Cynopsis: DIGITAL

04/19/10

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

The Comcast/NBC Universal merger may not be rubber stamped by the government after all. The FCC announced late Friday that it is temporarily suspending the comment and petition schedule on the merger to give critics such as net neutrality advocates Media Access Project more time to mount an argument against the deal. The FCC says the move was driven by its decision to ask Comcast and NBCU for two additional economic reports – one addressing the economic support for the claimed benefits from the transaction and the other addressing the potential impacts of the transaction on online video distribution.  Comments and petitions to deny will be due 45 days after the FCC gives notice.
 

 
Often criticized for its mercurial app acceptance policies, Apple appears to have reversed its decision once again, apparently allowing an app written by a Pulitzer Prize winning cartoonist on to the platform after it had been rejected. Mark Fiore, who won the editorial cartooning Pulitzer for his sketches featured on the San Francisco Chronicle’s SFGate.com site, received a rejection letter from the App Store on Dec. 21 (reposted on Harvard’s Nieman Journalism Lab site,) complaining that his NewsToons app “ridicules public figures.” After the article began to make the rounds, an Apple representative contacted Fiore suggesting that he resubmit the app, according to reports.
 
Gannett is planning to launch a subscription service for the iPad version of the USA Today after an exclusive sponsorship deal with Courtyard by Marriott concludes, according to comments made by Gannett CEO Craig Dubow on a conference call with analysts on Friday. The USA Today iPad app has been downloaded more than 175,000 times since launching, making it the top iPad news app thus far.
 

 
Yahoo has been courting mobile status-update social networking service Foursquare, offering more than $100 million for the start-up, reports AllThingsD. So far founder Dennis Crowley has turned down the overtures. Venture capital firms Andreessen Horowitz and Khosla Ventures are offering additional funding to try to convince Foursquare to remain independent.
 

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Microsoft says it will re-edit a video spot promoting its new “Kin” line of mobile phones after watchdog group Common Sense Media complained that the ad glorified “sexting.” Consumer Reports was among the voices criticizing the spot, calling it “downright creepy.”
 
Break Media introduced a new performance marketing division heading into Ad Tech this week that will work with advertisers on a Cost-per-Action (CPA) basis. Soft launching in Jan., the Apogee Media Network taps into premium publishers organized by vertical categories, providing internal and external traffic channels with strengths in customer acquisition, email marketing and social media. The network also includes tools that help advertisers to build their own internal email database, develop a Facebook Fan base or mine Twitter followers.
 
Mobile Connected Devices like the iPad and Sony PSP displayed more than 20% of mobile ad network Millennial Media‘s ad impressions in March, a trend it says that could have far reaching impact on mobile advertising if these devices take off. Globally, the Android platform flexed it muscles as Android ad requests grew 72% month-over-month on the mobile ad network with global RIM ad requests expanding by 25% in March. Smartphones led all platforms with 45% of all impressions, followed by (non-smart) feature phones (34%) and Connected Devices (21%). The Apple OS remained the leading mobile operating system on the network with 70% of U.S. Smartphone impressions.
 

 
Viacom took aim at Google once more in legal documents released late last week. Viacom says the documents such as this transcript from a May 2009 deposition with Google CEO Eric Schmidt add evidence that the search giant sought to profit from copyright infringement in its 2006 purchase of YouTube.
 
The cable industry is sharing resources to help their customers stay connected when away from home in the New York metro area. Cablevision, Comcast and Time Warner Cable struck an agreement to allow their high-speed internet customers to roam freely across the companies’ respective WiFi networks at no additional charge. Subscribers will be able to use their Wi-Fi-enabled devices including iPhones, iPads, Blackberrys and laptops, from Manhattan to the Jersey Shore or the Hamptons.
 

 
Movie studios continue to see the DVD market lose steam but at least the higher-priced Blu-ray market continues to ramp up, according to a new report from The Digital Entertainment Group. Digital revenues are also growing, but still make up just a sliver of the overall pie. Overall revenue from the home entertainment window fell by 8% y/y to $4.8 billion during Q1 2010, but Blu-ray sell-throughs grew by 74% and rental revenue increased by 36% y/y. Digital distribution, which includes electronic sell-through (EST) and video-on-demand (VOD), grew a combined 27% to $617 million in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. Consumers preferred to rent DVDs than purchase them last year, as DVD rental revenue rose 4% in 2009, while sales dropped 13%.
 
Blu-ray Disc Software Shipments in U.S & Canada (in millions)
Quarter ’06     ’07    ’08    ’09       ’10
1Q                 1.7  9.22   19.17  34.00
2Q               3.54 12.62 19.87 
3Q               3.21 12.72 17.11 
4Q       1.26 9.54   28.6 38.64 
yr total 1.2617.99 63.16 94.79
TOTAL (since launch) 
        1.26  19.25 82.41 177.2  211.20
Source: Swicker & Associates on behalf of DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group
 
Video game software rebounded in March after two months of double-digit declines, per the NPD Group. Software sales jumped by 10% y/y to a surprising $875.3 million, making March the best non-holiday sales month in a year. Hot titles included the multiplatform launch of God of War III (up 32% from GOW2) along with two “Pokemon” games from Nintendo and “Final Fantasy XIII” from Square Enix. Hardware sales dropped 4% to $440.5 million, partly due to price cuts. Nintendo’s Nintendo’s Wii sold 557,500 units; Microsoft’s Xbox 360 sold 338,400 units and Sony’s PlayStation 3 sold 313,900 consoles.
 

 
Oceanhouse Media is celebrating Earth Day with launch of three new Dr. Seuss iPhone /iPod Touch/iPad apps. “The Lorax” eBook, Theodor Geisel’s most overtly environmental tale, will be available in the App Store for $3.99. The “Lorax Garden” children’s game, which allows kids to design their own trees and flowers and see them grow in real-time 3D, and the “Dr. Seuss Senders” greeting card app are priced at $2.99.
 
Google has updated its localized real-time Google Suggest service in the U.S. that will suggest search terms in individual metro areas and auto-correct spelling mistakes. In other words, Google will suggest things based on where you are searching from. (I tried it out in Portland this weekend by typing “trail” and sure enough “Trailblazers” was the first option on the pull-down menu.)
 

 
Search is not exactly the most glamorous application on the internet, but it is the grease that oils the wheels of both commerce and creativity on the web. Google got such a hearty reception from its inaugural Parisian Love Super Bowl ad that it has decided to put together a little YouTube app to let audiences tell their own search stories using video. The Search Stories Video Creator is simple to use; simply go to the video creator page and begin entering in search keywords. Mix it up by choosing different kinds of search – basic, images, maps, product searches, etc. ­- or utilizing different search features that track everything from area codes to sports scores. Enter up to 6 queries then close it out with a finishing statement and a soundtrack. When you’re done you can embed it or post it to YouTube. The idea is utilize search terms to tell a story. Videos that stand out will be posted on the official YouTube Search Stories Channel. (Note: conditions such as avoiding the use of public figures must be met.)
 
Later – Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
[email protected]
04.19.10

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – Sr. Dir/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

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

JOB OPENING: COORD SALES DEV & PROMOTIONS/NICK/Viacom Consumer Products/NYC. 1+yrs Marketing/Cons Prod exp, Strng Comm/Org/Detail skills, Strng knwlege NICK brand, popculture, MS Office skills Apply  www.mtvnetworkscareers.com   (4/24)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH COORDINATOR/The Hub/LA:  Must have at least one year experience in television and/or media research. Apply at http://thehub.catsone.com/careers (4/24)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR DIG MEDIA MKTG/A&E TV Networks/NY: Increase AETN web properties on key srch engines. Asst w/ dvlpmt of  brdr (non-search) dig. aud. dvlpmnt strategy. Apply:  www.aetn.com/careers.html 7-10 yrs mktg exp 5+ digital (4/24)

JOB OPENING: EXEC PROD/Charlex/NYC: ( www.charlex.com )  Mng prod dept. Dvlp executive level client relationships. Identify & expand strategic dvlpmnt of new business. Proven exp building/managing accts  Apply to: [email protected] (4/24)

JOB OPENING: DIR MEDIA RELATIONS/CABLEVISION /LI:  Implement PR strat for cable, phone, internet services. Needs 5+ yrs in PR including skills in social media. Journalism or political exp a +. Apply:  [email protected] (4/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR, iVillage AD SALES MKTG/NYC:  will be rspnsble for leading the dvlpmnt of mrktng that drive advrtsng revenue for the iVillage Network and oversee prgrm executn.  Pls submit a resume: nbcunicareers.com job# 1166777 (4/23)

JOB OPENING: SALES MGR/KQCA TV/SACRAMENTO: Strong leadership, motivational & organiz’l skills. Successful track record prod’g new direct bus by dvlpng/selling multi-plat advrtsng campaigns. LSM exp pref’d. Res: [email protected]  (4/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR RSRCH TEMP/ABCTV/NY: Execute Sr lvl stats analysis, excellent written verbal presentation skills in exec environment min of 4 yrs exp w/Nielsen ratings, MS Office www.disneyabcjobs.com # 240392 (4/23)

JOB OPENING: SR ANALYST, RESEARCH/Music Choice/NY: Support multi-platform sales, mrktng & prgrmng initiatives w/accurate & actionable research. BA/BS 3-5 yrs media rsrch exp. req./1 yr VOD rsrch strongly pref. [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIRECTOR/Tennis Channel/NYC: 3+ years Ad Sales at Nat’l Cable or Local B’cast. In depth Arianna exp. req’d, Mendelsohn and MRI pref’d. Strong Excel/P’point. Resumes to [email protected] (4/22)

JOB OPENING: DIG RSRCH ANALYST, FREELANCE/ A&E TV Networks /NYC: Resp for gathering/analyzing data, extracting key insights. Quant rsrch background, pref w/ Omniture, comScore, and/or Nielsen Online.Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (4/21)

JOB OPENING: SR COUNSEL, LEGAL AFFAIRS-ABC STUDIOS/LA:Draft + legal supv of TV pilots/series deals. 7+ years exp in TV, IP, corp/litigation exp at law firm and/or major studio legal dept. Apply www.disneycareers.com 218071 (4/21)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/(P/T)/CTAM (DC area):  seeks Part-Time Analyst to provide rsrch support & assist in study production. Description: http://www.ctam.com/collaboration/jobbankview.aspx . Email: [email protected] (4/21)

JOB OPENING: MKTG PROD MGR/Sundance/NYC: manage prod of all print, online, gfx deliverables & short form content. 4-6 yrs PM exp. Solid exp w/all areas of creat serv. res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #11086BR (4/21)

JOB OPENING:  SUPERVISING PRODUCER/Scripps Networks/Knoxville, TN: Requirements: 5+yrs exp as Producer/Showrunner, excellent team mgmnt + client relations skills, exp w/long+shortform prods, strong writer – scrippsnetworks.com #1434 (4/20)

JOB OPENING:  TV BUYER Wanted/NYC: Minimum 2 years national cable buying exp. Minimum 2 years DR buying exp. CPA buying a plus. Send resume and salary requirements to [email protected] (4/20)

JOB OPENING:  VP ORIG PROG/LIVE EVENTS&DOCS/EPIX/NY: Formulate events & docs strategy, dvlp music/comedy event prgrmng + sprvse prod & post-prod. Strong existing relationships w/ creative community req’d. http://corp.epixhd.com / EOE (4/20)

JOB OPENING:  MGR PRGRM SCHED/EPIX/NY: Mng promot’l scheduling & strategy, daily prgrm logs & competitive tracking, desired skills/exp inc. sprvsry exp, prev movie chan exp, strong knwldg TV ratings rsrch. http://corp.epixhd.com/ EOE (4/20)

JOB OPENING:  PROD COORD/EPIX/NY: Temp to perm. Coord workflow on-air creative dept b/w graphics, sched, editing. 3+ yrs exp TV/media, knwldg promo prod, post-prod, ops mgmt, non-linear editing, final cut pro. http://corp.epixhd.com/ EOE (4/20)

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] .

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  PROD INTERN/NAHB PROD GROUP: Seeks orgnzd, resourceful & confident Intern- looking for hands on training at busy prod group. Good PC skills & tech knwldg +. Min 12 hr/wk. Cover-letter & resume: [email protected] (4/24)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Turner Ad Sales/Detroit: 10 wk internship. Work closely with all positions in support of the overall ad sales process. Gain exposure to all aspects of TV and Digital National Sales.Send resumes: [email protected] (4/22)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: START ASAP. Post production facility interns. Duties include assisting Avid technicians and client services staff. Send cover letter and resume to [email protected] with subject INTERNSHIP (4/20)

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: DIGITAL JOURNALIST (NY): Extensively trained by NBC News to shoot in HD & SD, edit in FCP & Avid, write, track and report. Hardworking and eager to be part of a great news organization. [email protected] (4/24)

SITUATION WANTED:  MEDIA SALES/MARKETING MANAGER/LA: 15+ years experience in educational, documentary, advertising media sales,product,biz development True Closer!!!!! [email protected] (4/24)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR (NY): Ultra-creative, award winning, all formats, all genres, all major networks and major cable. Fast, frugal and fun! [email protected] (4/23)

SITUATION WANTED: PRIME TIME EMMY DOCUMENTARY. PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (4/22)

SITUATION WANTED: UAlbany 2010 grad, looking for PROGRAMMING/RESEARCH ANALYST, MEDIA BUYING OR SALES POSITIONS. I am currently interning at Viacom MTV Networks(Spike TV).Held the marketing position in my sorority. [email protected] (4/22)

SITUATION WANTED: AVID/FCP VIDEO EDITOR (NY): Creative, Award-winning Editor. Short-form and long-form  comedy, drama, music, sports. Many years in TV and Advertising. For resume and website contact: [email protected] (4/22)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION MANAGER(NY): Hard working, organized, self-starter with 18 years production experience. Companies include HBO, A&E, MTV, National Geographic [email protected] (4/22)

SITUATION WANTED:  DIRECTOR/CREATIVE DEVELOPER:   Animation. Dynamic, award-winning, fun-filled, 10+ years experience. Clients include Warner Brothers, ABC Family, Nick JR, HBO Family, MTV2, The Tornante Company. [email protected] (4/22)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA SALES/MARKETING MANAGER/LA: 15+ years experience in educational, documentary, advertising media sales, product, biz development True Closer!!!!! [email protected] (4/21)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIR/SALES STRATEGIST: 20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hisp, research, sales, and presentation experience. Email: [email protected] (4/21)

SITUATION WANTED: FILM, TV & MEDIA SALES/NY: 6 yrs of exp as executive in international & domestic sales with strong knwldg of business and contracts with sharp client relationship & proven sales records. Email: [email protected] (4/21)

SITUATION WANTED: 20+ yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting & Cable ACCOUNTING/FINANCE. Seeking FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm position:   [email protected] (4/20)

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] (4/20)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH DIRECTOR, network experience (ad sales/prog/mktg), sales estimate expert, all Nielsen software, MRI, Microsoft suite. Full- time, temp or consulting. [email protected] (4/20)

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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