Cynopsis: DIGITAL

02/12/08

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, February 12, 2008, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

Yahoo said thanks but no thanks to Microsoft’s $31/share offer, indicating that $40/share rolled much better off the tongue. Microsoft responded by characterizing its offer as “full and fair” and describing a merged Microhoo as a company “better positioned to compete in the online services market.” Meanwhile Yahoo restarted stalled merger talks with Time Warner’s AOL as a last ditch effort to avoid the deal, reported the Times of London. 
 

 
CBS’ Big Brother franchise embarks upon its first winter season today across multiple consumer platforms:

• The broadcast version will air three nights weekly at 9 pm ET/PT on Tuesdays and 8 pm ET/PT on Wednesdays and Sundays.
• CBS.com relaunched the Big Brother web site featuring an embeddable video widget
• CBS.com and RealNetworks will resume live 24/7 feeds from within the BB house
• CBS Mobile and MediaFLO will stream the entire season for the first time, including a live simulcast episode
• Full length episodes, clips and blogs will be available across the CBS Audience Network

 
CNN is preparing to launch a full-fledged citizen journalism site as an offshoot of the iReport feature on CNN.com, reports Mediaweek. CNN has received about 100,000 news photos and videos from viewers since launching the feature in August 2006 but has only had room to feature less than 10% of the content on CNN.com.
 
The Gospel Music Channel relaunched its website adding digital music, CD, ringtone and concert ticket purchases via affiliate agreements with Christianbook.com, walmart.com, amazon.com and iTunes.
 
Oberon Games launched a casual game version of the Program Partners syndicated show Merv Griffin’s Crosswords, available for free to try, or purchase at Oberon-Media.com
 

 
The Academy of Arts and Sciences will consider broadband content alongside cable and network-produced fare for the first time for its Primetime Emmy awards, noticed NewTeeVee. Categories include drama, comedy, variety/musical, long form programming, non-fiction and animation. The eligibility period is from June 1, 2007 – May 31, 2008 and the first deadline for entries is March 28.
 
National Lampoon added comedic broadband video and mobile platform ComedyExpress.TV to its Humor Network of sites which include recent purchases RivalFish and CollegeHangover.com.

 
Netflix added the latest nail into the coffin of the Toshiba-backed HD DVD platform, choosing to rent only Blu-ray DVDs to its customers going forward. Netflix is also working with LG Electronics to develop a Vudu style set-top box to stream movies from the internet to the television, Netflix founder and CEO told The Wall Street Journal in an interview. Having a 7.5 million customer base to market to should at least help the company succeed with a concept many have failed at so far.
 
Starbucks is ditching its pricey partnership with T-Mobile to offer a combination of free and paid Wi-Fi access from AT&T beginning this spring.  Customers who make a purchase will be able to surf for two hours for free then purchase an additional 2 hours for $3.99. Monthly memberships can be purchased for $19.99 (half of what T-Mobile charges), which include access to any of AT&T’s 70,000 hot spots world wide.
 
Microsoft announced it is acquiring mobile software firm Danger, best known as maker of the T-Mobile smartphone Sidekick. Danger was co-founded by Andy Rubin who is now running Google’s highly anticipated mobile phone initiative Android.
 
AOL announced an open mobile platform slated to launch this spring that will enable developers to build rich internet applications (RIAs) for mobile devices. Compatible device platforms include Java, Linux, RIM, BREW and Windows Media. (What about Google’s Android?)
 
Off topic but since 20%+ of our readers use a blackberry, this may be of interest if you are using a RIM Blackberry:  We’ve been experiencing problems since approx 3pm ET yesterday getting and receiving emails, and this is what our provider is telling us:

Mailtrust’s Managed Exchange service is experiencing issues with the Blackberry Enterprise Servers (BES) that are affecting the activation of the Blackberry services, sending/receiving of email and synchronization of personal information management data on Blackberry devices.

 

Research In Motion (RIM) has announced an ongoing BlackBerry infrastructure outage that is affecting Blackberry users on all North American wireless carrier networks, which includes limited connectivity to Mailtrust’s BlackBerry Enterprise Servers.  Research In Motion is unable to provide an estimated time of service restoral and we will provide further updates as more information is made available.

 

As Research In Motion begins to restore services within their BlackBerry infrastructure, users will experience a delayed delivery of their messages to their BlackBerry handheld devices, and messages pending to be sent from their BlackBerry handheld devices will be delivered or may need to be resent.

 
MySpace saw user engagement spike in January, according to the latest ComScore social networking metrics, with users spending an average of 204 minutes on the site for the month, (an increase of almost 14% from Dec.)  Facebook‘s unique visitors fell 2.3% from December and are more or less flat since August, with users spending an average of 172.1 minutes on the site last month.
 

 
Former Managing Director of Sam Zell’s Equity Group Investments Mark Sotir will replace Tribune Interactive President Tim Landon on an interim basis. He will report to Randy Michaels, CEO of Broadcasting and Interactive for Tribune.
 
Lifetime Networks named former Disney and ESPN Media Networks executive Lori Conkling as EVP/Distribution, overseeing the Lifetime, Lifetime Movie Network and Lifetime Real Women standard and high def networks as well as Lifetime VOD and Lifetime Movie Network en Espanol on demand. She reports to Andrea Wong, Lifetime President and CEO.
 
Damon Phillips was hired by ESPN as VP of its broadband sports network ESPN360.com. The former outside linebacker for The Stanford Cardinals and founder of SportsTVinsider.com will be based in Bristol, Conn and report to John Zehr, SVP/Digital Media Production and John Papa, VP/Strategic Program Planning.
 
TVGuide Network appointed Timothy Russell as VP/National Ad Sales, overseeing TV Guide Network, TV Guide Broadband, TV Guide On-Demand and Gemstar-TV Guide’s interactive programming guide. Timothy worked previously for the Tennis Channel and Turner Broadcasting Sales.
 
Don Scotti and Joe Takats founded Sweet Spot Productions as a Hollywood-based marketing agency specializing in producing film trailers, teasers, TV and radio spots, webisodes and cross-platform/new media marketing.
 

 
Oscar season for cinefiles usually brings to mind all the films left off the ballots. One of the more progressive film-themed sites is Spout.com, more or less a social networking site for indie filmmakers and fans that exists as a blog, a podcast and a platform for watching movies and trailers online. Butterknife, launched on Jan. 28 by New York filmmaker Joe Swanberg, is the site’s latest achievement. It is a quirky web drama about a private investigator and his wife’s personal life played by emerging filmmakers Ronald Bronstein and Mary Bronstein. Think of it as Ze Frank meets 8 mm.

Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
02.12.08

Cynopsis Digital Ad Sales: Jason Cesare 732-718-0629 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]

Cynopsis website – Video Resumes, Extended Classified Ads, Archives, and the Cynopsis Daily Video

CableU – Know Networks Better. Pitch Smarter. Click here

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

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC (3)/Ent. Studios, Inc/NY, LA, CHIC:. Motivated sales talent to mng station sales in first-run TV synd. Strong leaders w/ except’l presentation skills. Time mngmnt & exc PC skills a must. Res to: [email protected] (2/19)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASST/Comcast Nets/NY:  Support AEs w/daily sales activities. Det oriented, MS Office, time mgmt, math skills & Bachelor’s req’d.  EOE/AA/Drug Free. Apply at www.comcast.com job req 59701BR (2/19)

JOB OPENING: REGIONAL COORDINATOR /LIFETIME NY: Support the sales efforts of the Distribution and Field Marketing staff and service our affiliated cable systems. Apply at:  http://www.mylifetime.com/about/jobs.html (2/19)

JOB OPENING: DIR MKTG/G4: 5+ yrs media mktg exp; track record of successful cmpg launches; highly strat & creative pers; exc writing skills; resp for media plans across all platforms (G4’s & bought media) [email protected] (2/19)

JOB OPENING: MEDIA MGR/Nat Geo/DC: Manage media/assets in media/content mgmt environment. 3-5 yrs cable or TV database system mgmt exp. Please apply at www.foxcareers.com (FNG10835). (2/19)

JOB OPENING: MGR, PROMOTIONS/WALT DISNEY INTERNET GROUP/LA: 3+ years marketing/promo exp; track record translating markgt & promo objec. Apply at: www.disneycareers.com and search on JOB ID#: 137078 (2/19)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR PROGRAMMING/DIY/KNOXVILLE: Manage all aspects of commissioned programs. Strong writing & story editing skills a must, reality TV exp a+. 3 yrs TV prod exp at major cable net req’d. www.scrippsnetworks.com   (2/19)

JOB OPENING: NAT SLS ASST/UNIVISION COMM/NY: Support AE’s & act as liaison w/ stations & clients. Must be highly orgzd, det oriented, & exc comm skills. Word, Excel, PP & Donovan skills req’d. Res: [email protected] EOE (2/19)

JOB OPENING: AUDIENCE DEV. DIRECTOR/ LIFETIME TV NY: provide strategic direction and consulting, for performance-based campaign management, optimization, and ROI. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html  (2/19)

JOB OPENING:  AE AD SALES/The Hotel Networks/NY/LA/Chi: Establ & grow ad sls rev. Send res to: [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  SVP AD SALES/The Hotel Networks/NY/LA/Chi: Grow nat’l ad sales rev. Bld prtnrshps w/ clnts & agencies.  Send res to: [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  SALES PLANNER AD SALES/The Hotel Networks/NY: Support sales team. Send Res to:  [email protected] (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  AD SALES MARKETING COORDINATOR/Hallmark Channel/NY: Support Ad Sales Marketing dept. Min. 1 yr. exp in TV Marketing, Sales or Media. See full posting and apply at www.hallmarkchannel.com (2/16)

JOB OPENING:  RESEARCH INTERNSHIP/Hallmark Channel/LA: Learn about cable television, ratings and programming. Must take for class credit. Available now! Email resume to [email protected] (2/16)

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]   (2/16)

JOB OPENING: PROD MGR/Discovery/MD: 5 yrs prod exp. Knwlg AICP/AICE bids. Knwlg post prod. process incl. technically/logistically. Exc negotiation, multi task, att to detail. Strong PC skills. Apply: www.discovery.com req# 7589  (2/16)

JOB OPENING: POST PROD COORD/Discovery/MD: 3 yrs media environ. Knowledge of programming, editing, digitizing, billing/budgets. Excellent multi task, problem solving skills. Strong comp skills.  Apply: www.discovery.com req # 7576  (2/16)

JOB OPENING: MANAGER, FINANCE/PBS KIDS SPROUT/Comcast/PHILA.: Looking for your next opp? Have a solid understanding of accounting/budgeting/forecasting and systems? Take next step in career! www.comcastcareers.com (2/16)

JOB OPENING: BRDCST BUSINESS ANALYST/NYC: Exp writing use cases &test cases. Media Knwldg 5-7 yrs. Traffic systems exp. is a +. Exp. on integration projects like integration to sales systems is a +. Respond to: [email protected] (2/15)

JOB OPENING: EXEC DIRECTOR NEWS RESEARCH/ABC: Design & conduct strategic research on new programming initiatives & new platforms, develop RFP’s. Apply to: www.disneycareers.com Req 141309. EOE (2/15)

JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNERS/Discovery Communications/NYC: Support Account Execs developing proposals and presentations. Strong communicator. Exp with research, advertising, acct mgmnt. Apply: www.discovery.com , Req#7604 (2/15)
        
JOB OPENING: DIR/AD SALES MKTG (2)/HGTV/NY&KNOX: Dvlp & implement added value sales promotions & Upfront materials, provide support to the National Ad Sales Reps. 5-8 yrs sales promotions req’d. Apply at SCRIPPSNETWORKS.COM (2/15)

JOB OPENING: MGR DIGITAL RSRCH/Disney ABC Media Networks:Rsrch, design, execute, analyze & present findings. Incls ongoing testing of pricing, platform usability, short & long-form. Apply: www.disneycareers.com Req142207 EOE (2/15)

JOB OPENING:  MARKET & MEDIA RESEARCH A.E./NASCAR/Char NC: Sports ratings analysis, market/consumer research, industry wide decision support. Nielsen, NPower & Galaxy a plus; BS w/min 4 yrs. Exp;  www.employment.nascar.com EOE (2/14)

JOB OPENING:  HR MGR/LA: Provide direct HR support to client groups located in the LA reg’l office; incl’g TLC, Ad Sales, Affil Sales, Bus. Dvlpmnt, & Prod Mngmnt. Apply: http://corporate.discovery.com/careers/careers.html Job 7216 (2/14)

JOB OPENING:  EXEC PROD + SR. PROD/NYC:  Branded Ent. Production House filling 2 positions: both need strong web and film or video production, plus budgeting and scheduling skills and great, creative personality. [email protected] (2/14)

JOB OPENING:  DIGITAL RSRCH ANALYST/NBCU, NY: Analyze internal & 3rd party online data to support mktg & sales for Oxygen/ Bravo properties. BA/BS, 2+ yrs exp in media, familiar w/Omniture a plus. www.nbcunicareers.com #784838(2/14)

JOB OPENING:  MKTG COORD/Lightworks/NYC: Asst mktg dir in creation/mgmt of all materials-incl. trade shows, ads, pr, sales dvlpt, website & e-blasts. 1-2 yrs exp.Organized. Strong Writer. Apply: [email protected] (2/14)

JOB OPENING:  SR DIR/VP Digital Media Assets/AETN Stamford, CT:  Create, drive, execute strategies to efficiently develop media mgt priorities. apply: www.aetn.com (2/14)

JOB OPENING:  TRAVEL ACCT EXECS/Discovery/NYC: Sell nat’l TV or interactive ads for Travel Channel. Manage & dev. growing business. Strong communicator. Solutions sales exp. Apply: www.discovery.com Req #7513/# 7334 (2/13)

JOB OPENING:  SERIES PRODUCER/NYC: Oversee prod of a children’s animated series, inc. mng day-to-day opers, guide creative dir, & ensure that prjt adheres to sched/budget. ANIMATION EXP A MUST. Apply: [email protected] (2/13)

JOB OPENING:  VP, DIGITAL MEDIA MKTG/NYC/Brdcstg Co: Strategic multiplatform exp: series websites, ecom, wireless, online,mktg/adv/branding tactics. Sal: six figures. Resume to: [email protected]   (2/13)

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 INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:   PRGRM DVLPMNT & ACQUISITIONS INTERN/Boston: Support prgrm dvlpmnt & acquisitions area of NESN. For college credit. For full description see NESN.com. Send resume:  [email protected] “Prog Devel Intern” in subject line. (2/16)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:   PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN/WE Tv/NY: Opportunity to learn the mechanics of a major cable network TV comm dept by working w/ the publicists & participate in its daily ops.  Send resume to [email protected] (2/16)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: PR /NYC: Boutique agency (kids TV, toys, CE, licensing) seeks smart, mature, highly-organized, communications-oriented intern. College JRs or SRs only. Apply to [email protected]  (2/13)

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

SITUATION WANTED:  SEASONED PROFESSIONAL SPECIAL EFFECTS MAKEUP ARTIST:Offering all services ranging from simple cut and bruise makeups to custom prosthetic work and lifecasting. Contact [email protected] (2/14)

SITUATION WANTED:  MEDIA PLANNING/Los Angeles Full Time/Freelance: 10+ yrs exp. Experience-General Market and Hispanic. Works independently or manages staff. Large and small agency exp. [email protected]  (2/13)

SITUATION WANTED:  20+ yrs exp in sales, marketing, strategic planning, brand mgmt, product development and marketing.  [email protected] (2/13)

SITUATION WANTED:  SHOWRUNNER/FIELD PRODUCER/ DIRECTOR: Docusoap, Comedy, Makeover, Lifestyle Infotainment,Feature Doc formats. Resonant leader, excellent writer/director, creative, always on time and on budget. [email protected] (2/13)

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.