Cynopsis: DIGITAL

02/19/10

Good morning, it’s Friday, February 19, 2010, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

The battle surrounding Google‘s attempt to create a vast digital library of books continued on Thursday as Manhattan Federal District Court Judge Denny Chin heard arguments from publishers and authors including “Alice’s Restaurant” troubadour Arlo Guthrie. Most arguments centered around the concern that the proposed settlement would give Google too much power in the space. Groups such as Consumer Watchdog also raised the issue of reader privacy. “The current amendment merely restricts what data could be shared with the Registry, but otherwise remains silent about whether, and to what extent, the public’s reading preferences could be shared with other organizations such as news outlets or governmental authorities acting without a search warrant,” read the group’s amicus. Judge Chin declined to rule on the issue yesterday, saying he needed more time “digest” the information.
 

 
Prices for e-books offered on Apple‘s upcoming iPad may be closer to Amazon‘s industry standard $10 a pop after all, according to the NYTimes, citing industry sources. Although publishers will be able to charge $13-$15 for smaller run titles, they may be required to discount bestsellers in order to keep the platform competitive with other outlets. Apple has also reportedly indicated that the iPad itself, preliminarily priced between $499 and $829, may undergo a price reduction depending on market conditions at launch.
 
Yahoo says it attracted 9.3 million uniques to its Olympics site during the week leading up through the first 3 days of competition, surpassing NBC’s Olympics site with 6.5 million unique visitors and ESPN, which registered 8.4 million unique visitors during the same period, per ComScore.
 
NBC Local Media launched a new lifestyle franchise dubbed “Feast” to act as a clearinghouse of restaurant and dining coverage for locals in their city. A proprietary scoring system combines professional and user-generated reviews, ratings and opinions to rank eateries. Feast debuts in New York and Miami and will roll out in additional markets this year, starting with Chicago and Los Angeles later this month.
 
Former Best Damn Sports Show, Period host Tom Arnold is returning to FSN manage a new participatory baseball-themed kids show, Kid Pitch, premiering this Sunday at 10:30 am. Through the use of Flip camcorders, kids are encouraged to share their own baseball stories via Kidpitchtv.com or the site’s Twitter account.
 

 
Internet television aggregator and guide provider Clicker has received an $11 million Series B round of financing led by Palo Alto-based Jafco Ventures, with participation by initial investors Benchmark Capital and Redpoint Ventures. The funding will be used to support further development of Clicker’s product line and partnerships including integrations with major consumer electronics manufacturers.
 
My Damn Channel is partnering with Fox Television Studios’ 15 Gigs division to distribute multiple original web series beginning with the Twin Peaks-inspired chiller Iceman Chronicles set in Blythe, Arizona. Look for new episodes every Thur.
 
Original video e-card company SpirtClips is featuring its 3-minute filmcard this month dramatizing the Rosa Parks incident in Montgomery, AL, in honor of Black History Month. When researching the piece, writer Chris Commons talked to people who were actually on the bus in Dec. 1955.
 
In addition to adding Tracy McGrady to the mix, the struggling New York Knicks launched a web-based interactive video mash-up competition sponsored by T-Mobile called Declare Your Knicks Story. Fans can choose from a variety of video clips and music, as well as incorporate their own video clips, to create a personalized “declaration of their support” for the Knicks. The mash-up with the most votes will be revealed at Knicks Fan Appreciate Night on April 12.
 

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Microsoft and Yahoo‘s search partnership has been cleared by European antitrust regulators without any restrictions imposed, removing the final hurdle for the deal. 
 

 
A web security firm in Herndon, VA has uncovered a massive international cyberattack targeting at least 75,000 computers in 196 countries. The attack targeted login data to online financial systems, social networking sites and email systems and effected firms including Merck & Co, Paramount Pictures and Cardinal Health, according to a report in the WSJ. The attack follows reports last month that Google was a victim in a series of cyberattacks that originated in China.
 
Research In Motion co-CEO Mike Lazaridis discussed a new web browser being developed for the BlackBerry designed to speed web surfing and increase network efficiency. BlackBerry’s web browser has long been considered a competitive disadvantage for the company vs. rival smartphone platforms.
 
IAC’s Mindspark Interactive Network has signed a deal to utilize PixFusion‘s image uploading technology across its social and entertainment sites such as Webfetti, MyFunCards and Popular Screensavers. Users can now digitalize themselves by uploading their photos and creating personalized animations, graphics and greeting cards. 
 

 
Facebook has surged past Yahoo on web analytics firm Compete.com‘s U.S. rankings making it the #2 most trafficked site after Google, drawing nearly 134 million unique visitors in Jan. 2010. Compete’s monthly Attention meter measuring time spent on Facebook.com as a percentage of all time spent online each month has ramped up over the past year, while decreasing on both Yahoo and Google. In January, 11.6% of all time spent online was spent on Facebook (compared to 4.25% for Yahoo and 4.1% for Google).
 

 
Continuing with its strategy of trying to co-opt smartphone users as Kindle readers, Amazon has released a free Kindle application for the BlackBerry and is planning to also launch apps for Macs and Apple’s iPad.
 
A number of other device makers are re-examining tablet devices in the wake of the launch of the iPad including Acer, Microsoft and H-P, per the WSJ. H-P actually announced its Slate device before the unveiling of the iPad but had decided to hold its release to wait and see what impact the iPad has.
 
AT&T unveiled its first Android-based handset: the Motorola Backflip, due out on Mar. 7. It features always connected social network access from the home screen and a flip open 3.1 inch touchscreen that can be tilted back and angled at 45 degrees to use for alarm clock, video viewer or digital photo frame. Priced at $100 with a rebate and 2-year commitment, it also ships with 5 megapixel camera with Flash and camcorder functionality.
 
The BBC is planning to launch mobile news and sport applications beginning in April, according to developer Mobile IQ. An app pushing iPlayer catch up television content is also under consideration.
 

 
Ad agency Brunner has upped Shaun Quigley to VP, Digital Practice Director. Based in the agency’s D.C. office, Shaun will lead accounts including GlaxoSmithKline, amFAR, and American Bankers Association and evolve the agency’s overall digital offering.
 

 
Amid growing privacy concerns, Facebook has finally extended privacy controls to enable members to assign different levels of access to individual applications. Users now have the option to limit distribution of nearly everything they share, including cause posts, photos, greeting cards and videos. This is an important next step to enable folks to compartmentalize their actions on the platform, because not everything you do on Facebook should be for general consumption. Also, after adding a credits system to purchase virtual and real gifts, Facebook has completed an integration with PayPal to allow users to make micropayments from their credit card or bank account-linked PayPal account. It will become on option for Facebook Credits and is currently being tested on a few games and applications. This is a potential game changer both for the site and for the micropayment economy of the web as a whole, making it easy for application providers, ma & pa service providers or content companies to charge for their services. Facebook could add this functionality to Facebook Connect to introduce micropayment options to a whole universe of sites.

Check www.cynopsis.com for the current primetime broadcast schedule, “Some TV things I like … and a few I don’t like,” as well as Sports, International and more general industry news.

Later – Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
[email protected]
02.19.10

Check www.cynopsis.com for the current primetime broadcast schedule, “Some TV things I like … and a few I don’t like,” as well as Sports, International and more general industry news.

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JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/ABC FAMILY/CA: min 1 yrs exp in TV research, apt at Nielsen, strong written & analytical skills, college degree pref. Apply at: www.disneyabcjobs.com (ID 228606 (2/26)

JOB OPENING: SR OFFLINE MKTG MGR/Vonage/Homdel NJ: Dvlp/implement off-line media plans. Work w/agency & cross functionally w/in mktg from strategy, exec to analysis. Exc knwldg of media req’d.Resume: [email protected] (2/26)

JOB OPENING: DESIGN DIR/(Syfy)/NBCU/NY: Will work under VP Creative to art dir, maint & grow the “look & feel” of Syfy brand, on-air, & also extending onto new media platforms & into adjacent bus. as req’d. www.nbcjobs.com   1147114 (2/26)

JOB OPENING:  DIRECTOR, BUSINESS & LEGAL AFFAIRS at The Hub/LA. Must have TV acquisition and development experience. Apply at:  http://careers.discovery.com/ req # 9490   (2/25)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/Gameshow Network/NYC:  Report to VP Sales and Operations. Data entry in Dealmaker system. Please send resume and CL to [email protected]  (2/25)

JOB OPENING: VP DEV & PRGMNG HISTORY/A&E TV/NY: Direct dvlpmnt & prod process for History prgmng inc series, docs & orig films. 7 yrs dev/prgm exp reality, docs, special or series. 2+ yrs mgng staff. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (2/24)

JOB OPENING:  DIR PR HISTORY/A&E TV/NY:Dev/implement results-driven PR strat & campaigns for both prgrmng & brand.8 yrs exp TV pgrm publicity or media relations.Exc written verbal presentation skills.  Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (2/24)

JOB OPENING:  SENIOR ACCT EXEC/LATV NETWORK/TX-CHI: Sell nat’l ads for Hispanic network and 2 Synd TV shows; 5-10 yrs sales exp req. Fast growth opp in an entrepreneurial environment . Travel req. Info: www.latv.com/jobs (2/24)

JOB OPENING:  DIR OF DVLPMNT/GO GO LUCKEY ENTERTAINMENT/LA: Must be exp’d & highly orgnzd. Creative w/good writing & format skills. Able to take projects from start to pitch ready. Good references a must. Resume: [email protected] (2/24)

JOB OPENING: AP’s/PRODUCERS/WRITERS/SHOW-RUNNERS: NY prod co seeking for science based and reality shows, in-style of Kardashians/Housewives. Please email [email protected] (2/23)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR RESEARCH/OWN: THE OPRAH WINFREY NETWORK/LA: Story-teller who uses data to inform, inspire & connect to our audience. Expert in core & 3rd party ratings systems. Digital a huge +. Apply @ http://careers.own.tv (2/20)

JOB OPENING: DIR TV SLS & COPRO DRAMA/BBC/NYC: Mng Drama TV Sls & Copro, sell, license & Coprod BBC Catalogue in US. Strong rltnship mngmnt w/ buyers, know mkt landscape, strong negotiation skills. www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (2/20)

JOB OPENING: ONLINE WRITER/PROD/BBC/DC: US edition of BBC News website, originate & prod PS of multi-media news/analysis/background. Understand what appeals to US audience, strong writing skills. www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (2/20)

JOB OPENING: ONLINE REPORTER/BBC/DC: Generate news mat for BBC.com/news, take photo, text & audio/Vid reports. Strong writing, editorial & judgment skills. To apply: www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (2/20)

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SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  GSN The Gameshow Network/Graphic Design Unpaid Internship: Proof of school credit req. Send resume and Cover letter to [email protected] (2/26)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  NYC TV PRODUCTION COMPANY INTERN: Learn show development, story producing and biz dev. Across variety of network/Cable shows for NY based International Prod Co. Apply to [email protected] (2/24)

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SITUATION WANTED: DEVELOPMENT PRODUCER/LA: To dive in, develop, and create presentation materials for your unscripted/factually based ideas-from concept to pitch. Email: [email protected] (2/25)

SITUATION WANTED:  MARKETING COORD/NY: 3+ yrs exp at tv companies including MTV & Fuse; organized, creative, sense of humor, great at ppt; strong refs available [email protected]  (2/24)

SITUATION WANTED:  EXEC BIZ DEV/STRATEGY/HEAD OF DIGITAL MEDIA: tired of shoveling snow @ work? 10 yrs TV & Movie exp diligently clearing driveway. Harvard MBA. 2009 40 Under 40. Your next right hand. [email protected] (2/24)

SITUATION WANTED:  PRGRMNG/PROD ASSIST/LA: A creative, multi-tasking quick learner – with a “fire in belly” desire; to continue growing 3yrs experience in Film/TV. LA Native, currently in GA will relocate. [email protected] (2/24)

SITUATION WANTED:  20+ yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting & Cable ACCOUNTING/FINANCE. Seeking FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm position:  [email protected] (2/24)

SITUATION WANTED:  Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER. Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- [email protected] (2/24)

SITUATION WANTED:  MEDIA SALESMAN WITH RECORD SALES TRACK. 8+ years of experience in media sales with strong knowledge of contracts and sharp professional relationship with clients. 646-300-0546 or email [email protected] (2/24)

SITUATION WANTED: Looking for Entry-level work in television production.Experienced and versatile, with over 2years experience. [email protected] (2/23)

SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER. Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- [email protected] (2/23)

SITUATION WANTED:  MAKEUP ARTIST/NY: Over 20 years experience, including keying several top network and cable TV programs. Competitive rates, resume available upon request. Contact Michelle 917-359-0452  (2/23)

SITUATION WANTED: Creative COPYWRITER. Award-winning, all media, affordable. [email protected]. For FREE samples, visit https://freebeaaron.wordpress.com (2/20)

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