Cynopsis: DIGITAL
3/19/07
Good Morning, it’s Monday, March 19, 2007 and this is your first early morning digital briefing – the VERY first digital early morning briefing!
MySpace introduced The Impact Channel, a collection of links to the political sites and MySpace pages of the ten presidential candidates who have already announced their candidacy. MySpaces’ 60 million monthly users will be able view candidates’ blogs, link to sites that discuss relevant issues and add the candidates to their list of friends. The Impact Channel will also feature an extensive get-out-the-vote initiative featuring tools to help young voters register and even contribute to campaigns they support. While the internet factored into grassroots campaigning efforts of Howard Dean in 2003, this is expected to be the first presidential election in which social networking sites play a significant role.
National Geographic Ventures acquired www.thegreenguide.com , a website and bi-monthly newsletter focusing on practical advice for living a greener existence. NGV is enhancing the site by integrating its own text, photo and video content such as instructive video segments about how to improve environmental standards in the home, room-by-room. The acquisition fits in to a larger environmental initiative at NationalGeorgraphic.com seeking to blend environmental news resources with video storytelling developed by Nat Geo producers and videographers, according to Betsy Scolnik, content operations vice president for National Geographic Digital Media.
Documentary web series Hometown Baghdad premiers on Salon.com today, the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. The series, consisting of 35 webisodes ranging from one to three minutes each, tells the story of three young Iraqis struggling to survive in the war-torn capital. Salon.com will introduce three episodes each week through the end of May. After a brief window of exclusivity, the clips will be embeddable on personal blogs, YouTube and other video sharing sites. The series was co-produced by “global youth dialogue” company Chat the Planet and the Salon Media Group.
San Diego-based online radio service Slacker.com launched a beta site last week, allowing users to personalize playlists from a selection of music streamed from more than 10,000 stations. Listeners can choose by artist or genre, or allow a Slacker “DJ” to fill out their personal station’s content. The site’s software uses algorithms that can be adjusted to aim for more poplar or more eclectic fare. Slacker plans to deliver users’ personalized stations to portable devices and car kits. The basic ad-supported Slacker service is free. A premium service priced at $7.50 is planned for the second quarter that will eliminate ads and offer more flexibility and features.
ABC.com launched the “Fantasy Dancing” game today, in conjunction with the premiere of the new season of Dancing With The Stars. It asks users to vote for which couple they believe will get the lowest and highest score each week. Points are awarded for correct answers and added to an account total kept for each player. Bonus points can be earned by answering additional trivia questions about the game. The player with the most points at the end of the season will receive a trip for two to L.A. and two private dance lessons with World American Ballroom champ Nick Kosovich.
This brand new edition of Cynopsis will be published daily, first thing in the morning and delivered to your email, just as you’ve come to expect from all the Cynopsis editions. It also has its own page on the Cynopsis website where you can find out a little more what this edition will cover, you find a little more about me, Wayne Karrfalt, the contributing editor for this edition, as well as the audio podcast of this edition. At launch, CynDigital is going to the entire Cynopsis subscriber list, but if you prefer not to receive this daily, you can quickly unsubscribe to it if you click here. In any case, feel free to voice your opinion either to me at [email protected] or to Cynthia at cynthia@ cynopsis.com.
Divvio launched a player in beta form which attempts to make order of the chaos of multimedia content found on the net. Users can search on www.divvio.com for video, music and podcasts from a variety of sites’, and the results are sorted by pop culture category or interest. Participants can create customized “channels” on any subject and add personal profiles to them. Divvio’s software attempts to monitor personal tastes and user behavior then recommends fresh content daily based on its findings. Its software crawls the web and adds tens of thousands of multimedia links to its index daily.
Google announced plans on its corporate blog to strengthen privacy protections for users of its internet search engine by “anonymizing” personalized search records after a period of 18 to 24 months. Google was one of the few companies to refuse a recent request by the Justice Department for its search engine records. Legislation is currently being considered on Capitol Hill to require internet companies to hold onto data for a set amount of time to aid law enforcement officials. Google also made its acquisition of in-game advertising company Adscape media official. Terms were not disclosed.
Microsoft acquired TellMe, a voice-activated directory assistance and mobile search provider, helping the company in its quest to develop better mobile search tools. The lack of an easy-to-use search function is often sited for holding back widescale adoption of mobile entertainment offerings.
Viacom‘s lawsuit against Google has shed increased light on the race to provide a viable video fingerprinting solution that will enable video sharing services like YouTube to identify unauthorized video uploads the moment they occur. MotionDSP launched an offering called Ikena Copyright to track embedded video. It joins firms such as Audible Magic, Phillips and iPharro working to find a solution to the fingerprinting dilemma. Audible Magic is reportedly working with both YouTube and MySpace to create filtering tools.
Turner’s broadband network SuperDeluxe.com built a custom home page to promote the release of Grindhouse , a double theatrical feature directed by Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez coming April 6 from Dimension Films. The site will feature video trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, fan blogs and downloads of exclusive content from the films. The minisite is part of multiplatform marketing initiative by Turner, including promo spots during NBA telecasts and the airing of Tarantino’s Kill Bill: Vol.1 and 2 on TNT hosted by the director himself.
The consolidation of NCAA college websites into networks operated by CBS’s CSTV Networks and XOS Technologies has made the sites a bigger target for national advertisers, according to The Wall Street Journal. In addition to buying space on CBS Sports websites, advertisers such as Wachovia are buying across a network of college sites to reach students and alumni, who boast enviable demographics. During last March, the month of the NCAA basketball tournament, visits to CSTV’s 250 college sites spiked to a total of 7.4 million unique users. Sportscaster Greg Gumbel is participating in Pontiac’s “Game Changing Performance” contest this year that is customizable for each university, asking fans of each school to vote for their favorite play.
Google was the top video company on the net in January serving up 1.167 billion video streams to 54.7 million users, according to new comScore Media Metrix data published in The New York Times. By comparison, Viacom Digital ranked fifth. Its family of sites had 264 million streams and 18.9 million users. Nickelodeon, MTV and VH1 accounted for more than 70 percent of the streams.
A new study by Pew Hispanic Center and the Pew Internet Life Project suggests the digital divide has closed to become more of a “digital dimmer switch.” More than half of Latino adults (56 percent) and non-Hispanic blacks (60 percent) now go online, compared to a 71 percent rate for non-Hispanic whites. The gap has narrowed considerably thanks to internet connections at the homes of friends, relatives and public libraries. However, a full interactive experience continues to elude minority populations, as they lack the ability to check email throughout the day and the speed to take advantage of more advanced applications.
Discovery named Bruce Campbell as President of Digital Media, Emerging Networks and Business Development. Bruce will report directly to Discovery’s new CEO David Zaslav. Discovery also promoted Clint Stinchcomb to Executive Vice President and GM of the Discovery Emerging Networks Group, reporting to Mr. Campbell. Clint will oversee Discovery HD Theater, Discovery Times Channel, The Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery on Demand, Discovery Mobile and Turbo.
City Lights Media Group added three executives to its digital team.
- Former Universal McCann and Mediacom executive Kevin Moore will head Brand Relations, tasked with building advertiser relationships to produce online entertainment.
- Brad Kohlenstein will be in charge of development of original content. His credits include VH1’s I love the 80’s.
- Chachi Senior will lead the production team at City Lights Digital.
Heather Harde left Fox Interactive Media to become CEO of TechCrunch Network. She will oversee every aspect of the business except editorial of the tech savvy weblog www.techcrunch.com.
Nielsen hired Jeff Boehme as Senior Vice President, Business Development for Nielsen DigitalPlus, overseeing initiatives involving digital set top box data. He will report to Jed Meyer, senior vice president of Nielsen DigitalPlus.
VH1 launched www.acceptable.tv last week, devoted to the network’s user generated comedy show made for both broadband and linear TV. Comic videos up now play with the perceived threat the broadband video craze poses to traditional TV. The site serves as a launch pad for filmmakers who want to submit videos for the show, including editing tools and funny tutorials starring producer Jack Black about how to structure clips so they will be “accepted” on the viral clip show.
A new website will be featured here everyday for you to check out. Some are TV-centric, some creative, some just plain strange. Email me your suggestions at [email protected] and if I include the site you mention, your name, company and city will be credited. Only one mention per calendar week, to make it fair.
Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
03.19.07
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Cynopsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here
JOB OPENING: MGR, MKT/AUDIENCE RESEARCH/Thirteen/WNET/NY: Perform research pjcts, develop research-based mktg tools & sup a Coor. 5 yrs exp in media research req. See full posting & apply at www.thirteen.org/jobs (3/24)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLAN’R/CBS TV DIST/NY: Mng all asp of advertising sched, build media plans, resolve discrepancies, process sales posts, fill inventory avails & clear oversells. Res/sal req: [email protected] (3/24)
JOB OPENING: VP, DISTRIBUTION AND MARKETING/Litton Entertainment Syndication, network development, interactive strategy, corporate alliances; Apply at j sandstrom@litton.tv (3/24)
JOB OPENING: DIR, AD SALES RESEARCH/GSN/NY: Oversees & coordinates research support for sales team. BA with 5 yrs. applicable exp.. Visit www.GSN.com for complete desc. & to apply or submit your resume to [email protected] (3/24)
JOB OPENING: AD SALES MARKETING MGR/AETN NY: Dvlp mktg tools aimed at agency planning groups. Manage dvlp of events, promotions & programs to support nat’l ad sales. 2-3 yrs min agency plnng exp. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (3/24)
JOB OPENING: CONTRACTS ADMINISTRATOR/RAINBOW/NYC Area: Draft agreements, coord. rights clearances re film & TV product, keep databases. Exp in clearances, paralegal or contract admin in legal dept. Resumes: [email protected] (3/24)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR MARKET RESEARCH VH1/CMT/Logo: BA/BS; 7 yrs exp qual/quant mkt resrch; strong analytical sk; Exp w/variety of media platforms incl digital. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (3/24)
JOB OPENING: ADMINISTRATIVE ASST, PUBLICITY/Hallmark Channel LA: Support SVP and dept. 2 yrs. min exp. See full posting & apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (3/23)
JOB OPENING: SR MGR, MEDIA STRATEGY & PLAN’G/National Geo Channel/DC: Dvlp & execute off/on-air media plans; partner w/external media agency; oversee bcst logs; 3+yrs media plan’g within ntwrk or media agency; www.foxcareers.com (3/23)
JOB OPENING: CREATIVE SRVCS PROJ MGR/Sundance Channel/NY: 4-6 yrs exp print prod proj mgmt at an agency or netwrk. Strong client serv skills. Must understand print & web design process. Resumes to: [email protected] (3/23)
JOB OPENING: ADMINISTRATIVE ASST/Affiliate Distribution/NY (Mid-town): Support RVP and regional NDS Teams. 2 yrs. min exp. See full posting & apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (3/23)
JOB OPENING: MGR, PROMOS & EVENTS/IFC/NY: Plan & exec Promo/Event marketing campaigns to support partners & Affil. Cable outreach, Nat’l film fest, guerilla mktg. 3+ yrs Promo/Event mktg. res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #2934BR (3/22)
JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT /Hallmark Channel-NY: Works with AE’s and Planners to service & maintain agencies/clients on daily basis. See full posting at www.hallmarkchannel.com Resumes: [email protected] (3/22)
JOB OPENING: MGR, PRODUCTION ADMIN/WE tv/LI: Support prod admin on bus affairs, budgets, contracts & rights/clearances for Orig Prog. 5-7 yrs exp. Degree. Hands on Prod exp. Res: www.cablevision.jobs ref# 2828BR (3/21)
JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/FEARnet (Comcast, Sony, Lionsgate), PA: Experienced assistant needed to support network President. Degree required/Film major preferred. Apply: www.comcast.com Job Req. #45145BR (3/21)
JOB OPENING: CONS AD COORD/COURT TV/NY: Support Mgr/Dir with advertising & media; Passionate about Advertising & TV industry; Organized; Resourceful; Driven; Creative. www.turnerjobs.com Req #69427BR (3/21)
JOB OPENING: FREELANCE FORMAT PROD/AETN Int’l/NY/CT: Screen, prepare, research matl’s to create int’l master. Supv edits in HD, SD, long/short form. BA, 2+yrs video, audio, edit session, post prod exp. Apply: [email protected] (3/21)
JOB OPENING: Beck Media/LA: Seeking PR TALENT w/ 2+ years of TV/Web/Tech/Emerging Media or related experience. Excellent writing/media pitching w/ positive attitude. Comp based on experience. Resume/cover to [email protected] (3/21)
JOB OPENING: HEAD OF KIDS/BLUEPRINT ENTERTAINMENT/TORONTO: must have exp. in dev & prod for the CDN, US & Int’l mktpl; strong relatshp with dom/int’l b’casters, co-prods and creative talent. Apply [email protected] (3/21)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/Cablevision/NYC: Support growing Interactive/VOD ad sales team by creating customized sales presentations & proposals. 2+ yrs Sales/Agency exp. res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #2805BR (3/21)
JOB OPENING: CAMPAIGN MGR/Cablevision/NYC: Track& analyze campaigns& usage data for Interactive/VOD. Strong analytics background, internet metrics exp. pref. res: www.cablevision.jobs ref #2802BR (3/21)
JOB OPENING: PRODUCTION COORDINATOR/LIFETIME NY: Track schedule, assets, budgets, & deliverables. Hire crews. Gather/maintain legal restrictions. Oversee voice-over talent. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (3/20)
JOB OPENING: MGR, DIGITAL PLATFORM PROGRAMMING/COMEDY CENTRAL/NY: Mng prgrmng dept’s functions on multiple media platforms. 4yrs exp TV program. Strong knwlg: TV prod/sched. Strong time mngmt skills. www.mtvncareers.com (3/20)
JOB OPENING: JUNIOR PUBLICIST-LIFETIME NY: Resp. for all Lifetime Movie Network programming consumer and trade publicity, specifically LMN Original Movies. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (3/20)
JOB OPENING: MARKETING ANALYST/NBCU Bravo/NY: Must have BA & 5 years exp. at agency; Responsibilities: Analyze spending patterns; develop/execute promotional concepts; run SMRB/MRI data. Apply: www.nbcjobs.com #564318 (3/20)
JOB OPENING: SPEC PROJECTS CREATIVE DIR/Rainbow/NY: Dir. Manage & direct corp. off-air & sales video projects, ads & events. 5+ yrs exp. Strong writing, producing, branding, mngmnt & diplomacy skills. [email protected] (3/20)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/NY: Responsibilities incl rsrch support for prgrmng & interpreting ratings for WNBC & WNJU TV Stations. Visit www.nbcunicareers.com to apply through job #: 576472 or resume to [email protected] (3/20)
JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/GALAVISION Network/LA: Highly-motivated w/ sales/media/presentation skills, solutions orientated & agency/client relations. Fax res & cvr letter to Jim Baral (310)348-3626 or: lagalajob @univision.net (3/23)
JOB OPENING: AD SALES ASST/Galavision/NY: Detail-oriented, exc comm/math/MS Office skills; asst Sales Team w/presentations/reports/clerical work. Spanish speaking highly pref/not req. Cvr letter & resume: [email protected] (3/20)
SPRING INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. They are 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] .
WINTER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Roger LA http://roger.tv , a motion graphics firm, is looking for an Intern three days a week. Knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects is required. Please inquire to Elaina Porter [email protected] . (3/24)
SPRING INTERNSHIP COLLEGE CREDITS ONLY: INTERNS /LIME, NY: basic research/admin stuff like compiling press clips, updating/creating bios, further develop LIME’s media lists. Resumes subject intern to: [email protected] (3/20)
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED —
SITUATION WANTED: PROMO COPYWRITING: Uber-copywriters. Fortune 500 entertainment clients. Copy runs, tag lines that delivers a creative kick in the chest. We get things did! Contact [email protected] (3/24)
SITUATION WANTED: DIGITAL MKTG EXEC (NYC): 3 yrs Mktg exp., MBA (UK/Germany), currently doing MSc in Online Mktg at NYU and in tern at Nickelodeon. Highly efficient, passionate about multi-channel mktg. possibilities. [email protected] (3/24)
SITUATION WANTED: Exc team player seeking MEDIA MRKTNG, AD SALES, PROMOTIONS, PRGRMNG OR PROD position. Most current job is working as the Prgrmng & Prod. Asst. at MTV Networks. Detail oriented. [email protected] (3/23)
SITUATION WANTED: CELEBRITY BOOKER &REALITY/NON-FICTION CASTING DIRECTOR: Thousands of contacts to celebrities/experts/authors/real people/show hosts, etc. Extensive exp w/TV Talk Shows & Reality Shows. Contact: [email protected] (3/22)
SITUATION WANTED: EXP AFF SALES, DISTRIBUTION & BIZ DEV EXEC w/20yrs in media sales seeks F/T position w/cable network, new media or startup co. Exp w/startups, Biz strategy&building solid relationships. Contact: [email protected] (3/22)
SITUATION WANTED: COORDINATING PRODUCER: Strong list of proven skills, attention to detail, getting the job done rights, on time and under budget. I’m your LA-based go to guy. Contact [email protected] (3/20)
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