Cynopsis: DIGITAL
09/27/12

Good morning. It’s Thursday, September 27, 2012, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

The television is the most popular screen for watching paid and free streaming video content. According to data from The NPD Group‘s Digital Video Outlook report, in the past year the number of consumers reporting that the TV is their primary screen for watching web videos has jumped from 33% to 45%. Conversely, those reporting that the PC (laptops and desktops) is their primary screen have dropped from 48% to 31%. To NPD, some of this has to do with the growth in connected TV adoption in the US. The market research firm says that approximately 10% of US households currently own at least one TV that can be connected to the internet. It has also conducted research over the past year, finding that 43% of connected TV users accessed online entertainment (video, music, and cloud services) directly from their TVs.

And while other TV-centric connected devices such as streaming media players, game consoles, and Blu-ray players also contributed to the growth of the TV as the primary web video device, they might also be in trouble as more consumers buy connected TVs. According to NPD, one in five connected-TV installations resulted in consumers no longer using these other devices to access streaming video on their TVs.

Among the other data from the report, 40% of consumers use their connected TVs to stream video from Netflix, making it the top web-to-TV video app. 12% access Hulu Plus and 4% use Vudu.

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IGN Entertainment’s START YouTube channel has premiered a new show called “Game Over.” It features celebrity guests doing stunts based on popular video games. For example, in the first episode musicians Pete Wentz and Spencer Peterson from Black Cards compete against each other in a real-life version of the game Angry Birds. The band has also lent their new single, “End of Pretend featuring Matthew Koma,” to serve as the score for the first episode.

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Social video ad solutions company Sharethrough has unveiled a new product called Sponsored Videos, which aims to provide advertisers and publishers with a video ad platform that is similar to Facebook’s Sponsored Stories and Twitter’s Promoted Tweets — in other words, ads that function as content, and vice versa. The platform allows publishers to monetize their sites and mobile apps by placing branded video content alongside their existing editorial content. The platform also offers several contextual features that make the ads appear even less like ads. These include placements that are optimized for different types of web video layouts, such as a gallery, grid, or feed; the ability to insert a title, caption, and description next to the branded video; and customizable images for each video placement. Sharethrough’s current publisher partners include “millions of blogs” on WordPress, The Awl Network, Forbes, Thought Catalog, and others.

Digital ad solutions provider PointRoll has unveiled InTagration, a new “video everywhere” platform that allows advertisers to develop and launch in-stream video ad campaigns that are compatible with a variety of publisher formats. In addition, PointRoll says this new product decreases production turnaround time, allowing advertisers to convert and conform their video creative across multiple publisher sites in half the time. The Gannett-owned company also touts its existing relationships with “almost every major” digital publisher, video ad network, and DSPs as key elements in the development of its publisher specifications database for InTagration.

SEASON (Sports and Entertainment Advertising, Sponsorship and Operations Network), a sports video ad network from the Chicago White Sox-owned Silver Chalice Ventures, is launching cost-per-completed-view (CPCV) pricing for pre-rolls. This allows advertisers to only pay when a viewer watches an ad through to completion. SEASON boasts a monthly audience reach of 68 million unique viewers across its network. Pushing the CPCV model, Rich Routman, EVP and GM of SEASON, in a statement said, “We’ve found that media buyers are looking for pricing and quality that mirror their television strategy. And, with all the uncertainty that the internet can bring into the equation (for right or wrong), CPCV is the insurance policy needed to push the industry forward.” Sports Business Journal was the first to report on this launch.

BuzzMedia is partnering with Translation LLC to conduct a research study that will “explore the relationship between influencers and consumers” in today’s ever-changing media landscape. The joint study of US millennials, which is scheduled for Q4 2012 release, will focus on three specific topics: The role of influencers, the relationships between brands and content, and how brands activate influence.

According to new IDC research, the worldwide market for “smart connected devices,” which the market research firm defines as a combination of PCs, smartphones, and tablets, reached 267.3 million units shipped in Q2 2012. It’s a 27.4% increase year-over-year and a 2.8% jump quarter-over-quarter. It’s a different story in the US, however, as IDC reports that connected device shipments during Q2 2012 fell 7.8% quarter-over-quarter and 5% year-over-year to just under 47.4 million units. The firm points to overall macroeconomic conditions and a more saturated market as reasons for the slow-down. Looking ahead, IDC projects worldwide total unit shipments for these connected devices to reach nearly 1.2 billion this year; 1.4 billion in 2013; and to surpass 2 billion by 2016. Smartphones will account for almost 63% of device shipments in 2016, with tablets and PCs representing 13% and 24%, respectively.

Men are more likely than women to buy a variety of products, including digital content and consumer electronics, on mobile devices, according to a September 2012 study from uSamp, per an eMarketer report. 30% of male respondents in uSamp’s study said they have bought digital content via a mobile device, compared to just 20% of women. The disparity is even wider when it comes to consumer electronics; 27% of male respondents said they have bought a consumer electronic via a mobile device, 8% of female respondents indicated the same. Men seem to be more active on mobile devices after the purchase as well. 35% of male respondents (females: 28%) indicated that they have commented on a purchase via a mobile device, and 26% (females: 16%) have written a review of a purchase.

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AT&T has launched the U-verse Easy Remote App (video preview) for iOS devices. Most prominently, the free app gives U-verse TV customers the ability to operate their TVs using voice or gesture commands. The types of voice commands available to users include channel up and/or down, fast forward, rewind, replay, pause, play, record, and going to a specific channel (name or number). Users can also choose which show they want to watch by saying the name of the show. Other features include one-touch access to closed captioning and a screen reader that lets users hear TV show or channel information as they scroll through the programming guide. To use the app, customers must subscribe to U-verse TV and internet. The app is powered by AT&T Watson speech recognition technology using the company’s Speech API, which is currently available to third-party developers to use in their own apps.

Google Play, the search and media (and seemingly everything else) giant’s Android storefront, has topped 25 billion total downloads. To celebrate this milestone, the company is offering discounts on featured apps and other types of content over the next several days. Apps from top developers like Electronic Arts, Rovio, Full Fat, and more, will be available on Google Play for 25 cents. In addition, the storefront is offering custom content collections like “25 movies you must own” or “25 banned books” at special prices. Go to the store to check them out. And for what it’s worth, Apple’s iTunes App Store reached the same milestone earlier this year.

DoubleVerify has appointed Wayne Gattinella to be its new Chief Executive Officer and Director. In his new role, Gattinella will focus on the development of new products and solutions for the market. He replaces Oren Netzer, who is sliding over to become Chairman and Chief Strategy Officer of DoubleVerify.

Eyeview, a personalized video ad technology company, has announced a number of new executive appointments as well as the opening of a west coast office in LA. James Beriker, recently the VP/Display Advertising at Yahoo, has been named to the company’s Board of Directors. Heading the new LA office will be one of Eyeview’s three new Executive Director/Sales, Lori Kuhn. The other two new Executive Directors/Sales are Erik Schear, most recently at Tremor Video, and Dave Donnelly, previously at Auditude. And finally, Ben Flaccus has been named Director/Sales in the company’s NY office.

NY-based digital tech company PulsePoint has selected Dan Ballister to be its new President, effective as of September 10, 2012. In the newly created position, Ballister will oversee the company’s daily operations. He will report to Sloan Gaon, CEO of PulsePoint.

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With the 2012 fall TV season kicking into gear this week, Zap2it has launched the “Fall TV Rewards Challenge Sweepstakes.” It’s designed to encourage the website’s audience to be more socially active and in turn reward them for doing so during this week. Here’s how it works: You first need to connect to Zap2it through their various social networks. Once signed up/in, you check into any new and/or returning shows. The action will automatically land you “Watcher” badges, which will enter you into the sweepstakes. The more shows you check into, the higher the value of the prizes you’re eligible to win (the grand-prize is a $2,500 home theater makeover).

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Editor for Cynopsis Digital
09.27.12

Denise O’Connor: Group Publisher, Media Entertainment
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group

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JOB OPENING: RESEARCHER + SINGER/STORYTELLER/NYC: Hybrid role in preschool TV series. Bckgrd in psychology/kids research AND strong singing ability a MUST.  Spanish is big plus. Resume to: [email protected] (10/4)

JOB OPENING: TEMP SOCIAL MEDIA SPECIALIST/STUDIO CITY: Responsible for developing and overseeing the execution of strategic social media and digital initiatives. More info & apply: http://www.hallmarkchannel.com/jobs (10/4)

JOB OPENING: VP, AD SALES BUS DEV/Ad Sales/NY: Increase sales revenue by reaching out to prospective bus dev accounts. Full Info/Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (10/4)

JOB OPENING: EVP LICENSING/Independent Kids TV Production & Distribution Firm/NY: Lead new division. Senior applicants only. Equity potential. [email protected] (10/4)

JOB OPENING: MGR, REVENUE ANALYSIS/NY: Forecast, analyze & report sales revenues for Fox Broadcasting Co. broadcast & digital properties. 5+ years of Ad Sales/Finance/Media exp. Strong analytic skills req. http://bit.ly/VFd5LV (10/4)

JOB OPENING: ART DIRECTOR/LA: Oversees UX & visual design for marketing campaigns across digital platforms including social media, apps, mobile. Supervises design team. 5+ yrs online ad exp. Portfolio req. http://bit.ly/PsuOVD (10/3)

JOB OPENING:  DIR, MKTG RESEARCH & SALES/NBCSports & Olympics/NBC/NYC: Tasked w/delivering comprehensive strategic & customized research plans focused on measuring & optimizing advertiser impact. www.nbcunicareers.com #6989BR (10/3)

JOB OPENING: ADMIN ASST/Leading non-fiction Television Company/LA: Seeking assistant w/agency, major network or production company desk experience. Resumes: [email protected] (10/3)

JOB OPENING: MARKET RESEARCH DIR/NASCAR/CHARLOTTE: 10 plus yrs exp in Consumer Rsrch. Lead consumer rsrch team, mng custom qual & quant projects and secondary tools. Present to Sr. Execs. Apply: www.employment.nascar.com (10/3)

JOB OPENING: WRITER: Experienced true crime writer needed. Please send resumes to [email protected] (10/3)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCER: Experienced true crime field producer needed. Please send resumes to [email protected] (10/3)

JOB OPENING: TEMPORARY MKTG SUPERVISOR/SHOWTIME/NYC: coordinate consumer mktg, branding and on-air campaigns for Smithsonian Channel. Min 3 yrs exp. Organized, creative, media and marketing savvy. Apply at www.sho.com/careers (10/3)

JOB OPENING: CSR /LA: support end-users of prods, svcs, & data; ad hoc rpts & client training; 2+yrs in Media Envir; Exc comm skills; Kwldg TV media software prods. Resumes [email protected]; www.kantarmediaNA.com (10/3)

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JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/Univision/NY: 1+ years TV Nielsen experience. Opportunity to learn advanced research systems and work directly with network management. Strong writing skills a must. [email protected] (9/29)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF PROGRAMMING/Santa Monica: 5-7 yrs. exp. in non-fiction TV & strong contacts. Prev. ntwrk exec exp. a +. Interest in game shows, gaming & international formats. Send resume and cover letter to [email protected] (9/29)

JOB OPENING: WRITER/PRODUCER/EDITOR /ReelzChannel/ABQ: For major network series & movies. We mentor early careers of up and coming talent. Relocation paid to Albuquerque. Apply: [email protected] (9/29)

JOB OPENING: MGR, INTEGRATED AD SALES MRKT/DISNEY/BURBANK: TV & Digital mktg execution, client and project management leader. Strng Knwldg and Experience with Sales Mktg/Branding/Entrainmnt/Agency www.disneycareers.com REQ53615 (9/29)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH ANALYST/BBC AMERICA/NYC: Create ratings reports and analysis for programming/scheduling. 1-3 years TV/media research experience. Proficient in NPower & MyEvnts. [email protected] (9/29)

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JOB OPENING: F’LANCE REPORTER/OPRAH.COM/NYC: Exp covering women/lifestyle topics & a demonstrated ability to est rapport w/interview subjects & suss out info that makes tired topics come alive. Apply at: http://careers.own.tv (9/28)

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JOB OPENING: SSE/SALES PLANNER/Current TV/CHI: Seeking exp plan’r to oversee TV & digital sales plan creation. Target new biz, mng your own acct list, actively present/meet w/agencies, mng dvlpmntl acct list. [email protected] (9/28)

JOB OPENING: DIG. VIDEO LICENSING/AMAZON.COM/SEATTLE, LA, LONDON & MUNICH: All experience levels; you will negotiate content deals & mng relationships with studios and cable nets, [email protected] (9/28)

INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. These ads are always 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].

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SITUATION WANTED: Enthusiastic, driven and organized digital/television PRODUCT MANAGER, with over 8 yrs. exp, seeks new role. Strong resume and experience; open to either coast. [email protected] (9/29)

SITUATION WANTED: AFTER CARE THERAPIST: consult with seg prod on guest Red Flags, provide aftercare to guests on Talk/Reality Shows. Line Producer for 15 yrs. Was After Care Prod. on Dr. Drew’s Life Changers. www.jkoegl4therapy.com (9/29)

SITUATION WANTED:  WRITER’S/PRODUCTION ASST: Has worked on The Big Bang Theory, Mike & Molly, etc. Attending UCLA’s TV writing program. Experience as a Page and PA. Proficient in Final Draft. Has BS in Mass Comm. [email protected] (9/29)

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