A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM THE WEATHER CHANNEL

Cynopsis: DIGITAL

03/06/08

Good morning, it’s Thursday, March 6, 2008, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Yahoo officially extended the deadline for nominating directors to its board from March 14 to 10 days after the date of the annual stockholders’ meeting is announced (which could be pushed back as far as July. The move should buy the company more time to engineer an alternative to Microsoft’s $31/share offer. Time Warner is the latest potential suitor, which would merge its AOL unit with Yahoo.
 

PBS completed a redesign of its PBS Kids GO! website, built around Adobe’s latest Flash technology. The colorful site features a more intuitive design and showcases online shows, games, contests and other activities. New features to be added in the coming months will include a “secret box” where kids can save points, digital creations and links to past activities. The site will also serve as the home of the PBS Kids GO broadband service, coming this fall, where kids will be able to watch full episodes and clips of more than 10 PBS Kids go programs.
 
CBSSports.com will add video coverage of holes #15, #7, and #16 during the Masters this year, in addition to its live coverage of the 11th, 12th and 13th, aka “Amen’s Corner. CBS and masters.org will present over 48 hours of online video overall from April 10-13.

 
Bebo will begin showcasing the rushes today from a documentary about extreme snowboarding, currently in the works from Italian filmmaker Carlo Mancini. Bebo users will be able view footage from Conquering Demons as its shot each day, send email to the snowboarders and the filmmakers and interact with other fans during the filming process.
 
Online casual TV game show site Uproar.com, once a place to play Family Feud and Jeopardy, relaunched as a review and directory site for casual online games throughout the internet. The site has cataloged more than 300 games, offering community ratings and advice on how to play.
 
Indie music web competition site OurStage.com announced a new partnership with AOL Music to provide content to the portal, including new music, interviews, streaming audio and videos for distribution. In addition, AOL’s Platform A will become the exclusive ad-serving network for OurStage.com, working to help monetize the site through ad creation and placement.
 
Theater site BroadwayWorld.com launched a new video magazine called Flirt, hosted by Broadway star Hallivand Stillwell. Curtains (and Frazier) star David Hyde Pierce is interviewed in the pilot webisode.

 
Microsoft signed a deal with full episode online content delivery specialist Move Networks to put new video steaming solution Silverlight to work delivering interactive, rich media navigation and integrating advertising within online TV content. Move Networks currently delivers HD video online for ABC, FOX, ESPN, the CW, Warner Bros, Televisa and others.
 
Microsoft also signed a deal to make Silverlight available on Nokia smartphones. With Steve Jobs indicating this week that Flash is inadequate for watching video on the iPhone, it’s been a tough week for Adobe.
 
Finally, Microsoft unveiled new beta releases of Internet Explorer 8, Silverlight 2 and Expression Studio 2 at its MIX08 developer’s conference. The new IE comes with “Activities,” contextual services enabling quick access from any web page and “WebSlices,” helping web sites connect to their users by subscribing to content directly within a page.
 
EU regulators will be ready to approve the Google/DoubleClick merger next week after several deadlines have come and gone, reports the Financial Times.
 
DRM software giant Macrovision, which agreed to acquire Gemstar-TV guide last December, sold its stake in digital watermarking provider Digimarc to an undisclosed third party, according to Reuters. Macrovision also recently pared off its software and games divisions.
 
Tivo reported a narrower net loss for Q4 on revenue of $74.1 million, down 3.5% from Q4 2006. The DVR maker is counting on partnerships with MSOs such as Cox and Comcast to increase its subscriber base. (No word on ad revenue, or whether or not DirecTV’s new owners are interested in renewing its past relationship with Tivo.) The company also added 109,000 Tivo-owned subscribers, bringing the total owned base to 1.75 million. Meanwhile Omnicon Media Group became the latest subscriber to the Stop||Watch DVR research service.
 

 
Nielsen Online released its second month of VideoCensus numbers, ranking top online video destinations by total streams and unique visitors. A total of 116.7 million visitors viewed a total of almost 6 billion streams in January, with each user averaging 51.3 streams and 124.4 minutes viewing online video. Daypart viewing varied by brand; Yahoo video viewing spiked during the morning hours, for instance, while Nickelodeon viewers watched most often from 5-8pm.
 
Top Brands by Video Streams for January 2008 (U.S., Home and Work)
Brand                                   Total Streams (000)  Unique Viewers (000)
YouTube                                  2,570,182                  66,167
Fox Interactive Media                 376,859                    18,955
Yahoo!                                     299,044                    22,119
Nickelodeon Kids & Family sites     172,567                     7,014
MSN/Windows Live                     132,769                     7,659
Disney Online                            102,914                     8,977
Turner Ent. New Media Network     98,162                     5,056
ESPN                                         90,212                    4,709
Google                                       79,395                  12,949
Veoh                                         72,832                    2,385
Source: Nielsen Online VideoCensus
 
Stream Index by Daypart for Top Brands (U.S., Home and Work)
Brand                                     M-F             M-F           M-F          M-F
                                         6am-9am    12pm-2pm    5pm-8pm   8pm-11pm
YouTube                                 67                81            104          116
Fox Interactive Media                72                85            117          107
Yahoo!                                  219              129              88            81
Nickelodeon Kids & Family           99                76            129            63
MSN/Windows live                   127               162             71            51
Source: Nielsen Online, VideoCensus An average composition index is 100.
Example: Video streams at Yahoo! were more than twice as likely to be viewed
during the hours of 6am-9am Monday through Friday.
 
NBC Digital Entertainment released a new survey querying 5,000 NBC Rewind users suggesting most who sampled the video player watched full-length episodes through until the end and retained higher brand recall for ad content created specifically for the net. 77% of users streamed video as a compliment to TV viewing. Over 25% said they used the service to sample new shows and a majority said they continued watching what they sampled both on air and online.
 

 
Nielsen Business Media, which recently named Gerry Byrne to head its new entertainment group, announced further executive changes.

• Eric Mika was upped to VP/Publisher of The Hollywood Reporter
• Howard Appelbaum was named VP/Publisher of Billboard
• Andrew Bilbao was tapped as VP/COO, Entertainment Group

All three executives will report to Gerry, SVP/Entertainment Group.
 
Edelman consolidated three separate digital, mobile and social media outfits into Edelman Digital. The PR firm will be led by Chicago-based Rick Murray as President and New York-based David Dunne as COO. Both will report Nancy Ruscheinski, Chairman, Edelman Digital. SmashTube founder Jared Hendler was also hired as Worldwide Executive Creative Director of the new operating unit.
 
Fast Company hired technology blogger Robert Scoble as Manager Editor of the newly launched FastCompany.tv.
 
Sue Thorman has been promoted to EVP/ Business Development of multiplatform advertising sales firm WorldLink. She will report to Toni Knight, founder and CEO, in WorldLink’s New York office.
 

Hard Rock launched a new memorabilia site to showcase pieces of its rock and roll memorabilia collection using Microsoft’s cool new “Deep Zoom” feature bundled into Silverlight 2. The tool allows you to draw closer and closer into each object. Zoom in on Bo Diddley’s first handmade guitar to see the TV tuner knob he installed as a volume control. You’ll have to download Silverlight 2 first, but you might as well get it over with now as Move’s network partners will soon require the plug in.

Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
03.06.08

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JOB OPENING:  ON-AIR MANAGING PROD/AETN Intn’l, NY: Resp for aff relations, proj mgmt & on-air brand mgmt for AETN Int’l brands: Hist, Bio, CI, A&E. Creative, strategic, multi-tasker, team player. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html    (3/13)

JOB OPENING:  MARKETING RESEARCH ANALYST/ Univision/NY: Develop presentations to support national sales. Strong writing & analytical skills required.EOE Contact: [email protected] (3/13)

JOB OPENING:  MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES/VERSUS/PHILADELPHIA: We are moving to Philly and have multiple great openings in Marketing! Various levels in affiliate, advertising and events/promotions. Read more/Apply at www.versus.com . (3/13)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH OPPORTUNITIES/VERSUS/PHILADELPHIA: We are moving to Philly and are looking for a Research Manager and Research Analyst. Must have familiarity with all Nielsen products. Read more/Apply at www.versus.com (3/13)

JOB OPENING: PROGRAMMING OPPORTUNITIES/VERSUS/PHILADELPHIA: We are moving to Philly and have many great openings in Programming ! Various levels in acquisition, planning, scheduling & strategy. Read more/Apply at www.versus.com (3/13)

JOB OPENING:  ONLINE ACCT EXEC/Comcast Networks/E!, G4, Versus, MyStyle & FEARnet (Chicago): 3+ yrs exp in online media buying/sales. Selling focus: Chicago & within Midwest territory.Apply: www.comcast.com 58664BR EEO/AA/Drug Free (3/13)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH ANALYST/Comcast Networks/NY: Strong analytical & time mgt skills, Nielsen & MRI proficiency, and prior media experience req’d.Apply: www.comcast.com REQ61002BR (3/_). EEO/AA/drug free (3/13)

JOB OPENING:  PROMO SCHEDULER/truTV/NYC: 2 yrs promo sched exp. Assist w/ planning on-air promos and secondary events and last minute log changes. Some late nights req. Grip It knowledge a plus. Apply to [email protected] (3/13)

JOB POSTING:  ACCT EXEC/Fox Sports Espanol/LA: 3+ yrs Media Sales exp/ Agency/Clients, working knowledge of Spanish mkt, presentation and negotiation, strong comm. & math skills. EOE. Apply to www.foxcareers.com ref FNG11114. (3/13)

JOB OPENING: FINANCE MANAGER/IFC Entertainment/NYC: seeks Finance Manager to handle budget/forecasts/analysis for network. BS/BA req’d. 4+ yrs finance exp. Apply to req 5391BR at www.cablevision.jobs (3/12)

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 (3/12)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH MGR/SCRIPPS NETS/NY or KNOX: Partner w/ Affil Sales & Mktg to create research solutions to meet sales challenges. Exp w/ research software (Nielsen, MRI, Scarborough,Claritas) Apply: www.scrippsnetworks.com (3/12)

JOB OPENING: COMMERCIAL OPPS/Discovery/NYC: Multiple positions. Finalize daily broadcast logs via copy/inventory mgmnt. Strong communication skills, detailed & highly organized. Apply: www.discovery.com/careers Req #7643 (3/12)

JOB OPENING: ACCT DIR/ATL: 8+ yrs exp.building/executing/budgeting promotional solutions for cable ntwrks and/or MSOs. Proven client/comm/mgmt skills critical. FT pos. for detailed & multi tasker. Res/cover: promodirector @mac.com (3/12)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER FREELANCE/NY metro area/AETN: 7+yrs prod exp. Exc writer & story teller. Able to conceive, dvlp content ideas in tight deadlines. Exp supvsing shoots/non-linear edits a must. aetnresumes @yahoo.com  (3/12)

JOB OPENING:  REGIONAL ACCT DIR/Screenvision/LA: 3-5 yrs exp, proven media sales performer to dvlp, present & sell cinema advrtsng to regional clients, BA req.,regional travel req. Apply online at: www.screenvision.com (3/12)

JOB OPENING:   SR ACCOUNT COORD/ ESPN/NYC:  Coordinate CSR & Supervisor team efforts and Oversee agency relationships .  Email resume to: [email protected]    (3/12)

JOB OPENING: SR RESEARCH ANALYST, WEB ANALYTICS/HBO/NY: Analysis/reporting of traffic with HBO/Cinemax online services. Omniture Site Catalyst a must.  Send resume to:  [email protected] (3/11)

JOB OPENING: POST-PROD ASST/ A&E TV Networks/STAMFORD: Asst w/workflow in AVID rooms, perform techl admin. duties& support the post-prod workflow of their History projects.Hiring immed. Hrly pay. Res to: [email protected]   (3/11)

JOB OPENING: PBS seeks an ASSOCIATE CREATIVE DIRECTOR/Arlington VA to work with the Creative Services team in the creation of multi-media promotional materials. For a full job description and to apply, please visit www.pbs.org/jobs (3/11)

JOB OPENING: PROD MGR, HOME ENT/VIZ Media/SF: Pref’d exp: min 5 yrs rel entmt/pub exp – plans, organizes, & controls an assigned prod line from acq stage – prod life cycles. Send Res/Sal req: [email protected] w/ PM, HE in subj line. (3/11)

JOB OPENING:  SR RATING RESEARCH ANALYST/NICKELODEON/NYC: Min. 3 yrs exp. at a network or agency; Exp. w/ Nielsen ratings & software; Strong analytical skills a must; B.A.; Kids exp a plus. EOE/M/F/D/AAP apply mtvncareers .com (3/11)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE PROMOTION SALES REP/MerryMedia/LA: Freelance promotion sales rep w radio & TV exp for award winning ent. marketing co. (MerryMedia.net) apply w/ cover note to [email protected] or fax 818-760-1531 (3/8)

JOB OPENING: VIDEO PROD MGR/WE tv/NYC: 2+ yrs Video & Web production exp pref in entertainment/cable. Manage dig platform video content, special projects from start to finish. Rez to www.cablevision.jobs #5481BR (3/8)

JOB OPENING: RSRCH DIR/MGR/STRATEGIST/Discovery/NY: Media/mkt research ops. supporting Discovery’s AdSales team. Strong presentation/comm skls. Exp w/ media measurement tools, mkt knwldg. Apply: www.discovery.com/careers Req #7656 (3/8)

JOB OPENING: INTEGRATED MKTG/PROMOTION DIR/NYC: Dev/execute multi-platform, intg. programs for clients w/ b’cast ad sales team, write client proposal decks; MS PP. TV mktg exp. must. 6-7+ yrs. FT.  [email protected] (3/8)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/CNN DIGITAL/NY: Support sales across multiple digital platforms. BA, Strong media math, 1+ yrs. exp with Nielsen Online and web analytics products pref’d. Apply: [email protected] (3/8)

JOB OPENING: SUPERVISING WEB PRODUCER/SHOWS/MTV Digital/NYC: 5+yrs online prod. exp, Exp overseeing creative Web De v& Implement, Strng knwldge MTV Brand & Youthculture, HTML/DHTML/Flash/XML EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (3/8)

JOB OPENING: SENIOR WEB PRODUCER/SHOWS/MTV Digital/NYC: 4+yrs online prod. exp, Exp overseeing creative Web Dev&Implement, Strng knowldge MTV Brand&Youthculture, HTML/DHTML/Flash/XML EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (3/8)

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT/Hallmark Channel/NY: Support EVP Ad Sales. 2 yrs exp. supporting high level exec. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com . Com    (3/8)

JOB OPENING: ADMIN ASSISTANT/RECEPTIONIST/NY: 1-2 yrs exp. Should have media exp or interest. MS Office. Admin support/greet visitors/phones/mail/filing/supplies/etc. Apply: www.weather.com/careers Position VSA555  (3/7)

JOB OPENING: ACCT SPRVSR DIGITAL MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY/mPRm Public Relations/LA: 5 yrs exp & strong grasp of ent & tech industries, with high-level media relationships & mngmnt skills. Reply: [email protected]  (3/7)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT: P/T, review scripts for animated kid’s series to ensure appeal and age-appropriateness. Prior experience a plus. Send resume to [email protected]. (3/7)

JOB OPENING: SALES DIRECTOR/Adconion Media Group (formerly EuroClick)/Chicago:  Min. 4+ years of Sales experience and generating monthly revenues above target goals. Email resume’s to: [email protected] (3/7)

JOB OPENING: TEMP MGR DIGITAL MEDIA/Sundance Ch/NY: Create RFPs, media plans & sales materials. Manage banner inventory via DFP & prepare weekly reports. Knowledge of Omniture web analytics. Res: [email protected]    (3/7)

JOB OPENING: TEMP ASSOC PRODUCER DIGITAL MEDIA/Sundance Ch/NY: Website plng/prod. Edit/compress/syndicate video for multipltfrm delivery. Content entry via CMS. Develop widgets/blogs/digital apps. Res: [email protected] (3/7)

JOB OPENING: SALES/LATV Network/NY: Head office of bilingual, bicultural music & ent channel distributed nat’l. Join fastest-growing ntwrk in Hisp. space. 3yrs+ brdcst sales exp req’d. Ntwrk sales pref’d. Res to:  [email protected] (3/7)

WINTER AND 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] .

SPRING INTERNSHIPS CREDITS ONLY:   MARKETING INTERN/NY: Opportunity to work with broadband TV network and website for collectors (comics, action figures, pez).Work on branding, community outreach, promotion. Send resume to [email protected] (3/12)

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

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCH/PROGRAMMING ASST: Fresh grad with exp in production, traffic, research, and programming. Highly motivated and enthusiastic. Great attention to detail, works well with others.  Email: [email protected] (3/13)

SITUATION WANTED: Performance-driven and results-oriented PRODUCER’S ASSISTANT /NYC: 3+ yrs Freelance exp. Excellent skills incl. multitasking, organization, computer, administrative, on set. Motivated.Contact:  [email protected] (3/12)

SITUATION WANTED: ONLINE EDITOR with SD and HD capabilities. I have AVID Symphony Nitris and FCP HD. I also own HDCAM, D5, Dbeta, Beta SP, HDV, and DVCAM w/SDI card. Doug Nolan – 323-823-5546 – [email protected]   West Hollywood, CA (3/12)

SITUATION WANTED:   MEDIA BUYING/PLANNING OR PROMOTIONS: 10 yrs. experience radio buying. Knowledge of promotions and design. Dedicated, innovative, and outgoing. Would love a flexible schedule. Contact [email protected] (3/11)

SITUATION WANTED: OFFSHORE ALTERNATIVE: Drilling for gold? Proven pro can help you write -or shoot- your way out of a corner -at reasonable rates. Visit:  www.hankadoodledoo.com (3/8)

SITUATION WANTED: Creative, results-oriented MARKETING PROFESSIONAL seeks mktg. position. 10 yrs. exp w/Advertising, PR, events, print, web, copywriting & leadership. NY based. Contact Kelly: [email protected]  (3/8)

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.