Cynopsis: DIGITAL

12/07/09

Good morning, it’s Monday, December 7, 2009, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Yet another electronic reading solution has set sail, this one backed by a major media company. Hearst Corp.’s Skiff (formerly First Paper) is being positioned as a paid content platform to deliver selections of newspapers, magazines, books, blogs and next-generation formats to a variety of smartphones, netbooks and other portable digital devices. The idea is to make boring old text sing with visually appealing layouts, high-res graphics, rich typography and dynamic updates. The service will include a digital storefront and a back-end system allowing publishers to distribute content to devices they already use, including Apple’s iPhone and iPod Touch. Skiff has signed a deal with Sprint to provide 3G wireless service for Skiff e-readers; Sprint will also sell Skiff devices in their stores. Publishers can charge for their periodicals and (unlike on Amazon’s Kindle) enjoy a “majority” of the ad revenue they generate, according to the company. So far, Time Inc., Conde Nast and Meredith have joined with Hearst to distribute through the platform.

 
These publishers — Conde Nast, Meredith, Hearst and Time Inc., are part of a new digital publishing consortium expected to be announced this week and News Corp. has become a latest to join the group, per Ad Age. The venture’s management team includes Time EVP John Squires, News Corp. Chief Digital Officer Jonathan Miller and Meredith National Media Group President Jack Griffin. The venture will work on selling content and distributing ad supported articles in dynamic digital formats.
 
Vevo, the new major label music video and entertainment service launching Dec. 9, powered by YouTube, has struck a deal with CBS Interactive. Vevo will feature content from its Music Group’s properties including Last.fm and more than 90 CBS Radio music stations on the site beginning next year.
 

 
Starbucks is hosting a live steaming concert and global sing-a-long at StarbucksLoveProject.com early this morning (5:30 a.m. PT / 8:30 a.m. EST), in an effort to promote its RED Love CD, launched to raise money for medicine for HIV victims in Africa. Anyone with access to the site and a video camera is encouraged to submit their own version of “All You Need Is Love” for the world to see and hear.
 
Anime portal Cruncyroll expanded its online music catalog striking partnerships with some of Japan’s biggest J-Pop and J-Rock labels including Marvelous, Maverick and Up Front Agency.
 
Babelgum is ringing in the holiday season with a second season of its original comedic series The Carolers from LA-based improv group Freedom Snatch. Five men from Victorian England sing inappropriate holiday carols, cheekily changing the lyrics to fit uncomfortable situations.
 

 
Yahoo and Microsoft announced that the companies have finalized and executed their definitive Search and Advertising Services and Sales Agreement and License Agreement, in accordance with the letter agreement announced in July.
 

 
To dream the impossible dream … The FCC is seeking comment from industry players on how it can alter the rules governing makers of set tops and other electronic devices in order to achieve true plug-and-play functionality for consumers. (In other words, the ability to buy a digital, broadband enabled set-top that can work on any cable, satellite or telco system.)
 
The NCTA responded by calling on the FCC to open a full “Notice of Inquiry” to examine how it can achieve a more open marketplace for video devices that work across all video providers. “As an initial matter, we agree that a fully-competitive retail navigation device market has not yet developed – despite the persistent efforts of the commission, the cable industry, and consumer electronics manufacturers and retailers,” said NCTA President and CEO Kyle McSlarrow in a letter to William Lake, FCC Media Bureau Chief and Carlos Kirchner, Senior Advisor to the Chairman on Broadband.
 
Federal regulators have politely asked Verizon Wireless to explain why it has suddenly doubled the fees it charges to get out of your contract early. A group of 4 Senators (Dems Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Russell D. Feingold of Wisconsin, Jim Webb of Virginia and Mark Begich of Alaska) also introduced legislation last week to limit such fees. Verizon raised the fee Nov. 15 from $175 for customers purchasing a smartphone with a one-or two-year service agreement to $350. Ouch.
 
FCC commissioner Michael Copps weighed in on Comcast‘s purchase of NBC in an open letter, indicating that the deal will likely face intense scrutiny. (“Very steep climb” was the phrase he used to describe the merger’s prospect of gaining approval.) Concerns include:

• Impact on consumer pricing
• Consolidation of newsrooms under a single owner
• Affect of diversity and minority participation
• Decrease in the number of voices in traditional and new media
• Ramifications on new neutrality issue

 
George Clooney’s character in “Up In The Air” could have used this. GateGuru is a new iPhone app best described as a Yelp for airports.  It helps frequent flyers figure out where things are including restaurants, security checkpoints, bookstores and gift shops – rated in a star system by fellow travelers. It available now at the App Store for $1.99.
 
Beginning today users can go online to Turner’s AdultSwim.com to download a free collection of music selected by RockStar Games and Adult Swim.  Two of the selections, “Hello Miss” and “Is That You God?” will also be available on the RockStar Games’ Social Club, a community site enabling members to create music, share tracks and rate each other’s work.
 
Yamaha introduced a iPhone and iPod touch app enabling users to control the most-used functions of its network receivers, including available inputs, volume levels, mute and power commands. The cool thing about it is that, unlike a remote, the app works from anywhere in or around your home. The free app can be used with the recently introduced Yamaha RX-V2065 receiver as well as the RX-Z7 and RX-V3900 models.
 
Paramount Digital Entertainment launched its latest iPhone app. In “Mean Girls: High School Showdown,” players take on the role of a new student who finds herself dealing with the psychological warfare rife at North Shore High. Players can focus on matching heartbreak icons to be a bully, or matching special heart icons to make a new BFF.
 
As feared, Barnes & Noble announced that the its new Nook e-book reader won’t be available today at stores as originally planned.
 

 
Dell is embarking upon a major reorg in an effort to increase production of mobile devices. The new mobile devices division will led by Ron Garriques, currently President of Dell’s consumer division. The company also announced that Ross Perot Jr., son of the former presidential candidate and most recently Chairman of the Board for Perot Systems Corp., has been appointed to the Dell Board of Directors. Dell closed on its acquisition of Perot Systems last month for $3.9 billion.
 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NATPE

 
In what may be an indication that iTunes is looking to offer more options to consumers, Apple has struck a deal to acquire popular music downloading site LaLa.com, according to reports in the NYTimes and WSJ. LaLa presents a hybrid model, offering users the option to download MP3s a la carte (usually for the budget price of 89 cents,) or to buy a steaming-only version of the song for a dime. LaLa, whose investors include Bain Capital, Ignition Partners and Warner Music Group, received a boost this fall after the start-up cut a deal with Google to integrate its music search with the search giant’s index – enabling users to preview Lala tracks directly from the site. iTunes has been an important first step for the music industry but it mostly just serves the well-heeled who don’t hesitate to plop down $10 for a digital album. A more affordable cloud-based solution like LaLa can convince a much larger % of the population to begin paying for their online music.
 
Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
12.07.09

Cynopsis Media Facebook Page here – all of our Job Listings and Top Stories reported here first!

Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – Sr. Dir/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / mike@cynopsis.com
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / trish@cynopsis.com

Member of Interactive Advertising Bureau (iab)

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here. 
To unsubscribe, click here or click the button at the end of this email.

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

JOB OPENING: COMMERCIAL OPS SPECIALIST/CMT/NYC: 1+ yr sched commercials exp. Strong multi-tasking, org and communication skill. Exp with Gabriel or similar sys. Prof in MS Office. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply http://mtvnetworkscareers.com (12/12)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, INTEGRATED MARKETING/Nickelodeon/NYC: 8+yrs Integ Mrktg/Sales exp @ a TV Network, Strng Packged Goods exp, Strng Ideation/Acct Mgmt exp, Stng Projct Mgmt skills EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply  www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (12/12)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST/ Vh1/NYC: 2 yrs natl resch exp.Str analytic/detail/organiz sk.Prof w/Nielsen, Npower, AudienceWatch, Multitrak. Str written/oral comm. Sk.Prof MS Office. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (12/12)

JOB OPENING: EDITORIAL DIRECTOR/ParentsConnect-NICK/NYC: 5+yrs Editorial exp, Online Exp. Req, Xtreme Fast-paced/deadline skills, Strng Content Mgmt exp, Knwldg of UGC & Parenting A+ EOE/M/F/D/AAP Apply www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (12/12)

JOB OPENING: DIR DIGITAL MEDIA/LA: Lead dev/execution of short/long-term creative & production strat for digital initiatives-ABC Daytime, SOAPnet. BA/BS req. Min 8 yrs digital, & managerial exp. Apply at: www.disneyabcjobs.com (12/11)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE AD SALES/CHICAGO/REELZCHANNEL: 3+ yrs media ad sales exp. Exp cable,network,online,mp biz,strat integ mktg solu. Resp for ad sales & sales activity of MW ofc. Send res: awayne@reelzchannel.com (12/11)

JOB OPENING: DVLPMNT ASST/DC: Int’l TV prod co. Dvlop ratings driven, commercial concepts for cable & brdcst clients. 1 to 5 yrs exp nat’l TV dvlpmnt/prod req’d. Current TV trends & sched knwlg a must.Res/references: devjob@me.com (12/10)

JOB OPENING: SALES AE/Plum TV/Colorado: Successful, Creative, Aggressive, ad/sponsorship sales pro familiar w/ solutions mktg for local/regional/national clients. 5+ yrs exp in cable TV, other nat’l media. Posting @ plumtv.com (12/10)

JOB OPENING: MGR, TECH PROD/Santa Monica: Report to VP/HBO’s West Coast Tech Ops group. Provide prod & post-prod support & consultation svcs to HBO’s internal prod & post-prod depts. www.timewarner.com/careers Req#115777 (12/10)

JOB OPENING: SR CLIENT ANALYST/MSA Media/NY: Manage cable nets on Gabriel/other SW. Perform biz svcs, issue resolution, training, Jr acct mgmt duties, prod planning. Tech knowledge preferred. Send res/$ to acolagouri@msa.com (12/8)

JOB OPENING: VP, CREATIVE SVCS/Disney ABC Domestic TV/LA: Min 8 yrs in broadcast advertising; lead all aspects creative production (a/v, trade, consumer, print). Solid leader/mgmt skills. Apply www.disneycareers.com #215363  (12/8)

JOB OPENING: VP, BUS & LEGAL AFFAIRS/MTVN/NYC: 6+ yrs in antipiracy/litigation related to protection of copyrighted content; Exp in tech related investigations/IP related transactions; JD/NY Bar Req’d www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (12/8)

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 trish@cynopsis.com.

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: MEDIA RESEARCH NY: This professional opp will provide you with the hands-on exp, entail active assignments, and learn from the colleagues. Strong MS Office Skills required. Send resume to: Michelle.Rodriguez@fox.com (12/11)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  MARKETING INTERN/NYC: Support the Pop2Life creative team with national promotions – research, brainstorming, coordinate events. Must be smart, driven, creative, energetic. Mac savvy a plus. Email: jobs@pop2life.com (12/10)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  MARKETING INTERN /truTV, NY: Support brand strategy & mktg dept. (consumer, digital & ad sales). Majors: Comm., Mktg, Adv. Skills: Writing, Computer, Phone, Rsrch. Apply Online: turnerjobs.com – Requisition # 115355BR (12/10)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  SPRING AD SALES MARKETING INTERN/NYC: Support Ad Sales and Marketing Team. Microsoft Office & strong communication skills required. Part-time. For credit only. www.scrippsnetworks.com (Requisition #1253) (12/9)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: NYC doc prod. co. seeks exp’d, orgnzd & energetic JRS/SRS. Fast-paced envir. Pls specify “dvlpmnt” “accting” or “prod” in app. Office, shoot, post-prod & dvlpmnt work.. Email:  jmeltz@kpitv.com  (12/8)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: NYC Boutique TV Syndication Co. seeks diligent undergrad to assist in daily operations. Duties include creation of mktg/promo materials,contracts, etc. MS Office & strong comm skill required. Email intern@bfetv.com (12/5)

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 trish@cynopsis.com

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR (NY) Ultra-creative, award winning, all formats, all genres, all major networks and major cable. Fast, frugal and fun! andyandagatha@gmail.com (12/11)

SITUATION WANTED: PUBLICIST, PUBLIC/MEDIA RELATIONS EXECUTIVE: 5 + yrs exp in agency, entertainment and non-profit. Seeking work in television or movie studios on east coast. For inquiries, contact maritza@littlegiantproductions.com  (12/11)

SITUATION WANTED: (NYC, Boston) PUBLICITY.  6+ years of major studio & agency experience. Send email for resume. nycentpub@gmail.com (12/11)

SITUATION WANTED:  SEGMENT PRODUCER. Years of network and cable television experience familiar with final cut pro. Contact email: producerplus@gmail.com (12/11)

SITUATION WANTED: DESIGN, ILLUSTRATION & ART DIRECTION (NYC)20 years experience working concept through completion. Portfolio: www.baerdavis.com Email: scott@baerdavis.com (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA SALES/MARKETING MANAGER/LA: 15+ years experience in educational, documentary, advertising media sales.True Closer!!!!!  vroom526@aol.com (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED: TV and WEB MANAGER/PRODUCER with 13+ years editing, writing, and production experience. Flash, Dreamweaver, Photoshop knowledge. Online and video editor. Seeking FT position. mrdaviddain@yahoo.com (12/10)

SITUATION WANTED:  20+ yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting & Cable ACCOUNTING/FINANCE. Seeking FT/PT or Temp-to-Perm position: e_simicich@yahoo.com (12/9)

E-mail Trish@cynopsis.com 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 Trish@cynopsis.com for specs.

Cynopsis Media LLC
One Corporate Drive, Suite 724
Shelton, CT 06484
203.926.9878

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2009