Tuesday, February 10th, 2009

Cynopsis: DIGITAL

02/10/09

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, February 10, 2009, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. 

Amazon held a big to-do at the Morgan Library Museum in New York yesterday to unveil its next generation eBook reader – the Kindle 2 – which will begin shipping from Amazon.com on Feb. 24. One of the most hotly anticipated consumer electronic devices since the iPhone, the new Kindle adds some attractive new features including a much thinner profile, longer battery life, a crisper display and text-to-speech capabilities powered by Nuance that will allow readers to have books read to them by a computerized voice. The user interface is also much improved, featuring easier-to-peck round keys and a joystick controller used to move the cursor. Sharing text between the Kindle and “a range” of mobile devices will also be possible using a new “Whispersync” feature. Content offerings for the Kindle have steadily improved, from 90,000 book titles at launch to a current 230,000 books, 1,200 blogs and dozens of daily, weekly and monthly publication subscriptions – delivered wirelessly to users who pay the subscriptions fees. Amazon is clearly hoping that the new Kindle will become a Trojan horse of sorts (“Gateway Drug” was the term Jeff Bezos used) to promote reading in general and spur sales of eBooks on Amazon.com. But at $359 – the same price as the first edition – it’s hard to imagine it will reach critical mass, particularly in this economy.
 

~ MULTIPLATFORM CONTENT NEWS ~

 
Fox Sports renewed and expanded its online partnership with MSN to include a broader array of brands and ad components. FoxSports.com will adopt Microsoft products such as Windows Live and Live Search, continue to be the exclusive sports channel for MSN including content from Fox Sports Interactive’s Scout Media and WhatifSports.com for the first time, and take a “more integrated approach” to the development of new products for both online and mobile.
 
Here’s some free fodder for your eBook reader, ladies. Pulp romance publisher Harlequin is celebrating its 60th Anniversary by giving away free downloadable books. Each registered user is entitled to 16 free downloads.
 
The new Verizon Hub broadband content phone added content from National Geographic Mobile and E! Entertainment. Nat Geo content is accessible on the Kids, Travel and What’s New on TV channels. The new E! video channel will feature segments from E! News, Daily 10 and The Soup.
 
No doubt Andy would have approved … Airborne Mobile struck a license agreement with The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts to bring Warhol’s pop art images to mobile phones in the form of screen savers and other graphics.
 

~ INNOVATORS & START-UPS ~

 
The Kindle and Sony Reader will soon have another competitor. A start-up called Plastic Logic is working on an eBook reader of its own featuring a larger screen geared specifically toward newspapers and magazines – planned for commercial release next year. The company has announced several content partnerships to supply the device with electronic subscriptions including all digital publisher Zinio and LibreDigital, an aggregator that produces electronic versions of The New York Times, USA Today, The Los Angeles Times and the Washington Post.
 
ITV services provider Backchannelmedia signed an agreement with Atlanta-based Gray Television to add its interactive Clickable TV solution to Gray’s 36 local TV stations. The opt-in service, tested at Hearst Argyle’s WCVB-TV in Boston last year and currently deployed at five local TV stations, allows viewers to click on bugs located within programs or commercials to request additional information. Content is then sent to the viewer’s email address via a secure server.
 
Social Media Week launched yesterday in New York, a series of events designed to bring folks together in the new media space to promote the principles of openness, innovation and inspiration. Check the (somewhat fluid) schedule for more information about sessions, awards shows and cocktail hours.


~ DIGITAL ADVERTISING ~

 
Search ad management software maker Clickable released a major upgrade yesterday adding a variety of features and introducing a new interface designed to help advertisers track online ad campaigns across multiple portals. Clickable Pro 2.0 also adds support for what it calls Google’s “emerging” ad formats, allowing users to create and manage image banner ads, mobile ads and local business ads from a central dashboard.
 
CBS Interactive
, CBS Television and the Recording Academy credited an ambitious cross-platform marketing campaign for a huge increase in ratings for Sunday night’s Grammy Awards telecast, which experienced a 23% increase among adults 18-34 over last year’s broadcast. The outreach included display and interactive advertising efforts across the CBS Audience Network and related properties as well as various social networking and music/entertainment sites including Yahoo, MSN, TVGuide.com and imeem.com.
 

~ TECHNOLOGY DEALS, MERGERS AND SKIRMISHES ~

 
Walt Disney Studios has entered into a long-term agreement with Dreamworks SKG to distribute and market about 6 live-action films per year from the studio it produces under their partnership with Reliance BIG Entertainment. News surfaced on Friday that Dreamworks’ distribution deal with Universal had fallen apart over funding issues.
 
Comcast’s broadband video services company thePlatform announced a series of new initiatives aimed at lowering streaming costs for small and mid-sized publishers. To save on content delivery costs – typically the biggest cost associated with offering video – thePlatform is partnering with EdgeCast to resell CDN services at a volume-discounted rate typically reserved for larger providers. The company also announced a new “Advantage” program offering discounts for companies who use partners’ services including ad insertion platform Panache, ad management firm BlackArrow, video metrics specialist TubeMogul, video ad network ScanScout and analytics firm Visible Measures. thePlatform managed video for clients who collectively drove 440 million views in Dec. according to comScore, ranking it 3rd behind Google sites and Fox Interactive Media.
 
As companies scramble to save on energy costs (for both budgetary and altruistic reasons) Microsoft introduced a new enterprise resource planning suite to help midsized businesses move the needle in a positive direction. The toolset helps collect auditable data on four of the core environmental performance indicators identified by the Global Reporting Initiative for energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, including direct on-premise fuel consumption and the carbon footprint of their power usage with utilities and other vendors.
 

~ TRENDS, RESEARCH, ETC.  ~

 
More pessimistic projections are surfacing for the mobile phone industry. A new report from In-Stat suggests a huge decline in demand this year as consumers reach the point where they have all the features they need on the phones the currently have. Globally, more than 1.2 billion cell phones were shipped last year, according to In-Stat, but that number will plummet this year adversely affecting device manufacturers, semiconductor manufacturers and mobile operators. 
 

~ GADGETS & APPS ~

 
SCI FI Channel is jumping on the iPhone bandwagon with a Cylon Detector app now available for $1.99 on the Apple App Store, allowing users to snap a picture of “suspected” Cylons to determine his or her real race. The network is also launching a free app aggregating photos, videos, and news articles from SciFiWire.com.
 
UK-based production company ITN launched a new free global iPhone app bundling news, sports, and lifestyle content presented as text stories, still photos and made-for-mobile video.
 
Hispanic digital content producer Terra USA launched a version of its Terra TV service for the iPhone and iPod Touch featuring news, sports and entertainment, including coverage of Carnival and European soccer championships, as well as content from Reuters, SNTV and Omnisport.
 
Call it Karaoke for the net. Sony Music Entertainment created an online app to allow users to send an ecard featuring a personalized sing-along with Mariah Carey. (Sony actually launched the concept with a Christmas card app to promote the release of the Elvis Duets CD.)
 

~ EXECUTIVE MOVES ~
 

Cinema advertising company Screenvision named Andrew L. Blacker as SVP/Marketing and Research. Andrew will be based in the company’s New York headquarters and be responsible for marketing strategy branding, sales initiatives, strategies and ad campaigns. He reports to Michael Chico, EVP/Ad Sales and Marketing.
 
Marci Yamaguchi Hughes has been appointed EVP and GM of GamePro Media, publisher of GamePro Magazine and Gamepro.com. Marci most recently served as SVP/Sales for the game group at Ziff Davis Media, which included 1UP.com, FileFront.com, and EGM Magazine (Electronic Gaming Monthly), until the online business was sold to Hearst Interactive last month. She is based in San Francisco.
 
Meredith Corporation’s multimedia division Meredith Video Solutions has named media marketing vet Howard Rosenstein as Director of Integrated Sales. In his new role at MVS, Howard will sell digital media, advertising, sponsorships and custom video production to new national accounts.
 
Chandrakanth, co-founder and former Managing Director, India, of data services company Theorem has been upped to President of Global Services. Former Director of Business Development Jack Demetris has also been promoted to Senior Director of Business Development in the United States.
 


~ WEBSITE OF THE DAY ~

 
Now for some news that may push the ARod juicing story off the sports pages for a day. (O.K., maybe not.) Major League Baseball video portal MLB.tv, which has been at the forefront of live streaming for years, will make a number of new improvements to its site this year, per the NYTimes. Upgrades include offering games in HD for the first time powered by Swarmcast; adding DVR capabilities; and including an audio synch feature that allows users to listen to their favorite radio announcers while streaming the games. (For instance, this means Red Sox fans can listen to Joe Castiglione instead of NESN play-by-play man Don Orsillo, who studied broadcasting under Joe at Northeastern.) MLB.com will also extend audio broadcasts to its iPhone and BlackBerry apps allowing users listen to games directly from their cell phone for a minimum yearly fee. While 500,000 fans paid $120 last season to subscribe to the video package of out-of-market games, MLB.com is trying to cut fans a break this year reducing the price to $110 and offering a lower-res basic package for $80. The company also announced partnerships with ESPN and NHL.com yesterday bundling more than 100 Spring Training games and the first two rounds of the World Baseball Classic with access to ESPN Insider or streaming rights to the remainder of the NHL games this season. Expect to see more such consumer-focused partnerships from major content providers this year as publishers work to push beyond the early adopter phase.

Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
02.10.09

Cynopsis Digital Ad Sales:
Chuck Bolkcom – 646-468-6180 / [email protected]
Mark Bohn- 203-583-1224 / mark@cynopsis. com
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

To subscribe to any Cynopsis edition(s) click here
To unsubscribe , click here or click the button at the end of this email.


Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDSFor More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here    .


JOB OPENING:  TRAFFIC MGR/THE HOTEL NETWORKS/NY: Mng all traffic functions across 10 ntwrks. Should have understanding of all functions from sale to satellite. 3 yrs exp in brdcst traffic reqd. [email protected]   (2/16)

JOB OPENING: DIR, FINANCE/Embassy Row TV/NY: All aspects accting & financial reptg. CPA pref, BA & 10+ yrs exp. Entertainment exp. req, TV pref. Apply: www.sonypicturesjobs.com (2/13)

JOB OPENING: DIR. AD SALES RES /A&E TV-NY: Dvlp strategies & day-to-day for Ad Sls. BA/BS & 8 yrs media rsrch & mgmt exp. Knowl Nielsen/prime rsrch. Resume: www.aetn.com/careers.html (2/13)

JOB OPENING: CUST SVC REP/LA, CA/Baseline Inc: Filtering & monitoring client requests in multiple databases. 2+ yrs exp. Exp using or creating internal tracking databases. Deep understanding of ind. Send res to: [email protected] (2/12)

JOB OPENING: UNIT PUBLICIST/DKC/NYC: to work on location during prod of nationally synd TV show to ensure proper execution of all publicity efforts. 5+yrs exp w/ TV a must & health/wellness a plus. Resume: [email protected] (2/11)

JOB OPENING: SR. DIR, CLIENT DEVELOPMENT/NY/Ent-Media research co: Develop new/expand existing biz for research prod/custom services. Min 3 yrs market research sales exp. http://www.epollresearch.com/corp/aboutus/careers.view (2/11)

JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE (Universal Sports/NYC): 5-7 yrs exp @ sports network/website co., 3 yrs. Sports or digital sales exp req’d. Knwlg effective/creative pckgng strat a must. Res: [email protected] (2/17)

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] .

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 [email protected]

SITUATION WANTED: PR & NEW MEDIA GURU (LA) Great Writer/Strategist, Social Media Expert, Strong Media Contacts, 15-year PR pro now avail for in-house or freelance. U want someone to hit the ground running, right? [email protected] (2/14)

SITUATION WANTED: FREELANCE or Full-time MEDIA BUYER w/ over 25 yrs of buying exp. is newly available. Seeking F/T or Freelance wk from your office or my home (New York based) Please contact me @ [email protected] (2/14)

SITUATION WANTED: VIRTUAL WEB HOST PRODUCER (L.A.) Producer, Director, Writer Virtually place anyone or anything onto web pages. See www.YourLiveWeb.com . Contact [email protected] (2/14)

SITUATION WANTED: DEVELOPMENT/PRODUCTION EXEC. with studio and network background with great success in kids, family and teen arena seeks staff post or consultancy. www.tgcentertainment.com (2/13)

SITUATION WANTED: NASHVILLE BASED FIELD PRODUCER-Network, Cable,EPK, New Media. Ent.,Doc, News, Music, Reality, Docu-Soap, Social Issue/Ent. Video Journalist. Willing to travel and work as a local in NY, Dallas, Atlanta. [email protected] (2/12)

SITUATION WANTED: VIRTUAL CASTING Network, Major Cable, New Media credits.Booking – Casting – Research – Writing. Doc, News, Ent, Music – Celebs – Reality -Real People – Real Stories – [email protected] (2/12)

SITUATION WANTED: TV PROMO WRITER-PRODUCER L.A.- Multiple Emmy and Promax Award winner. 19+ years freelance for studios and networks. Large market station management experience. Freelance or full-time. Contact [email protected] (2/11)

SITUATION WANTED: TV PROGRAM EXECUTIVE/15 + yrs exp, Creative, great work ethic, knwldgbl, sense of humor, can relocate. See www.linkedin.com/in/joepauly. Looking for next great opp in cable or brdcst TV. Contact [email protected] (2/11)

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.926.9878 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

Are you looking for a job? Post your Situation Wanted Ad here — Email [email protected] for specs.

Cynopsis Media LLC
One Corporate Drive, Suite 724
Shelton, CT 06484
203.926.9878

All outgoing e-mails are scanned and sent out virus free. Copyright Cynopsis 2009



Related Stories

Cynopsis 11/08/24: CBS issues full season orders for two freshman series

Friday November 8, 2024    IN THE NEWS The global rollout of Warner Bros. Discovery’s Max helped the company add 7.2 million net subscribers, to hit 110.5 million, the biggest quarterly increase since the streamer’s launch. Total WBD revenues were $9.62 billion, down 3% year-over-year, while total adjusted EBITDA was $2.41 billion, down 18%. Net […]

11/06/24: Cynopsis Jobs

jobs5

SENIOR INTEGRATED MARKETING CAMPAIGN PROJECT MANAGER BEACON MEDIA GROUP NY/NJ Seeking a diligent, organized, and enthusiastic individual to join our team as we manage Integrated Marketing Campaigns for a candy manufacturer. Responsibilities include ensuring client satisfaction, managing project timelines, and optimizing campaign effectiveness. If you’re proactive and enjoy collaborating with teams, we want to hear […]

Cynopsis 11/05/24: Xumo teams with Target for budget TVs

Xumo teams with Target for budget TVs

Tuesday November 5, 2024    IN THE NEWS Prime Video has launched X-Ray Recaps, a feature using general AI to create brief summaries of full seasons of TV shows, single episodes, and pieces of episodes, personalized down to the minute of where a user was watching. “With the creation of X-Ray Recaps, we’re directly addressing […]

CynCity

Cynsiders