Good morning, it’s Tuesday, December 21, 2010, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.  If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis edition online, click here. 

Qualcomm is officially ending its money-losing experiment with off deck broadcasting service FLO TV, selling off the spectrum it utilizes to deliver video channels to cell phones to AT&T for nearly $2 billion in cash. The lower 700 MHz D and E block spectrum, which AT&T says it will use to help alleviate traffic pile-ups from data and video streaming, couldn’t come at a better time for the wireless carrier, which has seen its 3G network overwhelmed by the influx of iPhone customers.
 

 
After numerous delays ESPN finally introduced an EBIF-based iTV app for Samsung internet-enabled televisions. The “ScoreCenter” application, based on network’s popular iPhone app, features a streamlined interface that delivers scores and stats for major college and pro leagues. (One of the app’s handiest features is the ability to set your favorite teams so those games are pushed to the top of the list.)
 

 
Popular blogging platform Tumbr raised an additional $30 million in funding from previous investors Spark Capital, Union Square Ventures and Sequoia Capital. The company will use the funds to improve its infrastructure and hire more engineers.
 
Sports-themed news site Bleacher Report has completed a $10.5 million Series C round of capital funding led by Crosslink Capital. The site now claims an audience of 16 million monthly uniques.
 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM NATPE 2010

                                                                                    
Satellite Broadcaster DirecTV is getting ready to roll out a national addressable advertising system across its 19 million household footprint next year that will allow advertisers to target specific demographic groups with their commercials, reports the WSJ. Set top boxes will store subscriber profiles that will be used to select which commercial is most appropriate for the household and viewers will be offered interactive choices. The company has already has struck a partnership with Publicis’ Starcom MediaVest, which has agreed to spend between $10 million to $20 million on targeted ads next year.
 

 
Democratic FCC commissioner Mignon Clyburn announced she will support Chairman Julius Genachowski’s network neutrality initiative in a vote scheduled for today’s open meeting. With the Chairman’s vote and fellow Democrat Michael Copps’ reluctant support, a 3-vote majority is now assured.
 
Content deliver network Level 3 Communications sent a letter to the FCC and the Dept. of Justice last week asking that a condition of the Comcast/NBCU merger be that third party backbone providers be allowed to connect with Comcast’s network for no charge.
 
Studios are pushing for VOD windows to be shrunk from 120 days to 45 days following their premiere date in theaters for MSO’s planned premium VOD offering, but exhibitor group the National Association of Theater Owners says such a move will wreck their business, per the NYTimes. Indie producers such as Mark Cuban and Todd Wagner’s Magnolia Pictures say day-in-date releases of films such as “All Good Things” have helped create word-of-mouth groundswell for hard-to-market titles.
 
Google has decided to delay the coming out party for Google TV at CES next month as it goes back to the drawing board to improve the software and user interface, according to the NYTimes.
 

 
Major Label music video site Vevo has introduced a sleek new free iPad app offering access to its entire 25,000 video catalog. The app sports a number of cool features such as the ability build playlists, view artists’ Tweets and concert info and see what videos other users are watching in your neighborhood or around the world.
 
Google‘s new Nexus S handset is generating buzz for a new app called “tags,” powered by short-range wireless technology company Near Field Communications. Unlike printed scanner images, which require you to take a picture to download related data, the NFC chip automatically reads and pulls up videos and images from products and businesses adorned with a “Recommended on Google” sticker. The program is currently being tested in Portland, OR.
 
Long running CBS reality series Amazing Race is now a paid mobile game for the iPhone, IPod Touch and iPad, developed for CBS Mobile by Lucia. The $2.99 “Amazing Race – The Game”, hosted by Phil Keoghan, enables players to grab clues, choose their transportation, make their way to pit stops and complete Detours, Roadblocks and Fast Forwards.
 

 
Digital couponing site Groupon hired former Amazon VP of International Business Jason Child as its first CFO.
 
Former manager of Babelgum’s comedy division Amber J. Lawson has been tapped by AOL for the newly created position of Head of Video Programming. Amber will be tasked with procuring, programming and promoting AOL’s slate of original video content, overseeing AOL Studios, AOL Video hub, AOL.com and 3rd party production houses.
 
Ken Shapiro and Larry Gelfand have been SVPs of Turner/ SI Digital Ad Sales, leading integrated sales and marketing efforts online and across all digital platforms for Turner’s roster of entertainment, sports and animation sites. Both will be based in New York, and will report to Walker Jacobs, EVP of Ad Sales for the division.
 
Retirement Living TV hired former Hallmark Entertainment executive Paul FitzPatrick as President and COO. He reports to Retirement Living founder John Erickson, Chairman and CEO.
 

 
Turner Sports-managed NCAA.com has received a makeover following the renewal of a new 14-year deal between Turner, CBS and the NCAA designed to make the site a major year round live sports streaming destination. The site features a new video player, improved navigation and interactivity and new social networking touchpoints. A selection of “best tweets of the week” will be assembled from student athletes, coaches and fans, along with featured content uploaded to Facebook. NCAA.com will end up streaming more than 60 NCAA Championships across all three divisions as well as highlights from major tournaments, but current deals mean that the first major match-up – the 2011 NCAA Division I Football Championship Game – won’t happen until next Jan. Until then Turner will have its work cut out trying to drive fans to the site, who have plenty of options when it comes to video highlights and featurettes.
 
Correction: Yesterday’s WSOD HitFix is based in Los Angeles, not D.C.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Later –
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis Digital
12.21.10

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Mike Farina – VP/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / mike@cynopsis.com
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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

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

ATTENTION JOB RECRUITERS FOR THE TELEVISION AND ADVERTISING INDUSTRY – send us your contact information so we can begin to build a database for referrals.  We get people all the time around the country asking us for names of local recruiters.  Help us out – send us your contact information, name, company, address, phone, email and fax.  NY and LA are great, but we also need names of firms in Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, DC, and elsewhere.  We have people to send you!   Email your info to Trish@cynopsis.com.

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/AMC & WEtv/Chicago: 2+yr admin exp in sales envmt of Cble/Tv/Ent indstry. Assts VP & AEs w/daily sales & clients. Handls high call vol. Excllnt comp/comm/orgztnl skilz. Rez: www.cablevision.jobs/12945 (1/4)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER II RESEARCH/Discovery Communications/SS: Directs primary rsrch efforts; analyzes Nielsen data & other syndicated info dvlpmnt, prod, prgrm, schd, & mrktng strtgy. www.discovery.com (req 2997) (1/4)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL ACCT EXEC/Discovery Communications/NY: AE w/5+ yrs digital ad sales exp a must to sell national advertising for Discovery’s Digital properties including web, mobile, VOD and podcasting. www.discovery.com (2795) (1/4)

JOB OPENING: SR. Web RSRCH ANALYST/TRAVEL CHANNEL/ CHEVY CHASE MD: 3 + yrs media/web research. Strong analytical/data interpretation skills. Media Research/team player a must. Apply, www.scrippsnetworks.com/careers & select 2049 (12/25)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OR MANAGER, COMMERCIAL CLEARANCES/The Hub/NYC: Must have strong background in commercial standards, within kids TV/content highly desired. Apply at http://thehub.catsone.com/careers (12/24)

JOB OPENING: DIR, INT’L MERCHANDISING/NY: Mng SKU dvlpmnt from a creative & fiduciary point of view. Dvlp overall product mix 7-10+ merch exp working in retail/wholesale envir. Lots of travel. Resume: sfields@marvel.com (12/24)

JOB OPENING:  MGR, PROGRAM RESEARCH/Oxygen/NYC:  Min 4 yrs exp in media research. Supports mgmt, programming, development, scheduling, press/publicity, marketing & pricing/finance. Apply to researchjobs@nbcuni.com (12/24)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL ACCOUNT EXEC/NY: Sell AETN’s digital advertising w/ assigned territory to agencies & clients. www.aetn.com/careers.html Apply: https://www.abso.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=85513 (12/24)

JOB OPENING: FRONTLINE ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/WGBH/Boston: FRONTLINE Assistant Account Executive (Social Media & Promotions). AEEF, FT 52 Weeks. Job Req # 4878 Please apply online at http://careers.wgbh.org/ (12/24)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIRECTOR/2C Media/Miami: Dvlp promo campaigns for major nat’l networks. Strong writing, conceptual, editorial, & 3-5 yrs cable, studio, or ntwrk promo exp. Co info @ 2cmedia.com. Contact: workhere@2cmedia.com (12/23)

JOB OPENING:   MARKETING ASSISTANT/ION/NY: Asst w/network sales/consumer marketing initiatives, college deg a must, 1-2 yrs mktg exp. EOE  See full ad: http://www.ionmedianetworks.com/page.php?p=careers&job=1249 (12/23)

JOB OPENING:  CREATIVE DIR/ON-AIR/Lifetime/NY: Create/manage/execute high level mktg campaigns. Strong campaign launch exp. Apply www.aetn.com/careers.html (12/22)

JOB OPENING:  WRITER/PRODUCER/ Lifetime/NY: Conceptualize/write/produce high impact promo launch campaigns. 3+ yrs exp in on-air promo. Strong writing skills. Appy: www.aetn.com/careers.html (12/22)

JOB OPENING:  TEMP ON-AIR DESIGN DIR/AMC/NY: Creative visionary w/7+yr motion gfx exp. Oversee on-air design, produce gfx.  Mgmt/communication skills, good rolodex–all musts. Rez & salary reqmts to: www.cablevision.jobs (12944BR) (12/22)

JOB OPENING:  CREDITS PRODUCER/Stamford, CT: Night shift -produce reformatted credits Lifetime aetn.com/careers https://www.abso.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=85469 (12/22)

JOB OPENING:USA & SYFY SALES RESEARCH ANALYST/NBC UNIVERSAL/NYC:Support Sales positioning of USA & Syfy. Strong interest in TV Research, Knowledge of Excel/PowerPoint.Apply @ researchjobs@nbcuni.com (12/22)

JOB OPENING:  EVENTS/TOUR MANAGER/NYC/Multimedia Co:  Exp. mgr to run all aspects of 100-city promotional tour for in-house marketing team. 6-mo. assignment managing vendors and local in-market staff. Talentr1@gmail.com (12/22)

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 trish@cynopsis.com.

WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Bynum Artist Management/LA: Looking for an unpaid intern to manage actor submissions. Approx. 3 to 4 hours/work day. Respond to allabouteve4u@yahoo.com and include “Manager Intern” in subject line. (1/4)

WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Intern will learn Production Assistant duties at the same time honing their writing, producing, and editing skills with Creative Directors. Should have major related to television/film. betintern@yahoo.com (12/24)

WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  TV DEVELOPMENT/GRB Entertainment/LA: Award winning TV company seeks organized, self-starting interns for administrative/writing/producing/editing support. Final Cut & Photoshop a plus. Resume/cover: jobs@grbtv.com (12/23)

WINTER/SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Intern will learn Production Assistant duties at the same time honing their writing, producing, and editing skills with Creative Directors. Should have major related to television/film. betintern@yahoo.com (12/22)

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED …  There is no charge for placing your Situation Wanted ad … for more information contact Trish Pihonak at trish@cynopsis.com

SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT position film/TV (NY) 10 years experience: Interned for a President, Executive Assistant to SVP/VP/film director/celebrity petermichael0809@hotmail.com (1/4)

SITUATION WANTED: MEDIA SALES/MARKETING STRATEGIST/NY: Extensive exp in all forms of media. print/digital/OOH. Smart consultative seller. Can identify new niche mkts & use analytics to generate revenue. Contact: stevelehman7@gmail.com (12/22)

SITUATION WANTED:  RESEARCH DIR/SALES STRATEGIST – 20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hisp, research, sales, and presentation experience. Email: ericadlerresearch@gmail.com (12/22)

E-mail Trish@cynopsis.com or call Trish Pihonak at 203.381.9096 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

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

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