Cynopsis: DIGITAL

5/24/07

Good Morning, it’s Thursday, May 24, 2007 and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Classic movie lovers rejoice! Turner Classic Movies unveiled a digital media room that aggregates 3,000 shorts, trailers, clips and interstitials from its catalog of more than 130,000 titles. The video is delivered in authentic widescreen 16×9 aspect ratio format, without letterboxing. The Media Room will be updated to daily to feature different clips and is customizable to allow users to create playlists around specific actors, directors and producers. Clips can also be shared and embedded on other web pages. The 1937 RKO romantic feature comedy Living on Love is also being offered through June to help kick off the free service. 

The disappointing Bud.tv may “fade away” later this year, admitted Anheuser-Busch CEO August Busch IV in a conference call to analysts. “Its current structure might fade away as we learn more about consumer connectivity and building a social network. But we are eager to evolve Bud.TV as part of a broader digital future for our brands to reach today’s consumer,” he said. The site drew only 152,000 visitors in March. The low traffic has been blamed in part by age verification measures designed to keep underage drinkers from getting on the site.
 
Ramping up for its big fall HD push, DirecTV reached an agreement to launch 6 Discovery Networks and 5 Starz Entertainment channels in HD, most of which will debut in September. Adding these to several existing deals, the DBS provider is on track to reach 100 HD channels by year-end. Meanwhile cable operators are trying to keep up in the HD race. Comcast will add HD feeds of A&E, HGTV and Food Network across its systems as capacity becomes available. Cablevision added Comcast Network’s Versus/Golf Channel HD hybrid from a sports tier to its basic cable package.
 
The CW is creating some cool digital extensions for Gossip Girl, a new show about a well-to-do New York City teens as seen through the eyes of an anonymous blogger. The network is creating a “virtual bedroom” on the Gossip Girl site to allow users to access songs on her iPod, read the books on her nightstand or buy clothing items hanging in the closet. The CW is also planning interactive digital billboards in New York and L.A. that will contain user-generated gossip items sent via email or text message, according to The Wall Street Journal.
 
CNN‘s deal with Internet Broadcasting will mean an end to premium service Pipeline at the end of June, according to reports. CNN plans to replace it with a free/premium hybrid service that would offer some premium on demand content.
 
The History Channel is doing all kinds of fun things to promote its Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed special on Memorial Day, including a voice mail from Darth Vader fans can sign up to receive at History.com. The network also launched a minisite to commemorate Memorial Day, chock full of historical videos, battle maps, timelines and feature stories spanning from the American Revolution to the current war in Iraq.
 
IFC.com is making its presence felt at Cannes with its exclusive Cannes Cam, filming stars as they make their way up the red carpet of their premiers. Look for the Ocean’s Thirteen crowd from 3:30pm ET today and stars of James Gray’s We Own the Night starring Joaquin Phoenix, Mark Wahlberg, Robert Duvall and Eva Mendes from 3:30pm ET on Friday.
 
M.I.T., MTV and a number of young programmers and bloggers were among the first-year winners of the Knight News Challenge, a series of grants given to help spur innovative ideas in digital journalism. M.I.T.’s Media Lab and Comparative Media Studies Program received $5 million; web journalist Adrian Holovaty received $1.1 million to create public service sites chicagocrime.org; and MTV was given $700,000 to establish a Knight Mobile Youth Journalist in each of the 50 states and D.C. to create multimedia videos covering issues of importance to young people. Next year’s applications will be accepted from July 1 to October 15.
 

Paul McCartney‘s latest video “Dance Tonight” debuted on YouTube last night, costarring Natalie Portman and directed by Michel Gondry (Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind.) McCartney’s latest album Memory Almost Full and his part of his 25 album solo back catalog became available on music services Napster, Rhapsody, Urge and Zune this week and is expected to be added to iTunes later this month.
 
Blog Search engine Technorati launched a major site overhaul, improving the user interface, streamlining features and eliminating search silos that required users to stipulate the type of media they were searching for.
 
Customizable online TV and video guide MeeVee added video feeds from several new sources including Akimbo Systems, Atom Films, Broadband Television Network, Blip Networks, Brightcove, Discovery Communications, ESPN Networks and Fox Broadcasting. The site also added a Free TV Episodes hub this month that searches for episodes of shows available online.  
 

 
Digital royalty management nonprofit SoundExchange offered to defer the recent Copyright Royalty Board rate increase for small webcasters to 2010, offering them the option of paying fees of 10% of gross revenue up to $250,000, the same rates that have been effect since 2002. The offer was rejected by coalition SaveNetRadio, saying it would “decimate” the internet radio industry by stifling innovation and investment. The American Federation of Musicians, on the other hand, came out in support of the offer, noting it would give startups more time to establish their businesses.
 
Amazon acquired audiobook publisher Brilliance Audio for an undisclosed amount, planning to utilize the company to release 12-15 new audio book titles a month.
 
The Universal Music/Bertelsmann BMG Music Publishing merger was approved by the European Commission, with the condition that the rights to several song copyrights be sold off including the catalogs of Justin Timberlake, Kaiser Chiefs and R. Kelly. The EU’s executive arm is concerned that Universal will exert too much control over the online and mobile music market otherwise. The acquisition will make Universal the largest music publisher by market share, followed by EMI and Warner Music.
 
IPTV service OEN FISION will add World Championship Sports Network to its basic line up, initially launching in Houston and soon to be added to other markets. 
 

 
Internet advertising revenues totaled $16.9 billion in 2006, a new annual record, exceeding 2005 by 35% according to a report released by the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). Q4 2006 revenues totaled $4.8 billion, representing record revenues for a single quarter and a 35% increase over same period in 2005. Keyword Search accounted for 40% of the market, followed Display Advertising (32%) Classified (18%), Lead Generation (8%) and email (2%). The IAB also announced it was committed to finalizing a timeline for auditing and accreditation of online measurement with Nielsen/Net Ratings, comScore and the Media Ratings Council in the next 90 days.
 
Broadband Enterprises struck a pre-roll advertising deal with PIC-TV, a seller of 10-second ads, closed captioned sponsorships and cross promotional opportunities. PIC-TV will supply the online video network with its inventory of ads to embed on its network of more than 1,800 affiliate websites. 
 
Lowes home improvement chain selected Omnicom’s Tribal DDB Worldwide as its digital agency of record, after previously working with Interpublic’s R/GA. Omnicom’s Chicago office will develop and implement all e-marketing initiatives, while Tribal DDB will also be responsible for developing a broader digital strategy for Lowe’s, including mobile, viral and multichannel initiatives.
 

 
Americans now spend roughly half of their spare time online during a typical weekday, according to the Netpop I Play report from Media-Screen, and more than half of this time is spent on entertainment and communications activities. Forty-eight percent of young broadband users say they learn about entertainment through their online community of social networking sites, blogs, review sites and video sharing sites. Only a quarter of them say they learn about entertainment options through television.
 

Concrete Pictures announced it will be seeking a new Creative Director with interactive and new media experience to replace Andy Hahn, who is leaving to pursue other opportunities. The company is in the midst of restructuring to create new advertising messaging models built around pro-social and environmentally sustainable business practices.
 
Podshow.com named columnist, author and broadcaster John C. Dvorak as VP/Managing Director of PodShow TECH, one of new lineup of channels scheduled to launch in Q2 of 2007. John will develop and oversee editorial content and report to PodShow co-founder and CEO Ron Bloom.

 
Here’s a social networking/online fiction hybrid launched by OurChart.com, a lesbian community site inspired by Showtime’s The L Word. UnCharted is an interactive love story about two fictional characters who meet on OurChart and develop a romance using social networking service Twitter. Users can register on Twitter to contribute to the storyline and get updates sent to them by phone, IM or on the web to keep them up to speed with what’s going on with Allie and Katrina, UnCharted’s two protagonists. The website is updated every 15 minutes with fresh gossip and comments. The concept is the brainchild of Popnography.com blogger, Shana Naomi Krochmal. OurChart’s principals include President and co-founder Hilary Rosen (former Chairman and CEO of The RIAA) and CEO and co-founder, Ilene Chaiken (creator of The L Word).
 
Thanks to: Alexis Wilson Brew Media Relations
 
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
05.24.07

Cynopsis Ad Sales:  Mark Bohn- 203-583-1224 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

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

SPACE AVAILABLE:  Three Edit Rooms, Fully Functioning, and Production Pit available for rent June 1. Edit rooms have all equipment needed: Final Cut & multiple decks. Turn key situation (phone, T1, cleaning) Call Katie at 212.242.1400 (6/1)

JOB OPENING: SYNDICATION SALES. Seeking smart aggressive closer with creative touch and natural sales personality to round outTV distribution sales staff.Looking to groom new industry superstar.Resumes to: [email protected] (6/1)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/LIFETIME TV NY: Support LFT Networks prgming and mkting functions; analyze LFT Networks ratings perf; BS/BA plus 1-2 yrs exp. using Nielsen Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (6/1)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, PROGRAM ENTERPRISES MARKETING/MTV/NYC: 7+yrs Cons.Prod Mrktg exp, Strng Leadership, Licensing/Retail/Mrkt rsrch exp, Strg interpersn’l/org skills, Home Ent exp/MBA A+ EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (6/1)

JOB OPENING: EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, ON-AIR PROMOS/NICK/NYC: 8+yrs On-Air Promos exp, Strg creative & writing skills, Strng Mgmt exp, Knwldge of pop-culture/kid’s demo/comedy EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (6/1)

JOB OPENING: RSRCH PROJECT MGR/CNN/NY: 3+ yrs TV rsrch/agency exp, Multi-tasker, strong analytical/problem solving skills, previous management skills preferred&proficient in Nielsen applications; info www.turnerjobs.com Res: [email protected]   (6/1)

JOB OPENING: MOBILE VIDEO PROGRAMMER/VH1 MOBILE/NY: Resp for end-to-end programming of VH1’s mobile video srvcs. Work w/ other VH1 platforms to acquire content. 2 yrs mobile media exp required. Cover/CV to [email protected] (6/1)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF CASTING/ENDEMOL USA/LA, CA: Cast network non-scripted presentations, pilots and series. Deliver celebrities and undiscovered talent. Min. 5 yrs casting experience. Apply: [email protected] (6/1)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, DOCU DEV & PRODUCTION 2spots, MTV/NYC: 5+yrs develpmnt/prod exp, Strg knwldg/Prod exp of Cinema Verita Docs, Knwldge of pop culture/MTV brand/News & Docs Progmng EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (6/1)

JOB OPENING: CLIENT SERVICE EXECUTIVE/Nielsen/NY: Sell Nielsen products/provide service to Nat’l Cable networks. 3+years research industry experience and sales experience. Nat’l Cable experience a+. www.nielsen.com/careers (5/31)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, MARKET RESEARCH/Midtown Manhattan, NY- Sirius Satellite Radio: Supports org. w/ custom research. Need strong design/analysis skills. Media/Radio/Subscription based exp. req. Reply to: [email protected] (5/31)

JOB OPENING: DIR DIGITAL MEDIA AD SALES/NBC UNI/NY: Assist and increase sales across NBC Universal properties. Degree w/ min 5 yrs related exp. www.nbcjobs.com keyword job#598621 (5/31)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER DIGITAL MKTG/NICKELODEON/NY: BA; 4 yrs exp managing execution of online marketing campaigns. Strong analytical skills, exp w/ DART and Omniture. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (5/31)

JOB OPENING: AVID EDITOR (FT)/Ventana Productions/Washington DC: Knowledge of After Effects & Photoshop is a plus; previous experience w/promos & political spots ideal; apply to Armando Almanza at [email protected] (5/31)

JOB OPENING: ADMIN ASST, PROGRAMMING/VERSUS/Stamford, CT: Asst VP and dept with day-to-day operations of busy, growing sports cable net Programming dept.Great entry-level opportunity.Apply at www.versus.com EOE (5/30)

JOB OPENING: FREELANCE MGR/MTV Integrated Marketing/Santa Monica, CA: 4+yrs exp. marketing at TV network or major ad agency. Must have strong bus. ethics & strong negotiation skills. Apply, www.mtvncareers.com EOE (5/30)

JOB OPENING: ACCT COORDINATOR/TNS MEDIA RESEARCH/NYC: 1+yrs research exp, Strong analytical/software/communication skills. Exp. in TV audience measurement or ad sales research a big plus!Res to: [email protected] (5/30)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS, PRODUCERS & FIELD PRODUCERS/NY based Nationally Syndicated TV show: All needed and each position must have experience in talk. RESUMES: [email protected] (5/30)

JOB OPENING: INTEGRATED SALES & TRAFFIC COORD/LIME/NYC: Coordinating, executing & monitoring multi-platform advertising & sponsorship campaigns /Traffic process 2-3 yr media exp or advertising agency. Apply: [email protected] (5/30)

JOB OPENING: PLANNER /Oxygen/NY: Support 2 AE’s in Direct Response w/ all aspects of sales. Must be detailed oriented w/strong comp skills and a team player. 2+ yr cable exp or advertising agency. Resume to: [email protected] (5/30)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING MANAGER /Discovery Channel, Silver Spring, MD: Develop & manage strategic mktng & brand campaigns for the network. 5+ yrs advertising/mktng exp. TV exp preferred. Apply at www.discovery.com Req#5257 (5/26)

JOB OPENING: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT/DISNEY * ABC DOMESTIC TV/NYC: Full admin. support to 3 sales execs. Professional/excellent interpersonal skills. Detail Oriented. Resumes: [email protected] (5/26)

JOB OPENING: SR SALES RESEARCH ANALYST/CBS NETWORK SALES/NYC: Min 3 yrs agency planning &/or network research exp. Strong comp. skills/media research dbase exp req. Apply: www.CBSCareers.com job #2103. Indicate salary & source (5/26)

JOB OPENING: ASST. DIRECTOR, CREATIVE SERVICES/KABC-TV: Exp news promo writing & producing a must. Excellent people skills required. Resume & reel: ABC7 LA, HR, Dept. ADC/CYN, 500 Circle Seven Drive, Glendale, CA 91201. EOE. (5/26)

JOB OPENING: SR DIR, DEV & PRGM/HISTORY CHANNEL/NY: Resp for dvlpmnt & piloting of prgrmng. Min 5yrs exp in prgmng at a cable,brdcst net or prod co. Strong knwldg of tv/film prod techniques. Apply: www.aetn.com click careers tab (5/26)

JOB OPENING: MKTG MGR/NBCU Strategic Mrktg/NY: Dev multi-platform, integ’d partnerships for clients, collaborate w/Res/Insights& Innov team. 4yrs+ exp mktg w/in ent& media co. Apply, www.nbcunicareers.com , Job # 581114 or 581116 (5/25)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING DIRECTOR/Rainbow/NYC: Create & manage marketing/promo strategy for Lifeskool On Demand TV Network. Min 7 yrs exp creating consumer mktg plans to drive awareness/viewership/revenue. [email protected]   (5/25)

JOB OPENING: MULTI-PLATFORM MARKETING MGR/Rainbow Media/NYC: Create online branding/marketing/promo campaigns for Lifeskool & Sportskool on demand. Manage web content/programming. Min 3 yrs online exp. [email protected] (5/25)

JOB OPENING: CFO/iNDEMAND/NYC: Oversee all accounting/finance functions and business systems. Bus partner to CEO. CPA required, MBA a plus. Send resume: [email protected] (5/25)

JOB OPENING: BROADCAST SALES/AMS PRODUCTION GROUP/DALLAS: www.amspg.com , 5yrs sales exp. landing and managing broadcast accounts and long form projects. Apply: [email protected]. (5/25)

JOB OPENING: MARKETING – PRODUCTION MGR/Discovery Nets/Silver Spring, MD: Business mgmt & cost control of promo production. 5 yrs prod exp, AICP bids exp, negotiation skills, cable/broadcast. Apply: www.discovery.com , Req#5221 (5/25)

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] (5/25)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE SALES DIRECTOR/IMS, New York: Sell IMS software to agency and media accounts. 5+years industry experience. Sales experience a must. IMS application/database experience a+. www.nielsen.com/careers #3292BR (5/25)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/SCRIPPS NETWORKS/KNOXVILLE, TN: 2 yrs exp in media research or marketing pref’d. Exp with Nielsen & MRI systems a plus. Degree in related field req’d. Res: [email protected] job # 6064-U (5/25)

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] .

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

SITUATION WANTED: STRATEGIC RESEARCHER/NY: 15+ yrs exp. in syndication, cable, spot, newspapers.Detailed analysis, presentations, actionable recommendations that get results for your sales team. Please contact: [email protected] (5/31)

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.