Cynopsis: DIGITAL

6/21/07

Good Morning, it’s Thursday, June 21, 2007 and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Talk is swirling about a deal to swap MySpace for a 25%-30% share in a newly integrated Yahoo, even as Rupert Murdoch pursues his $5 billion bid for Dow Jones. Negotiations have been ongoing, according to Murdoch-owned The Times of London and could now be in jeopardy with departure of Terry Semel at the helm of Yahoo. The perception is that Mr. Murdoch thinks MySpace has reached its peak in the social networking arena. He’s not the only one; Facebook has stolen much of the MySpace’s thunder in recent weeks, which would make Yahoo shareholders leery of such a merger. The proposed swap pegs MySpace’s value at $12 billion based on the current evaluation of Yahoo. Yahoo offered $1.5 billion for Facebook just last year. Then again News Corp. could sweeten the deal by including other digital assets such as gaming portal IGN.com.
 

Apple announced the iPhone will be able to play YouTube video clips out of the box when it ships next week. About 10,000 clips will be viewable upon launch, encoded in the advanced “H.264” format–the first mobile device to support it. The company also announced the plug in to allow YouTube videos to be played on the Apple TV device is now ready. (That was quick!) Apple TV users can download it through the device’s built in software update feature. AT&T is still keeping the iPhone service packages a secret. One thing is for sure-don’t expect any discounts.
 
AT&T did launch a service called Video Share, available to subscribers with more advanced handsets, which allows users to stream live video to one another during a call. Call it mobile one-one-one video conferencing. It’s only available in Atlanta, Dallas and San Antonio so far, but it will be expanded to include all “3G” markets in July, covering about 3/4 of the 100 biggest U.S. cities. Sorry – Video Share won’t work on the iPhone, an EDGE network device.
 
YouTube also launched a WAP-based site this week (m.youtube.com) that allows visitors to upload and view clips directly from their phones. Video categories include Featured, Recently Added, Most Viewed and Top Rated. This is a work in progress, as are most WAP sites, so don’t look for all the features you’re used to seeing, such as forward to a friend.
 
Game publisher MumboJumbo signed a multiyear deal with Universal Pictures Digital Platforms to develop mass-market games based on NBC’s The Office. A PC game is planned for a fall release, via retail and digital download, followed by versions for Nintendo DS and PlayStation Portable.
 
CBS soaps are now available online for the first time. CBS began streaming full episodes of The Young and The Restless, As The World Turns and Guiding Light on CBS.com and across the CBS Audience Network, which includes AOL, MSN, CNET, Comcast Joost and Veoh. Each day’s episode is posted from 6 pm ET/ 2 pm PT. Gerber has signed on as a major sponsor.
 
The first webisode of Bravo’s “Ask a Gay Man: The Wedding/Commitment Cake Edition” launches today on OUTZone.com, timed to coincide with Gay Pride Week in New York, along with a variety of pride-themed programming.
 

Veoh announced the beta launch of Veoh TV, a free next-generation video browser that will help visitors discover, view and manage online video from a variety of sources. The idea is to create a single interface that will browse channels from established studios, search by keyword from thousands of sites and deliver favorite content by scheduling regular downloads. The player will even recommend content based on user preferences and previous viewing habits. It also integrates widgets from services such as Amazon, eBay, Gmail, Hotmail, CraigsList and AOL. If it works, this will be a best-of-the web solution, combining the easy-to-use interface and P2P structure of Joost with the ubiquity of Google. Click here for a demo and to apply to be a beta tester.
 
Video Search engine Blinkx is launching a new ad platform called AdHoc to target ads alongside or inside webvideos based on speech recognition technology. The software allows advertisers to buy specific words, like they do with Google’s AdSense, spoken in videos or representing the context of the video. Blinkx has indexed more than 12 million hours of video on the net, searchable via speech-to-text and clustering techniques.
 
SearchforVideo partnered with LiberatedFilms to provide syndicated premium content on the video search engine site. Liberated’s contributors include Miramax, Universal, Sony Pictures, Warner, New Line Cinema, Lionsgate, and IFC. Other suppliers on the searchforvideo site include HBO, Sony, Brightcove, Metacafe and Grouper. Video search provider Truveo also added new content providers including Brightcove, CSTV and Netvibes.

 
Google prevailed in an antitrust complaint against Microsoft. Settling out of court, Microsoft agreed to change a feature in its new Vista operating system designed to make it difficult to use search software other than the in-house version. Users will now be able to choose which desktop search engine they wish to use without slowing down the interface.
 
Getty Images acquired independent music licensing business Pump Audio for $42 million, marking the Seattle firm’s expansion from still images into audio. Pump offers clients a searchable database of over 100,000 songs, helping them find music by lyrical theme, genre, tempo and mood. 
 
MySpace founder Brad Greenspan is leading an investment group out to take a 25% stake in Dow Jones. The offer would involve purchasing outstanding common stock via Dutch auction. The Dow Jones board announced it would “take the lead” in addressing any and all transactions after meeting with representatives of the controlling Bancroft family. Pearson of Britain, owner of the Financial Times, and NBC Universal have also emerged as potential bidders. 
 

 
Neutrogena signed a deal with the producers of Lonleygirl15 that will add one of the company’s young scientists to the cast. The new character, who will help Bree and the series’ other regulars create a serum to thwart the evil “Order”, will make his first appearance next Monday and continue to pop up in episodes over the next two months. Neutrogena will promote and stream the series on its own site. CAA brokered the deal.

Between 10-15% of adults 17-35 years old fall into the category of “ad avoiders” according to a new study sponsored by Microsoft Digital Advertising Solutions and Starcom MediaVest Group, going out their way to avoid being targeted. There are two types of avoiders: the active group tends to be young, tech savvy men who pay extra to get what they want with no ads (like from DVDs, iTunes or satellite radio). The passive group tends to be women and parents who spend their free time away from media distractions.
 

Walt Disney Co. is forming a new unit unifying distribution of movies, TV shows, news, children’s programming and digital content to the international marketplace across all platforms, including VOD, mobile and broadband. The newly integrated Global Television Distribution unit combines several existing departments under Ben Pyne, named President, Global Distribution, Disney-ABC Worldwide Television & Disney Media Networks, reporting to Anne Sweeney, Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks & President, Disney-ABC Television Group and Alan Bergman, President, The Walt Disney Studios. David Preschlack was promoted to EVP/Disney & ESPN Networks Affiliate U.S. Sales and Marketing, Reporting to Mr. Pyne.
 
ESPN announced a new structure for its content division to also integrate responsibilities across all platforms. John Skipper will oversee the new division as EVP/Content. Under the new structure, Skipper’s direct reports will be: Norby Williamson, EVP/Production; John Wildhack, EVP/Program Acquisitions & Strategy; David Berson, EVP/Program Planning & Strategy; John Walsh, EVP & Executive Editor; Keith Clinkscales, SVP/Content Development & Enterprises; Marie Donoghue, SVP/Business Affairs & Business Development; and John Kosner, SVP & GM, Digital Media.
 
Under Mr. Kosner is Rob King, who was named Editor In Chief of ESPN.com. Meanwhile John Zehr has been promoted to SVP/Digital Media Production, responsible for all video programming across digital media outlets, including oversight of ESPN’s mobile content applications.
 
CBS Television Stations Digital Media Group promoted Aaron Radin to SVP/Advertising Sales & Business Development. He will be responsible for overseeing national advertising sales, ad sales operations and business development for the station group’s websites and wireless platforms, reporting to Jonathan Lees, President and GM of the group.

What’s on your playlist? imeem launched a direct artist-to-user online music distribution platform powered by SNOCAP, allowing users to discover, recommend and share music from more than 5,000 labels. imeem uses SNOCAP’s Digital Registry and content identification platform to give content owners the opportunity to make their music available for streaming by imeem users and earn income through an advertising revenue share. The site is one of the fastest growing social networks, serving as a place to browse user generated content including blogs, photos, audio and video. imeem brings like-minded users together by linking them through topic groups or “meems.”
 
A new website will be featured here everyday for you to check out. Some are TV-centric, some creative, some just plain strange, but all have something to do with this crazy business. 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: Digitals
06.21.07

Cynopsis Ad Sales:  Mark Bohn- 203-583-1224 / [email protected]
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Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here

JOB OPENING: NPR DIR. MEDIA RELATIONS/DC: Manage media relations staff. Bachelors 5+ exp. req’d. Send cover letter & res., ID position #CYN470 to NPR: HR Dept; 635 Mass Ave NW; Wash, DC 20001; Fax 202-513-3047; [email protected]. (6/28)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXEC/Piscataway, NJ. Cablevision seeks Account Exec for Optimum Homes. 2+yrs ad sales exp. Real Estate knowledge a plus. Valid NJ DL. Please visit www.cablevision.jobs and apply to job 661BR (6/28)

JOB OPENING: SR. RESEARCH ANALYST/FOX SPORTS/LA: 3+ yrs cable/broadcast research. Strong knowledge of Nielsen/PhotoShop/Scarborough/CMR. Strong presentation /analytical/communication skills. Reply: www.foxcareers.com FNG6795 (6/28)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF DIGITAL MEDIA/Ovation/LA: 7+yrs digital media/create & implement project doc/network infrastructure & Internet protocol/digital &web exp/proj mgmt exp Send resume & salary requirement to: [email protected] (6/28)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, AFFILIATE MARKETING/Hallmark Channel LA: 3 years exp. in Affiliate Marketing. See full posting & apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (6/28)

JOB OPENING: COORDINATOR, PROGRAMMING & ACQUISITIONS/Style Network: Will support dept. Must have 2 yrs of entertainment exp, programming preferred. Exp with Nielsen ratings preferred. Apply online, www.eentertainment.com/careers (6/28)

JOB OPENING: PA, INTERACTIVE/Sesame Street/NY: Traffic digital assets. Assist live-action prod. of Flash-based content. Must know Photoshop, Flash 8, Illustrator, Final Cut Pro, After Effects. [email protected] (6/28)

JOB OPENING: STAFF ACCT/DIRECTV/NYC: Will be respons. for A/R collections with analysis & reporting on all ad sales accounts.For full job description & to forward resume go to www.directv.com/careers refer to job#700301. (6/28)

JOB OPENING: MGR, DIGITAL MEDIA/National Geo Channel/DC: Manage product develop of digital offerings online, mobile, cable/satellite VOD; enhance site; 3+yrs rel exper; advanced knowledge of web tech and term; www.foxcareers.com (6/28)

JOB OPENING: MKTNG & CONSUMER INSIGHT ASSOC /Discovery Nets, Silver Spring, MD: Design & analyze cross-net brand rsrch, media & ad ROI, advertising tests. 2 yrs primary rsrch exp. TV exp a +. Apply at www.discovery.com , Req#5395 (6/28)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, NEW MEDIA BRAVO-NBC UNI/NY: is responsible for all new and emerging media platforms for Bravo. Min3 yrs related exp. www.nbcunicareers.com keyword job#604642 (6/27)

JOB OPENING: QUANTITATIVE AUDIENCE RESEARCHER/Latitude/NY & Boston: Primary research consultancy seeks exceptional thinker, strong quant bkgrnd, experience in SPSS/etc. Apply/info: [email protected] (6/27)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF MARKETING/LA entertainment research co: Personally implement marketing/PR to sell full line of products/services. Degree+min 5 yrs marketing mgmt w/PR exp Resume/salary hist to [email protected] (6/27)

JOB OPENING: RETAIL MARKETING MGR/VIZ Media/SF: *5 yrs retail or product dev exp, anime/manga, publishing, ent, home video, consumer prod, and/or channel marketing fields PREFERRED Apply: [email protected] (6/27)

JOB OPENING: VP OF MARKETING AND COMMUNICATIONS/TitanTV.com /NYC: Direct brand management; marketing strategies, promotions, campaign budgets, media plans. Resume, cover letter to Mark Effron at [email protected] (6/27)

JOB OPENING: DIR ONLINE MKTG FOR mtvU- MTV: Networks, 4-6 yrs experience. Resumes to [email protected] (6/27)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST TNT/TBS Entertainment Mrktg Research/ATL:TV analysis & Marketing Research position. Key job req tradtnl mktng rsrch exp or TV rsrch exp. Mktng or media rsrch edu. 2+ yrs exp, [email protected]   (6/27)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIR/Screenvision Cinema Net, NY: 8-10 yrs; Run sales research, strong know of resch resources, Nielsen exp req, prim resch exp plus, TV bkgnd pref, Mgmt Exp req. Submit resumes: www.screenvision.com (6/27)

JOB OPENING: REGN’L ACCT DIR/Screenvision/Chicago: Dvlp/present/sell integrated in-theatre advrtsng & media prgrm campaigns to regn’l clients. 3+yrs selling media advrtsng exp. BA equiv work exp. Apply at www.screenvision.com (6/27)

JOB OPENING: ACCT MGR-Natl Sales/Detroit, MI: BET-Cable salesperson w/ strong presentation skills. Comfortable w/multi-platform & integrated opps. Sales/agency exp. req’d. Email: [email protected] (6/27)

JOB OPENING: DIR, TECH OPS/NY: Mng/Direct the operation of all IT syst, sys admin, brdcst assets, new bus ventures (web, interactive TV, VOD/SVOD). IT Systems & Brdcst exp a must. Fluent in Spanish & Eng. desired. Res: [email protected] (6/27)

JOB OPENING: MKTG COORD/WE TV/NYC: Support Advertising/Brand w/mktg campaigns & events, admin & special projects. 1-3 yrs exp TV pref. Solid comp/comm skills. res to www.cablevision.jobs ref #3393BR. (6/26)

JOB OPENING: DIR- ADV & BRANDING/WE tv/NYC: 5+ yrs at TV Network w/brand mgmt or strategic agency exp. Creative/Media plan dev & Dig Mktg exp. MBA or Biz degree a + . Must love tv. www.cablevision.jobs ref # 3647BR (6/26)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH DIR TNT/TBS/Court TV Ad Sales/NY:Strategic & innovative analyses & positioning, sales support. Key job req primry rsrch exp, proj mgmt, leadership/supv skills, 10+ yrs exp, [email protected] #72173BR (6/26)

JOB OPENING: W/P On Air Promos/CSTV,NY. Shoot, direct, write & prod topical, image and branding promos from concept to air. Promo exp req, sports background a+ . Send reel & resume: CSTV/Promos 85 Tenth Ave, 3rd Fl, NY NY 10011 (6/26)

JOB OPENING: PROMO WRITER/PRODUCER/EDITOR/2C Media/Miami Beach: Develop promo campaigns for major nat’l clients. Strong writing skills & strategic conceptual thinking a must, great editorial a plus! Contact: [email protected] (6/26)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, NEW MEDIA BRAVO-NBC UNI/NY: Responsible for all new and emerging media platforms for Bravo. Min3 yrs related exp. www.nbcunicareers.com keyword job#604642 (6/26)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DEVELP: Assist, to manage dept. daily operations, file, track contracts, maintain database & assist in reviewing pitches. Req’d. Phtshp, Illust, Script& final draft. [email protected]. (6/23)

JOB OPENING: DIR LEGAL & BUS AFFAIRS/NatGeo/ Wash DC: Help guide our mission by leading a team w/ your JD + 5 yrs in TV, film or new media. Draft agreements & advise. Competitive salary & benes apply @ www.nationalgeographic.com (6/23)

JOB OPENING: PROJECT MGR, INNOVATIONS /INITIATIVE LA: (advertising). Dev creative, digital , and marketing ideas and presentations for clients. Req 3+ yrs + BA/BS, rel. exp +. Email [email protected]   EOE M/F/D/ (6/23

JOB OPENING: MGR, DIGITAL MEDIA & CONSUMER MKTG/National Geo Channel/Washington, DC: develop digital media, mktg & promo strategies to support NGC’s tune-in & awareness; 5+ yrs promo/mktg w/in media/entertain; www.foxcareers.com 6/23)

JOB OPENING: NATIONAL CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP SALES/WGBH’s Sponsorship Group for Public Television: sell nat’l sponsorship of WGBH & partner productions as integrated media packages to F500 corps, 5+yrs sales exp. [email protected] (6/23)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAM ACQ-SCHED MGR/HD VOD/Marina del Rey: Assist SVP in content acq, prog rights mgmt, schedules/playlists, screen & eval, licensing, buy reports; 2+ yrs. exp. TV or new media, adv Excel; [email protected]   (6/23)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ASSOCIATE/Silver Spring MD: Support rsrch initiatives. 2yrs Rsrch exp. in Brdcst/Media pref. Quantitative/Qualitative rsrch background. Excellent growth opp. Apply: discovery.com/careers Position 5407 (6/22)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER OF STANDARDS & PRACTICES/MTV Tr3s/NYC: Review on-air & digital content for MTV Tr3s. Knowledge of FCC regulations. Bi-lingual Spanish. 3 yrs related experience. EOE/M/F/D/AAP www.mtvncareers.com (6/22)

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: WE Public Relations, NY, NY opportunity to learn the mechanics of a major cable network tv comm dept by working w/ the publicists & participate in daily ops. Visit www.cablevision.jobs req Id 3694 for more details. (6/23)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED …

SITUATION WANTED: DIRECTORS ASSISTANT/LA: hardworking, creative and reliable with 13yrs production exp. Resume available on my website: www.masonlecompte.com Contact: [email protected] (6/28)

SITUATION WANTED: REALITY STORY EDITOR/PRODUCER: Seeks position on network/cable show. Great story and dialogue skills; can supervise edits and field produce. Experienced & versatile. [email protected] or call, (310) 435-5238 (6/27)

SITUATION WANTED: DEVELOPMENT MANAGER/Content Creator: Reality & scripted content/treatment writer w/ strong suit for comedy. Have pitched to major networks. Exp @ reputable TV & Film companies. Reply: [email protected] (6/23)

SITUATION WANTED: Teen drama seeks home on the Internet. Sized perfectly to fit the format. Great for branded entertainment. For more info contact [email protected] for link and password to pilot. Need to track all inquiries (6/23)

SITUATION WANTED: ASST. PRODUCER/PROD. COORDINATOR/NYC: 3+yrs Freelance exp. Excellent skills incl. multitasking, organization, computer. Hard worker. Fast learner. Motivated. Available immediately. Contact: [email protected] (6/23)

E-mail Trish Pihonak for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email Trish Pihonak for specs.