Cynopsis: DIGITAL

05/19/08

Good morning, it’s Monday, May 19, 2008, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.
 
Enter Carl Icahn, re-enter Microsoft. The company announced it is continuing to explore alternatives vis a vie Yahoo which may involve a partial transaction yet stop short of a complete purchase. (Although the company reserved the right to consider a buyout in the future.) This may put Yahoo’s search business in play, while giving the Sunnyvale-based company a chance to retain other businesses including display ads, email and messaging. Meanwhile, Microsoft is planning to announce a major new search initiative on Wednesday designed, in the words of Platform and Services Division Kevin Johnson, “to differentiate in vertical experiences and to disrupt the current model.” Microsoft’s Live Search product could use some disrupting. It accounted for less than 10% of U.S. queries in February, according to ComScore, compared to a 59.8% share for Google.

---

 
Comcast agreed to carry linear network MGM HD across its footprint and offer MGM HD movie titles to customers via VOD. The service draws from MGM’s library of over 4,100 films.  Additionally, Multichannel News report MGM HD also landed a deal with Time Warner, its fourth cable carriage deal in addition to Comcast, Dish Network (both signed this week) and DirecTV.
 
IFC Films will release Diminished Capacity on July 4th simultaneously via theaters and its IFC in Theaters “day and date” VOD distribution platform. The comedy features Matthew Broderick, Alan Alda and Virginia Madsen.
 

 
Affectionately known as the oldest start-up in the cable industry, ICTV has changed its name to ActiveVideo Networks to reflect its latest incarnation. ActiveVideo has developed an interactive television platform engineered to bring web video and web 2.0 functionality to the cable set top. The company will be demonstrating its newest enhanced ETV applications at the Cable Show.
 
Among the company’s new offerings is true2Way compatible games-on-demand service TAG, enabling cable, satellite and IPTV customers to play casual games through their set top box. TAG achieved a 40% penetration rate among digital customers during a 4-month trial with Time Warner’s Dolthan, AL system, according to ActiveVideo. Cable show goers can demo the channel at the ICTV/Active Video booth.
 
Conde Nast is acquiring Malden, MA.-based tech blog Ars Technica for around $25 million, reports TechCruch, to go along with earlier acquisitions in the space Wired.com and Reddit.
 

 
Bill Gates demoed a new 4 ft. x 6 ft touchscreen PC called the TouchWall at Microsoft’s annual CEO Summit last week. Think of it as the offspring of a giant plasma TV and an iPhone. No wait, it’s just a hanging Microsoft Surface.
 

 
Adobe announced the public beta of a new flash player, featuring improved 3D graphics and a P2P file sharing architecture that helps transmit large HD files by utilizing the bandwidth of hundreds of users. The solution could be a breakthrough for digital media distributors looking to stream more HD content without paying exorbitant Content Delivery Network fees.
 
Both Comcast and Cox were found to have blocked P2P users’ connections to the internet according to an independent study conducted by Germany’s Max Planck Institute for Software Systems. Cox issued a statement admitting to employing “reasonable network management practices,” as outlined in user policies. Comcast has also acknowledged its P2P management practices and is working with file sharing providers like Bit Torrent to develop standard network management techniques.
 

 
Yahoo announced a new multiyear tie up with the WPP Group giving clients access to the portal’s Right Media Exchange ad network. WPP’s 24/7 Real Media will develop a proprietary media trading platform connecting clients to the exchange. WPP will also work with Yahoo to develop a WPP marketplace, drawing inventory from Yahoo-owned and affiliates’ sites as well as 24/7’s Global Web Alliance.
 
Fox International Channels’ Fox Networks launched Worthnet.Fox, a vertical ad network targeting international consumers of financial news and investment advice online. The Wall Street Journal Digital Network – including wsj.com, barrons.com and MarketWatch – will be among the key media partners available, with representation focused in Latin America.
 
Online ad spending surpassed $21 billion last year according to a new report from the IAB and PricewaterhouseCoopers, an increase of 26% from 2006. Search remained the dominant category accounting for 41% of spending, almost double what display claimed (21%). Digital video ad dollars accounted for about 2% of the overall pie.
 

 
A new study from the Pew Internet & American Life Project finds the internet has very little effect on purchasing decisions compared to traditional influences. For those who bought music during past year, 83% said they learned about it from the radio, television or movies, compared to 56% who said they discovered it using online tools and resources. Just 22% of all music buyers said their most recent purchase was online (either a digital download or ordering a compact disc), while 74% said their most recent purchase was at a store. Among a smaller set of music buyers using the internet to find out about music, one-third said their most recent purchase was online.
 
Nielsen Online’s Parent Company rankings for April confirm Google‘s rise, although the unique audience numbers differ from ComScore’s figures by almost 13 million uniques. Time Warner Sites led in the stickiness category, with users spending an average of 3 hours and 40 minutes on the sites during April.
 
Top 10 Web Sites by Parent Company Combined Home & Work (U.S.) – April 2008
Rank   Parent          Unique Audience (000) Time Spent Per Person (hh:mm:ss)
  1      Google                128,188                        1:46:39
  2      Microsoft             122,059                        2:17:01  
  3      Yahoo!                117,065                        3:08:40
  4      Time Warner       105,566                        3:40:04
  5      News Corp.           76,453                        1:49:21
  6      eBay                    67,047                        1:52:41 
  7      InterActiveCorp     64,098                        0:21:27
  8      Wikimedia Found.  56,259                        0:17:51
  9      Amazon                55,677                        0:26:30
10      Disney                  49,721                        0:43:05
Source: Nielsen Online
 

 
Music Choice promoted Rick Bergan to SVP/Distribution. He will continue to focus his efforts on overseeing and growing Music Choice’s distribution on TV, online and mobile.
 
Jumpstart Automotive Media hired Grant Whitmore as GM, Publisher and Business Development. Grant previously headed finance lead generation as business unit president at BarNone, a division of First Advantage. He will be based in San Francisco and report to COO Dillon McDonald.
 

---

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM electricArtists

---

---

 
George W. Bush really seems to be turning a corner lately. After finally acknowledging the Global Warming crisis, President Bush broke down and gave his first internet video interview for Politico last week, conducted from the Oval Office. In addition to the whole UGC angle, in which the President answers user-submitted questions, the interview showcases how the smaller screen can capture more candid moments that don’t usually make it on air. Bush and Chief Political Correspondent Mike Allen talk about the war (and why it convinced him to give up golf,) baseball and his daughter’s wedding, among other topics. He even does a Dr. Evil impression!

Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
05.19.08

Cynopsis Digital Ad Sales: Jason Cesare 732-718-0629 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

Cynopsis website – Video Resumes, Extended Classified Ads, Archives, and the Cynopsis Daily Video

CableU – Know Networks Better. Pitch Smarter. Click here

---

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM CYNOPSIS MEDIA: TOP TIER

---

---

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

---

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH SPECIALIST/(The CW/New York): Sales Media Research Analyst experience. Proficient w/Galaxy,  NPower, Adviews & MRI. Team player, ability to juggle many projects.  Email:   [email protected] RE: UCTC/98308BR  (5/24)

JOB OPENING: SUPERSTAR SALES DIRECTOR: Needed For Tribeca Internet Company. Sell the CPM inventory at theU.com and partner sites. Must be aggressive and self motivated. Contact:  [email protected]  include your resume and sales history  (5/24)

JOB OPENING: VP, MKTG & LICENSING/NY, 4Kids Entertainment, Inc:  Brand Marketer, Client Services, Strategic, Creative, Team Oriented w/ exp in Toys & Games Mkting/Dev., min. of 10 yrs exp. BS req.  Resume to:  [email protected] (5/23)

JOB OPENING: MGR PLANNING & SCHEDULING/USA NETWORK/NYC: Manage all day-to-day on-air promo scheduling, including scheduling all on-air promotion in the traffic system. 3-4 yrs exp and BA degree req. Go to www.nbcjobs.com 820304 (5/23)

JOB OPENING: DEV ASST/LA:  Need long term temp to support VP of Devt at major cable network. Hard working,  highly organized/eager to help. Incredibly fast past paced office. Submit resumes to:  [email protected] (5/23)

JOB OPENING: TELEVISION PROGRAM ESTIMATOR/NYC:  2+ years exp estimating broadcast television programming for Upfront in a media/advertising agency. Freelance assignment  lasting approx. 3-4 wks.  Apply [email protected] (5/23)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER CONTENT DISTRIBUTION/FUSE/MSG Media-Santa Monica office:  3 yrs exp & travel required. For more info and to apply, go to www.thegarden.com and click on employment   (5/23)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR CONTENT DISTRIBUTION/FUSE/MSG Media-NY Office: 5 yrs related exp. required. For more info and to apply, go to www.thegarden.com and click on employment  (5/23)

JOB OPENING: AUDIO/POST PRODUCTION SUPERVISOR/NICKELODEON/NY: Sup & schedl audio for animated series, incld post SFX/mix/layback & delivery. Exp w/music, cast, direct, producing A+. Email:  [email protected]  (5/23)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCER, SHORT-FORM ORG. PROGRAMMING-LOGO/MTV/NYC: 4+yrs Programming exp, Strg editorial skills, Knwldge of content creation mobile/wireless. Knwldge of LOGO brands. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (5/22)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST-DR/SUPERSTATION WGN/NY: Provide admin. & sales support to DR Dept; order entry, confirmations, pre & post logs to clients, etc. Apply @ [email protected] (5/22)

JOB OPENING:  PRODUCER/SCRIPPS NETWORKS (HGTV/DIY/Food/FL/GAC) Knox: 5+ yrs prod exp long/short form Lifestyle TV/taped live/Online exp A+/exlent interpersonal skills. Full job descrip/apply at  www.scrippsnetworks.com Knoxville Based  (5/22)

JOB OPENING:  PR COORDINATOR/HGTV/New York: manage press inquiries, requests & events, liaison w/ HGTV talent & production companies, provide Admin support to PR team. 1-3 yrs PR exp. Full details & apply  www.scrippsnetworks.com (5/22)

JOB OPENING:  DIR PRODUCTION/LA: Mng movie prod for Disney Chl/ABC Family/Jetix; frm decision-mkg/budgt/prod to post. 7-10yrs TV, movie prod exp. Knowldg in guild and union agreemnts. Apply at: www.disneycareers.com Req# 162325  (5/22)

JOB OPENING: DIG ASSET & CONTENT MGR/Starzmedia/NYC: 3+yrs dig asst mgmt & databas, vid/aud & techncl format knowldg. Mang dig cont assets(lng/shrt-form vids/trlrs/clips/imgs/sound)for co. Dig Media div. Apply:  [email protected]  (5/21)

JOB OPENING: EXEC ASST to PRES/CEO TV prod/Burbank: Manage daily schedule & travel/roll& track calls/excellent oral & written skills/well organized. 2-4 yrs exp. MAC, Word, Excel, Filemaker, Entourage.  Apply: [email protected]    (5/21)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL SALES PLANNER/AETN, NY: Create Proposals, steward accts, servicing orders. 2yrs exp in advertising or sales research. Exc comm skills. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (5/21)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE JUNKET WRITER-PRODUCER/HALLMARK CHANNEL/LA: Create 30 minute hosted entertainment pieces. 3-5 yrs. experience. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (5/21)

JOB OPENING: GRAPHIC DESIGNER/WEB MASTER/Charles Drew University/LA, CA: Provide high-volume desktop publishing design for print, media, and marketing materials, website postings and updates. See full posting at www.cdrewu.edu (5/21)

JOB OPENING: AFFIL MKTG MGR/Versus/PHIL: Work w/ Dir, Consumer & Affil Marketing & Comcast Corporate to drive affiliate distribution & build value. Read more/apply: (60610BR) www.versus.com (5/20)

JOB OPENING: PRGRM PLAN’G & SCHED MGR/VERSUS/PHIL: Execute program scheduling plan for the network and assist with all aspects of planning and scheduling. Read more/apply (Req #60727) www.versus.com (5/20)

JOB OPENING: SR MOTION DESIGNER, CREATIVE SRVCS/Versus/Phl: Dvlp/exec new & innovative design & layout solutions. 6+yrs of complex related exp. Exc. creative/comm. Skills. Read more/apply: (Req 61368BR)  www.versus.com (5/20)

JOB OPENING: SR WRITER/PROD/VERSUS/PHL: 5 yrs nat’l cable or ntwrk TV exp. Exc creative & comm. skills. Resp for writing/prod’g compelling on/off-air promotion. Read more/apply (Req# 51639BR) www.versus.com (5/20)

JOB OPENING: VP INTERNET STRATEGY/DVLPMNT/Comcast/Versus/Phil: Mng network’s consumer Internet presence. 7+yrs related exp Internet prod & editorial. 3+yrs Sr mngmnt role. Read more/apply: (Req # 60341BR) www.versus.com   (5/20)

JOB OPENING: RSRCH MGR/VERSUS/PHIL:Analysis of ntwrk viewership, dvlp estimates, supports all deprtmnts.        Expr in Nielsen Npower, Galaxy, Navigator required.4-5 yrs rsrch exp. Read more/apply: (req #60861BR)   www.versus.com (5/20)

JOB OPENING: SR MKTG GRAPHIC DESIGNER/VERSUS/PHL: Create variety of mktg materials. 10+ yrs graphic designer w/ some ent ind. exp  Background in prod of collateral/print/internet ads. Read more/apply: (Req # 61372BR)  www.versus.com (5/20)

JOB OPENING: A/P SUPERVISOR/LIFETIME TV/NY: seeking a detail oriented, self-starter to join our A/P Department with auditing of expense reports, verifying expenses. Apply at: http://www.mylifetime.com/about/jobs.html (5/20)

JOB OPENING:  ASSOC ACCT EXEC/Music Choice/Los Angeles:  Responsible for all aspects of account management including sales, promotions development of relationships.BS or BA required. Min 3 yrs sales & marketing exp in cable/related industry w/track record for achieving results. 50% travel. [email protected] (5/20)

JOB OPENING:  MUSIC CHOICE/NYC/SALES PLANNER:  Manage proposal process; update sales materials.  Manage small-scale accounts. Identify/ research prospects.  2+ yrs exp. at ad agency or network. [email protected]  (5/20)

JOB OPENING:  MGR RESEARCH/ENDEAVOR TALENT AGENCY/LA: Strong Nielsen systems & analytical skills req’d. Respon. include Broadcast Prime, Cable and Theatrical research. Dynamic work environment. Send resumes to: [email protected]  (5/20)

JOB OPENING:  TRAFFIC SUPERVISOR/Cablevision/NY, NY:   Min. 4 yrs Traffic experience.  Strong exp. with  OSCAR system, order entry, admin & reporting modules. View full posting and apply to www.cablevision.jobs req id 6117BR  (5/20)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH MGR/FOOD/HGTV AD SALES (2 POSITIONS)/NY:5+ yrs media research exp. Strong analytical/data interpretation/presentation skills req’d.See full job description/apply at www.scrippsnetworks.com (5/20)

JOB OPENING:  PROGRAM DIRECTOR/MARTHA STEWART LIVING RADIO/NYC: Manage the daily operations of MSLR and actively work to grow the channel.All interested parties should apply online: http://app.cvtracer.com/public/236765084/apply/applyonline.jsp?Joid=14115&Jo=Program+Director (5/20)

SPRING AND SUMMER 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] .

SUMMER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY:  Film Prod. company and financier is looking for self starters. Learn all aspects of film production. Strng comm skills & good attitude, begin ASAP. thru summer. [email protected]  (5/23)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY:  MKTG/ON-AIR: Fox Reality Channel-LA – summer intern for mktg & on-air production. 30-40 hrs/wk. Majors: Mktg, Adv, PR/Comm, TV/Film. Skills: Writing & computer; On-Air Pro/Avid a plus. [email protected] (5/23)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  DIG MEDIA INTERN/Starzmedia/NYC: Undergrads/3.0+ GPA/currently enrolled in univ., 20-35 hrs/wk. Work on several chllnging projects (i.e. viral distrib and Broadband Channel comp. review) Apply: [email protected] (5/21)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: WordWorld Consumer Products (unpaid) Internship: 3days/ wk for DB setup/maintenance, product inventory, trade show prep, market research, admin support.  Send resume to: [email protected]   (5/20)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED … Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact [email protected] for more information ….

E-mail  [email protected] for rates and specs for Job Openings. 

Interested in posting your Video Resume?  Contact [email protected] for more information ….

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

---