Cynopsis: DIGITAL
Good morning, it’s Friday, July 23, 2010, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis edition online, click here.
The Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection held a hearing on Thursday to examine two bills: Rep. Bobby Rush’s Best Practices Act, which addresses a host of issues involving consumer privacy, including consumers’ expectations as to how their personal information should be handled, shared, and disclosed; and a measure introduced by Reps. Boucher and Stearns that would require companies to get “opt in” permission before collecting and sharing certain private information of users. A number of critics weighed in the bills, the first of which was introduced publicly less that a week ago. For instance, Edmund Mierzwinski, the Consumer Program Director of the U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) noted that little is mentioned to address the amount of data being collected for targeting purposes. IAB VP/Public Policy Mike Zaneis, who again claimed that self-regulation was the best course of action, complained that the Boucher and Stearns legislation does not effectively address the role of ad networks in the collection and utilization of data.
Netflix added 1 million new subscribers during Q2 to end the quarter with over 15 million total subs, but the company’s stock price fell as revenue fell slightly short of expectations. (Many customers are joining or dropping to the cheapest $8.99/mo. subscription level.) Streaming continues to grow, particularly streaming of full TV show seasons, according to CEO Reed Hastings, who said it was too early to worry about Hulu Plus, but indicated that the company would now look to acquire streaming rights to major movies and TV shows “on an exclusive basis.” Hastings also noted that Netflix was working on a new version of its Sony PlayStation3 interface that does not require a download disc.
IGN launched a PC version of the BBC hit series Dr. Who, available from digital game site Direct2Drive.com
YouTube, whose music video partnership with the major labels Vevo has been one of fastest growing sites ever, has revamped its music page to showcase most viewed videos, promotions and unsigned artists. The interface also allows you to create personalized playlists made up of individual genres. A localization feature that will identify concerts in your area is also on the way.
AtomicOnline’s women-targeted community site SheKnows.com has partnered with Endemol USA to develop and produce an interactive lifestyle series demonstrating ways for women to save money but still have fun. Endemol’s web hits include “Married on MySpace,” which was spun off into a reality series for Hispanic-targeted network SiTV.
What’s in a name? Sponsorship bucks, apparently. Comcast’s gaming and tech-themed network G4 is changing its name across all platforms next week to “4G” as part of a promotional campaign with Sprint, brokered with Mindshare. Attack of the Show, X-Play and G4tv.com web shows will feature Sprint 4G-themed integrations throughout the week with Sprint branding also features in on air interstitials. Sprint is promoting its recently launched Evo smartphone, which runs on Sprint’s next-generation 4G network.
After working for years with local partners, Publicis Groupe SA and the Interpublic Group of Companies are planning to launch their own digital ad buying units in mainland China, reports the WSJ. Publicis’ VivaKi group is already deploying advertising models it has developed in the U.S. for online search, display and video advertising in China.
Adobehas updated its Online Marketing software Suite to include a number of new social media features, including:
- advanced bid strategies for Facebook ads
- image ad support for the Google Content Network to more easily create and deliver ads
- real-time personalization of content for native Blackberry and Android mobile apps
- reporting and dashboarding enhancements
Amazon posting a net earnings jump of 45% y/y to $207 million for Q2, but saw its share price shed some 15% yesterday as analysts expected better. (The company blamed foreign exchange rates and a legal settlement for the disappointing numbers.) CEO Jeff Bezos reported “rapid growth” of the Kindle, Amazon Web services, third party sales and retail, including orders made on mobile devices. The company also announced a deal with the Wylie Agency to publish 20 classic books in digital format for the first time, including John Updike’s Rabbit Series and Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita. The two-year exclusive deal expands Amazon’s selection of Kindle e-books to 630,000 titles.
The world’s leading mobile handset maker Nokia took it on the chin during Q2 with profit dropping by 64% y/y to $133 million, as it failed to keep pace with competitors in the burgeoning smartphone market. The company is pinning its hopes on the Nokia N8 handset scheduled to be released later this year, its latest to be based on the Symbian 3 operating system.
The Senate Commerce Committee has set a date of July 27 for a hearing on consumer online privacy.
CNN unveiled an international version of its popular iPhone news app available free to users outside of the U.S. Built on the new iOS 4 OS, the CNN app features push notifications, regionalization and personalization tools and chronologically and thematically organized text, video and photos.
CNN is also partnering with Cisco’s Flip Video division for Comic-Con, arming a handpicked crew of “iReporters” with Flip Video cameras to shoot assigned events from the floor of the show. HLN’s Showbiz Tonight will pick up some of the footage.
Tribune Interactive has promoted Jeff Kapugi to COO, effective immediately. Jeff will be responsible for all aspects of the operations of the company’s publishing, broadcasting and interactive websites, replacing Nick Cory, who has worn a couple of hats at Tribune in recent months.
Cherry Yates has been upped to VP/Marketing and Communications for National Geographic Channels International (NGCI). She will now report to Russell A. Howard, who has been promoted to SVP/Communications Worldwide. Russell will continue to report to Steve Schiffman, President, NGC US. Further, Victoria Kirker has been promoted to Senior Manager, Marketing and Communications for NGCI, reporting to Ms. Yates.
PBS tapped former AOL executive Anne Bentley as VP/Corporate Communications. She will act as PBS’ chief corporate spokesperson and work closely with PBS President and CEO Paula A. Kerger.
Susan Shipsky has joined Atlanta-based interactive agency, MaxMedia, as VP/Business Development. Susan, who was formerly an Executive Producer at broadcast animation studio, Primal Screen, will oversee new business engagements for the agency.
The most pressing goal for most game developers at the Casual Connect gaming conference in Seattle this week is to figure out how to effectively make the jump to Facebook and, once they have, monetize their offerings. As the ad component remains a moving target for most, making money means charging “micropayments” for virtual gifts, upgrades, bonuses and additional levels. But charging to play games is another way. GSN, the Waltham, MA-based digital arm of the DirecTV/Sony Pictures Ent. cable network, is teaming with long-time developer Arkadium to create a “skill-based” version of its popular Facebook app, Mahjongg Dimensions, which has attracted more than 1 million players since Jan. You match pairs of identical Mahjongg tiles to score points. Each game costs a credit (= $1) to play, and GSN sports you 10 credits to get you started. Charging for games and awarding cash to the winners is legal online as long as the game is not based on chance. GSN has made a nice business hosting cash competitions for such games on its website (the company says it makes $343 ave. Lifetime value of each paying customer), but this is the first time it will collect real money via Facebook, utilizing the new Facebook Credits pay system. Even with Facebook taking 30% of the proceeds, how can GSN lose? “Having to pay $1 raises the excitement level, making it more intense than a casual game,” said Jeremy Shea, VP/GSN Labs. “And it brings a persistent revenue stream; users have to pay every time they play.” GSN will introduce additional cash games in August on the Facebook platform. Cha-ching.
Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
[email protected]
07.23.10
Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – Sr. Dir/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-381-9096 / [email protected]
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Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here .
ATTENTION JOB RECRUITERS FOR THE TELEVISION AND ADVERTISING INDUSTRY – send us your contact information so we can begin to build a database for referrals. We get people all the time around the country asking us for names of local recruiters. Help us out – send us your contact information, name, company, address, phone, email and fax. NY and LA are great, but we also need names of firms in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, DC, and elsewhere. We have people to send you!
JOB OPENING: MOBILE PRODUCT TECHNOLOGIST/NYC/NBCU: Talented and detail-oriented. This contract position with the Interactive Media Tech Team will manage mobile: web, video, apps and messaging. http://bit.ly/9UK66s (7/30)
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL MEDIA/Sesame Workshop/NY: Seeking freelance producers, production assistants, interaction, viz designers, QA managers to work on various digital platform projects. [email protected] (7/29)
JOB OPENING: DIR, CREATIVE SERVICES/Citadel Broad/NYC: 5+ yrs exp developing successful multi-media mktg campaigns. Oversee brand image strategy and mktg. materials execution. [email protected] ref. NY 154 EOE/AA (7/29)
JOB OPENING: TV One Vacancies (4) TV One/MD: DIR, AFFL. MRKTNG; 2 REGIONAL SALES MGR FOR NE/SE reg & W/MIDWEST reg: Req’s. sales/mrkting exp; WEB DESIGNER: mng. crtve devlp of online consumer comm. Visit: www.tvoneonline.com (7/29)
JOB OPENING: SR. WRITER-PRODUCER/Fuse/NY: Write, produce and edit promos for on-and-off air. Lead Editorial Creative for Creative Services. Must know Final Cut Pro, AVID a plus. Rez to [email protected] “SWP” in subj. (7/29)
JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/ABC Burbank: Min 2 yrs exp in Digital & TV research and software, strong written, PC & analytical skills, college degree req. Apply at: www.disneyabcjobs.com (7/29)
JOB OPENING: TV Host: QVC/West Chester, PA: Experience in hosting TV, radio, trade shows, live events, product demos or web. Must be energetic, intelligent enthusiastic, curious, sincere and credible. [email protected] (7/29)
JOB OPENING: DVLPMNT MANAGER/RSRCHR/NYC: For reality/non-fict TV. Extnsve rsrch for characters, subcultures, formats for next big hit. Basic shoot/edit/cast & treatment writing. Res/Cov Ltr: [email protected]. 1+ yrs exp req’d (7/29)
JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC,DIGITAL SALES, NY,NY-WWE seeks experienced Digital AE w/ proven experience, established contacts, and excellent sales acumen. Competitive compensation & excellent benefits. Apply: http://wwe-careers.com/ (7/29)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH /MTV Networks/LA: MTV Networks has a few openings in Research for both Nickelodeon and MTV/VH1. Please apply directly to www.mtvnetworkscareers.com to check out the specifics. EOE/M/F/D/AAP (7/28)
JOB OPENING: FREELANCE DIG. PROJ MGR/PASADENA/CA: 5-7 yrs front end PM exp mngng websites, banner & email prgrms. Must be adept at proj prioritization & process mngmnt. Apply: https://home.eease.com/recruit/?id=514663 .No recruiters (7/28)
JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION MGR/BET Networks-NY: Oversee Creative Services projects ensuring completion on time and on budget; project timelines, deliverables, assignments, and budgets (5 yrs exp)-submit resumes to: [email protected] (7/28)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR AD SALES MARKETING/Hallmark Channel/NY: direct & implement advertising, direct mail, upfront, events. Min 7 yrs exp. Full posting & apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (7/28)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH MGR/CNBC-Englewood Cliffs NJ:reporting/strategic insights for digital media properties; maintain accurate/consistent audience. 3-5 yr web analytics/media/ad/mkting rsrch. Apply @ www.nbcunicareers.com #1229758(7/27)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/NESN/MA: Develop new business & existing accounts utilizing NESN and NESN.com’s brand position. 2+ years of TV or cable ad sales experience to include new media sales. www.nesn.com (7/27)
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL SALES MANAGER/NESN/MA: Develop and enhance a new media sales strategy and execute the strategy. 5+ years experience in media sales 3+ years of internet sales experience www.nesn.com (7/27)
JOB OPENING: EXEC ASST/DISH Network/NY: Support 2 VPs Nat’l AD Sales. Proficient in Microsoft office, travel/expenses/office mgmt.Detail orientated. College degree req, related exp a +. Resumes to: [email protected] (7/27)
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: PRODUCTION, FIELD, ART DESIGN INTERNS/Martha Stewart/NYC: Students MUST receive college credit; position is unpaid. Contact [email protected] (7/28)
FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SALES INTERN/NYC: Work closely with AE’s; gain knowledge of maintaining detailed paperwork, support Assistants utilizing basic computer skills to process orders. Resume and cover letter to [email protected] (7/24)
FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RESEARCH INTERN/NYC: Research Intern: Gather research information, learn to read the rating books used for TV ad sales, attend meetings, complete audience tracking reports using Excel. Resume and cover letter to [email protected] (7/24)
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 MANAGER/LA: Bilingual Spanish-English professional seeks position in US/international distribution of features or television programs. 5+ years multicultural experience. Travels well. Contact [email protected] (7/30)
SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER (NY) Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- [email protected] (7/30)
SITUATION WANTED: NYC MARKETING M.B.A with 3 years experience including work at NBC Universal and Warner Bros. seeks to add value in a marketing role. Details at www.nikhilsonlineresume.com E-Mail: [email protected] (7/30)
SITUATION WANTED: DRAMA/LIFESTYLE: Seeking Development / Acquisitions / Legal position. 6+ yrs exp, with background in production coord. Looking to grow with supportive team at network / prod co. Can relocate. [email protected] (7/30)
SITUATION WANTED: DIGITAL MEDIA/ TECHNOLOGY/CABLE ATTORNEY Broad in-house exp incontent distribution, digital media, technology licensing,affiliate & ad sales. Avail for project/consultant/FT. Contact [email protected] (7/29)
SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA SALES/MARKETING MANAGER/LA: 15+ years experience in educational, documentary, advertising media sales , product, biz development True Closer!!!!! [email protected] (7/29)
SITUATION WANTED: WEB/TV PRODUCER/EDITOR/MANAGER seeking full-time work. 14 years experience, based in L.A. willing to relocate. Contact: [email protected] (7/29)
SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT POSITION FILM/TV/NY: 7 years experience: Interned for a President, Executive Assistant to SVP/VP/film director/celebrity [email protected] (7/28)
SITUATION WANTED: International Business Development Executive, with experience in sales, marketing, licensing, acquisitions, distribution, packaging, co-production finance. [email protected] (7/28)
SITUATION WANTED: Cross-genre WRITER/PRODUCER 10 years+. Hi-profile digital branding. Award-winning travel/inspirational writer. Mystery series creator. Contribute vision & storytelling talent to positive projects. [email protected] (7/27)
E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.926.9878 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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