around the world, notably the Middle East and Africa and Asia-Pacific. eMarketer projects the user growth rate in Asia-Pacific to reach 24.8% and the Middle East and Africa to hit 31.8% this year. In North America, where the market is most mature, eMarketer expects the growth rate to be 6.6%, down from 9.5% last year and even further down to 4.0% in 2014.

Another month has passed and the search engine market remains the same, according to the latest numbers from comScore. Google is still sitting at the top with a 66.8% share of the explicit core search market in July. Runner-up Microsoft accounted for 15.7% of explicit core searches in July 2012, followed by Yahoo at 13.0%. Ask Network and AOL rounded out the top five with a 3.1% and 1.5% share, respectively.

The Food Network has launched a new free iOS app that allows users to check out recommendations for new places to eat based on restaurants and city guides featured in several of its shows, as well as top picks from the network’s roster of celebrity chefs, including Bobby Flay, Giada De Laurentiis, Guy Fieri, Rachael Ray, and Alton Brown. Using GPS, the Food Network On the Road app lets users search for recommended spots near them, and then get access to basic information like address, phone number, and directions to the place. Other features include the ability to build “road trips” around restaurants of interest; recommend places to others; and earn Food Network badges.

GumGum, a provider of in-image ad solutions, has appointed Tony Winders as its new SVP/Marketing. He is tasked with leading the company’s messaging strategy, product marketing, and communications programs in order to boost awareness of the GumGum’s in-image advertising platform among agencies, brands, and publishers.

Matt Bean has been named the new Managing Editor/SI.com by the Time Inc. Sports Group. He will be responsible for editorial strategy and operations for both SI.com and FanNation.com. Bean will report to the man he is succeeding, Paul Fichtenbaum, who was recently named the Editorial Director of the Time Inc. Sports Group.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CABLEFAX

The third annual Streamy Awards, which recognize “excellence in original web video programming,” will take place on February 17, 2013 from the Hollywood Palladium. Created by Tubefilter Co-Founders Drew Baldwin and Joshua Cohen, the show will (naturally) be streamed live online for viewers across the globe. Submissions are now open, so for those looking to submit their original web shows for consideration under any of these categories, you can do so here. Of note: For those who are simply fans of a current web show and want to ensure that it’s considered for a Streamy, can submit that show as well; an official entry that receives the most fan submissions under any category automatically becomes a nominee.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Editor for Cynopsis Digital
08.17.12

Denise O’Connor: Group Publisher, Media Entertainment
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group

Cynopsis Ad Sales: Mike Farina | VP Sales & Marketing | 203-218-6480
Classifieds Sales: Trish Pihonak | Director of Operations & Content | 888-702-3858

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Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here

JOB OPENING: DIR, MARKETING & OAP for Fox Sports West: Will manage all on-air/off-channel marketing, budget & coordinate on-air and off-air promotional activities with partners and teams. 5-7 yrs exp. http://bit.ly/TFMe1e (8/24)

JOB OPENING: DIR, NATIONAL ACCOUNTS for Fox: Responsible for the mngmt of various national MVPD accounts, advises Distribution team on contractual compliance/ legal matters related to accounts. JD or MBA req. http://bit.ly/PpAUac (8/24)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR VOD PROG/iN DEMAND/NYC: Create/approve schedules. Negotiate/acquire movie & TV product. Secure content suppliers. Bachelor’s + 5 yrs exp in movies/TV/cable/entertainment. Apply: [email protected] (8/24)

JOB OPENING: PRICING & INVENTORY MGR/Discovery/MIA: Create, track & analyze pricing models to help competitively maximize inventory & revenue; exp in extensive analytics modeling; http://careers.discovery.com/ #6387 (8/24)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AE/Established company/NYC: Need Digital AE with 2-5 years successful exp selling Brand/Display to major NY Digital Agency groups, excellent base + commission package. send resume to: [email protected] (8/23)

JOB OPENING: VP SALES/East/Midwest: Lead territory, build team, drive results. Deep exp. in DOOH, passion for health/fitness. Resumes: [email protected] (8/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR, ACCOUNT SERVICES/ESPN Inc/Burbank, CA: 3+ Yrs Exp; Manage TV and Digital ad sales support team handling account maintenance. Ad industry exp req’d. Analytical skills a +. www.espncareers.com Job ID-57737 (8/23)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIR/AMC/NYC: Resp for AMC On-Air Promo creative. Oversee team of Writer/Prods, Editors resp for series launch & sustain, movies, stunts & image promotion. Strong writing/prod/mngmnt skills. Res: bit.ly/NyvlBA (8/22)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF LITERACY/ePals Dir. Of Literacy Ch/IL: Resp for literacy content/community for ePals.com. 5-7 yrs K-12 exp req’d; exp w/online learning & mng online communities desired. Res to: [email protected] (8/22)

JOB OPENING: Sr WRITER/PROD/History/NY: Write & produce high concept, on brand, on-air promo spots. 5+ yrs TV promo, mktg, production exp in a media environment. Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (8/22)

JOB OPENING: RIGHTS & CLEARANCES ADMIN/WE/NYC: min 2 yrs R&C exp., ability to review & analyze contractual language & identify R&C issues. Resumes to: [email protected] (8/22)

JOB OPENING:  SALES ASSISTANT/American Target Network/NYC: Develop Sales prop, work w/agency buyers, 3 yrs+ exp in TV, must be very organized, media math, Nielson, excel & writing skills a must. Apply: [email protected] (8/22)

JOB OPENING: VP, DIGITAL SALES & MKTG/AMC/NYC: Acct mgmnt of digital dist & licensing across all AMCN nets.Central contact for all AMCN digital partners, accountable for digital revenue. Submit res http://tinyurl.com/dx2n7s8 (8/21)

JOB OPENING: DIR COMM/Discovery/MD: dvlps comm strategy & oversees PR/program publicity/Public Affairs outreach for ID and Military Channel; 8+yrs hands on media exp http://careers.discovery.com/ #6337 (8/21)

JOB OPENING: DAYTIME TALK PRODUCER/New York: Producer needed immediately for nationally syndicated daytime talk show. MUST have prior conflict booking experience. Resume: [email protected] (8/21)

JOB OPENING: BROADCAST DESIGNER/MLB Network Promos/NJ: Design/animate/edit promos/gfx pckgs. Strong tech. execution & 5 yrs exp w/After Effects, Cinema 4D, Final Cut Pro, etc. Send resume/link to reel to [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC. AD SALES/NY: Growing multimedia sports co. seeks experienced TV ad sales rep. Excellent compensation/benefits pkg. Agency relationships and ratings exp. a+. Send resume Attn: Rose to [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES RSRCH/Ovation/NYC: Proactive, detail-oriented, creative, team player. 7+ yrs exp. with cable or BC sales team req’d. Strategic & hands on w/ Nielsen, MRI, Mendelsohn etc. [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: EXEC ASST, PRESIDENT/SYFY, NBCUNIVERSAL/NYC: Looking for a talented Executive Assistant to support the Pres of Syfy. Must have 2 years of admin exp as well as a min 1 year working in TV. www.nbcunicareers.com (6201BR) (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR, CONSUMER RESEARCH/Showtime Networks/NYC: Resp. for acq, trking and forecasting of consumer info in support of corp. directives. 8+ yrs of primary and second rsch exp in media a must. Apply at www.sho.com #12180BR (8/18)

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].

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Full service TV production company needs interns to help with DEVELOPMENT & RESEARCH. Must be able to work at least 20 hours a week and desire to work in media. Resume/cover letter: [email protected] (8/24)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Jigsaw Prods NYC: Assist producers @ Oscar-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney’s prod co. Major/minor in film, TV, media or journalism a +. Submit resume/cover letter to [email protected] (8/23)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Non-Fiction TV Dev. Internship (NYC): Major TV Prod Co seeking CREATIVE INTERNS interested in reality TV and motivated to research, write and develop new ideas for TV series.Res/cov let:[email protected] (8/22)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: INTERN/DiGa Vision/NYC: Busy production company looking for interns for current series in production & post. Must be enthusiastic, have a positive attitude and eager to learn. [email protected] (8/21)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS POSTING/NYC: Crown Media Family Networks needs interns in our Corporate Communications department. Interns will get exposure in media outreach/placement, press kits & marketing. [email protected] (8/21)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RESEARCH POSTING/LA: Crown Media Family Networks needs an intern in our Research department. Interns will get exposure in analyzing network trends, focus groups, and Nielsen ratings.  [email protected] (8/21)

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 [email protected].

SITUATION WANTED: SALES PLANNER/PLANNING MANAGER/NYC: Experienced planner has strong background in TV planning and 2 yrs in digital planning. Handled inventory management and stewardship analysis. Excellent references. [email protected] (8/24)

SITUATION WANTED: ASST. MEDIA BUYER/CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Loves the challenge of creating an ad campaign from start to finish. Proficient in SBMS and other Media Buying services. Email: [email protected] (8/24)

SITUATION WANTED: ASSISTANT OR APPRENTICE EDITOR (NY tri-state area): Mastery of Final Cut Pro and Adobe After Effects. Editing exp across genres including digital, corporate & indie film. Open to all opportunities. [email protected] (8/22)

SITUATION WANTED:  NYC, Frfld, Wstchstr counties. Experienced SALES, BIZ DEV PRO pro seeking position in educational/home media, ad sales. Solid resume and excellent references.email: [email protected]  (8/22)

SITUATION WANTED: SUPERFINE WRITER. Concepts/content. Digital, video, print, integrated. Broadcast, innovation, beauty, foodie, wellness. I hear brand voices. [email protected] (8/21)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCHER/EXEC ASST/LOS ANGELES AREA: 16+ yrs exp + key player in Primetime TV as researcher, proofreader, copy-editor, writer, exec asst. Exc. etiquette. [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: SENIOR PRODUCER/FIELD DIRECTOR (NYC):  Experienced long-form, short-form and studio producer proficient in booking, writing, directing, talent producing, and post. [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/RESEARCHER: for TV/webcomedy and variety series and specials at the network level. NY-based and looking for new opportunities. Visit http://about.me/markselby for more info. Contact [email protected] (8/18)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 888.702.3858 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

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