CYNOPSIS EVENTS AT NATPE 2009

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Cynopsis: DIGITAL

01/27/09

Good morning, it’s Tuesday, January 27, 2009, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. 

Netflix proved to be a safe haven in a bad economy. It ended the quarter with 9.4 million subscribers, reporting a 45% rise in Q4 profit on revenue of $359.6 million and income of $22.7 million. Netflix attributed higher profit to reduced subscriber acquisition costs, paying $26.67 to acquire each subscriber last quarter, down from $34.58 a year earlier. The company added a net 718,000 subs compared to an increase of 451,000 for the same period of 2007. During the company’s earnings call CEO Reed Hastings claimed that “millions” were watching the company’s Watch Instantly online streaming service and that the company will continue to pour investment into the product.
 

 
First it helped facilitate the most popular destination to view the President Obama’s Inauguration. Now Facebook is being utilized to launch Lil Wayne’s next album “Rebirth.” The social network will feature a live worldwide performance of the rapper’s new single “Prom Queen,” on two AT&T pages beginning this morning at 9:40 PST, streamed live on both AT&T’s Freedom of Choice page as well as its Mobile Music page. Fans will be able to purchase ringtones or mp3s of the full track following the performance. Lil Wayne is the logic choice for the experiment; he sold more ringtones than any other artists last year on the AT&T network and attracted more visitors to his Facebook page than any other artist.
 
The Disney/ABC Television Group, ESPN and Verizon announced a deal to offer a broader selection of programming to Verizon Wireless VCast and mobile web customers. The agreement covers mobile distribution of on-demand, full-length episodes to VCast Video, complementing existing short-form content already available from ABC and ESPN. Full-length programs now available include Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy, Lost and Ugly Betty from ABC; Nightline, This Week with George Stephanopoulos and 20/20 from ABC News; and Hannah Montana, The Suite Life on Deck and Phineas and Ferb from Disney Channel.
 
Is John Waters, who presented his camp classic Polyester back in 1981 in “Odorama,” reading this? Hearst Magazine Digital Media has partnered with fragrance guru Michael Edwards to launch an online Fragrance Finder that will appear prominently throughout Hearst sites including Cosmopolitan.com, Esquire.com, Seventeen.com and Cosmogirl.com. Visitors will be able to explore and interact with different scents, get recommendations based on personal preferences determined through a “scent quiz” and learn about the scents that celebrities are wearing.
 

Video indexing firm Digitalsmiths announced it received a new strategic investment of an undisclosed amount from Cisco, adding to the $12 million series B round of financing it recently completed led by .406 Ventures. The deal came about due to interest from the Cisco Media Solutions Group, which unveiled the general availability of its Eos media platform at CES earlier this month.
 
Popular wedding site TheKnot acquired WedSnap, developer of Weddingbook, the leading wedding app on the Facebook Platform.

 
Both sales volume and online CPMs are down significantly in the display ad market according to an informal survey of publishers and advertisers conducted by Ad Age. The low end of the ad market – the kind of products aggregated by remnant ad networks – continue to drag down the rest of the market as the average CPM on ad networks has dropped from $1.10 to only 60 cents/thousand impressions.
 
MTV Networks introduced a new comedic ad network vertical built around ComedyCentral.com with popular video greeting card site JibJab, which signed an exclusive ad repping agreement with MTVN, among its charter members.
 
TBS is launching a new microseries on Jan. 28 to promote Chevy’s new Traverse Crossover SUV. “My Manny,” starring Elise Neal (Hustle & Flow), Alana Ubach (Jekyll) and Sharif Atkins (ER) will roll out as two 2-minute episodes each week within specialized commercial breaks during Tyler Perry’s House of Payne. The episodes will also encore at tbs.com. 
 

 
The day after its annual awards ceremony the Screen Actors Guild board moved yesterday to oust Doug Allen as National Executive Director and dissolve the current negotiating committee. A majority of directors issued a statement authorizing that Allen be immediately replaced by former SAG General Counsel David White, who will serve as interim NED. Guild Senior Advisor John T. McGuire is named as Chief Negotiator of all SAG contracts and the TV/Theatrical Contract Negotiating Committee is to be replaced by a Taskforce which will complete negotiations on behalf of the Board of Directors. 
 
eBay has signaled its intent to sell its Skype internet telephone division after reporting weak Q4 profit, reports The Times (UK.) The auction site acquired Skype 4 years ago for a princely sum of $2.6 billion but has struggled to effectively monetize its massive subscriber base.
 
The New York Times Co. and GateHouse Media settled a copyright infringement suit filed last month, per the AP. GateHouse Media filed the suit after The Boston Globe’s “Your Town” sites began posting headlines and leads and hyperlinking to GateHouse’s “Wicked Local” sites.  
 
After losing some 1.3 million subscribers during Q3 Sprint Nextel announced it is preparing to eliminate some 8,000 workers or 14.3% of its workforce by the end of March (the same month that Palm is rumored to introduce its new Pre smartphone on the Sprint network.)
 
ITV software developer Zodiac Interactive and Alticast announced they will bundle the Zodiac PowerUp suite for tru2way technology with the Alticast AltiCaptor middleware solution, enabling MSOs to deliver interactive services and applications via Cisco/Scientific-Atlanta tru2way set-top boxes.
 

 
Nielsen Online announced it will launch a new program entitled S.M.A.R.T. (Social Media & Advocacy Round-Table) next month for clients looking to leverage social media within their organizations. The program will facilitate client-to-client interaction and learning around digital, social media, and “brand advocacy” strategies.
 
Affine Systems and TVbytheNumbers.com have completed their Alpha testing of Affine’s new broadcast measurement page, utilizing the image recognition technology it uses to scan videos online. The company collects data by examining videos on YouTube for network logos, personalities or visually distinct objects to determine their probable owner outside of official channels. The companies released analysis on relative viewership between the top 8 News networks, both broadcast and cable, for content on YouTube. CNN led all comers in terms of uploads for the week ending 1/24/09 while ABC garners the most views of any news outlets.
 
YouTube uploads for the week ending 2009-01-24
1. CNN (205)
2. Fox News (196)
3. MSNBC (132)
4. ABC (125)
5. CBS (54)
6. CNBC (39)
 
YouTube views for the week ending 2009-01-24
1. ABC (780,302)
2. CNN (602,095)
3. MSNBC (544,343)
4. Fox News (470,993)
5. CNBC (106,257)
6. CBS (65,208)
7. AP (1,063)
Source: Affine Systems
 

 
Anyone who has traveled to Japan recently has no doubt seen folks wave their mobile phone over an infrared reader to pay for purchases such as train tickets or convenience store items. While the system caught on relatively quickly in Japan, where NTT’s DoCoMo was able to leverage its dominant market position to get financial institutions and cell phone vendors to cooperate, don’t expect to see it anytime soon in the U.S., reports the New York Times. Near Field Communication (N.F.C.) technology adoption in the U.S. being bogged down by issues regarding who pays for the rollout of the systems and how revenues from interest and fees will be shared.
 
Novice dancers can now bone up on their moves using a new Ballroom Dancing app for the iPhone. The app features content from ballroomdancechannel.com such as video instruction from Dancing with the Stars pro Tony Dovolani.
 

 
Tribune Co. hired Don Meek as President of National Media Sales for Interactive and Publishing. He will oversee all national and cross-platform sales for Tribune’s interactive and publishing divisions, as well Tribune Media Net, Tribune 365 and sales development.
 
RooftopComedy named longtime marketing executive Alex Zelikovsky, as Chief Operating Officer. Alex, former co-founder and COO of Baker Street Solutions, will be based in the company’s San Francisco headquarters and report to CEO Will C. Rogers.
 
David Allen joined Comcast’s GolfChannel.com as Editor, Instruction and Equipment.
 

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Amid a time of unprecedented cutbacks in media, guy-flavored video portal Break.com is announcing a major push into the original production space today. The company is launching a formal production “Creative Lab” led by Stuff Magazine veteran Jonathan Small, VP of Creative Lab and Editorial, and Broken Lizard’s Tara Leone, VP, Production and Distribution – 2 of 8 full-time employees who will help churn out more branded funny stuff. Break’s content may not be the headiest stuff known to man. But the company has had more success at monetizing its shows than many online video producers by adhering to a few hard and fast principles. First of all, everything Break does is dedicated to the young male demo so advertisers know exactly what they’re going to get with a Break project. The company launched or acquired a total of 7 new sites last year to help fill out the brand and expand its reach to 60 million uniques, and enhanced offerings by striking partnerships with many of the internet’s leading producers including Hulu, Howcast, Revision 3 and NextNewNetworks. Most important, Break has diligently done its part to solve the nascent industry’s monetization issues by: financing research into online video ad effectiveness, developing new products like its Movie Trailers channel built exclusively for the need of its sponsors and participating in crucial efforts to standardize measurement and metrics. Despite the doom and gloom now prevalent in the marketplace, Break CEO Keith Richman says these efforts should really begin to pay off this year as advertisers become more comfortable with the whole language that has grown up around the medium.

Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
01.27.09

Cynopsis Digital Ad Sales:
Chuck Bolkcom – 646-468-6180 / [email protected]
Mark Bohn- 203-583-1224 / [email protected] com
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    .

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JOB OPENING:  CNS-COORD, PRICING & PLAN’G/FL/Comcast: Coord intrnl sales process, track commercial inv. Work w/Dir. Pricing/Plan’g to support Ad Sales Plan’g Grp. Req 1 yr exp. Apply: www.ecentralmetrics.com/url/?u=882797847-23 EOE (2/3)

JOB OPENING:  DIGITAL ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/GSN, Santa Monica: 2 yrs + exp in Digital Space with strong digital agency contacts. Send resume + cover to [email protected]  (2/3)

JOB OPENING:  Dir, Mktg Solutions/G4: Develop brand integrations, added-value solutions, sponsorships for on-air / non-linear platforms; Strong ideation, PPT development, project mgmt skills a must. Apply: [email protected] (2/3)

JOB OPENING:  PROD COORD/Cable Company/NY: Provide admin support to Prog Execs/Mng invoice tracking & payment/Mng non-staff hire process/Assist w/ off-site prod needs for this major NY-based cable co.Resumes to: [email protected] (2/3)

JOB OPENING:   DIRECTOR/AD SALES MKTG/ HGTV/NY:   Manage projects such as sweepstakes/write sponsorship proposals & hospitality events w/in deadlines. Full details, http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/careers & select req 46 (1/31)

JOB OPENING: TEMP CREATIVE MANAGER/ION/NY: Lead NY based team in creating on air/ adv campaigns for ION TV. Oversee design/writers/production. 5 yrs exp in TV brdcst promotion/cr. service depts. [email protected] (1/30)

JOB OPENING: NEW BIZ ACCT EXEC/American Latino Synd/NY: Sell nat’l ads for 2 Synd TV shows & New Scripted Series, 2-5 yrs sales exp req. Fast growth opp in an entrepreneurial envir. Min. travel req. Info: www.americanlatino.tv/jobs (1/30)

JOB OPENING: Hallmark Channel/Studio City/FREELANCE PRODUCER & HOST: Create hosted entertainment pieces. Must write/produce/host See full posting and apply @ www.hallmarkchannel.com (1/28)

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] .

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Bowery Presents Media is looking for a DIGITAL SAVVY INTERN to help with production, marketing, & business development. Must have knowledge of the music business & social networks. Email: [email protected] (1/31)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY Central MA Tech-savvy intern wanted. Duties: research, copy edit, update website, & admin tasks. Work from home with occasional meetings at mutually convenient place. To apply, see info at www.rlfmedia.com/news (1/31)

SPRING INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: Scribble mats is looking for TWO CREATIVE INTERNS. Must be proficient in Illustrator and Photoshop and/or Flash, web experience is a plus. Contact Arlene at [email protected] to apply. www.scribblemats.com (1/30)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: A fast-paced boutique ent PR firm/NY: Seeks smart, hard-working & reliable self starter. Starts Jan thru spring semester &, possibly, beyond. Jr/Sr only. Resume/cover letter: [email protected] (1/29)

SPRING INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY: LICENSING INTERNS/Licensing Link, Ltd/NYC: Asst President as needed in daily licensing duties. Highly orgnzd & reliable; Must have skills in MS Word/Excel/Powerpoint. Contact: [email protected] (1/29)

SPRING INTERNSHIP/CREDITS ONLY:  INTERN / HGTV & DIY/UNPAID/COURSE CREDIT REQ/NY: Working with Ad Sales MKTG team on projects such as sweepstakes and sponsorships. Full details, http://www.scrippsnetworksinteractive.com/careers & select req 213 (1/29)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Premiere NYC-based agency is searching for Spring and Summer DIGITAL MARKETING & STRATEGY INTERNS: Must have interest in social networking. Contact [email protected] (1/28)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: NEW MEDIA/DIGITAL INTERNS/NBCU/NY: Asst New Media Manager w dig content, mktg & rsrch. Highly innovative & reliable Soph/Jrs/Srs; Excellent Word/PPT/Photoshop/HTML skills.Email [email protected] res & cvr ltr (1/28)

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:   Award winning On-Air / Off-Air CREATIVE DIRECTOR. 20 years network / cable experience. Innovative promotion, design, branding and strategy. Hard working, detail oriented, motivated, avail today. [email protected] (1/31)

SITUATION WANTED: PRINT/INTERACTIVE PROJECT MANAGER in LA. Diligent, efficient, & detail oriented. See http://www.linkedin.com/in/domanus. Open to FTE, Contract, short/long term gigs. Can work remotely as well. Contact [email protected] (1/31)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION ASSISTANT. I am experienced, hard-working, no drama, detail oriented, and ready to start immediately.  Please contact me at [email protected] (1/31)

SITUATION WANTED: Recent Harvard grad and FREELANCE WRITER will do pretty much anything involving words and writing them. Currently writing for a Gawker blog. Hard worker, strong writer, great bargain. (NYC) [email protected] (1/31)

SITUATION WANTED:   ADMIN/EXEC ASST (NYC): 22 years experience with top firm supporting VPs and assisting President. Microsoft Office skills. Worked under deadline. Multi-tasker/quick learner. [email protected] (1/31)

SITUATION WANTED: TONY NOM. B’WAY PROD/THEATRE CONSULT/ACQUIS. & DEV./NYC 30+ yrs exp. in theatre. Superb theatre/film/TV contacts seeks FT or Consulting Position w/Studio/Prod Co. looking for properties. Contact: [email protected] (1/30)

SITUATION WANTED: Well networked Sr. RECRUITER (LA base) w/10 yrs exp in online media & entertainment. (Yahoo! Disney, etc) Open to FTE, Contract, short term or long term gigs. Can work remotely as well. Contact [email protected] (1/30)

SITUATION WANTED: Professional SINGER & EXPERIENCED VOCAL TEACHER seeks voice students for expanding private studio in Nassau County, NY. All experience levels & musical styles welcome. For more info email: [email protected] (1/30)

SITUATION WANTED: SPONSORSHIP MARKETING/NY: Experience in evaluating and negotiating sponsorships and promotions. All media types- broadcast, outdoor, print, digital, mobile, hospitality, etc. Contact: [email protected] (1/29)

SITUATION WANTED: LIFESTYLE SEGMENT PRODUCER/DESIGNER: Produce /design lifestyle segments for NBC, ABC, Disney, E!, Martha Stewart Living, and Turner Classic Movies.SAG Member [email protected]  / www.andrewpaulbinder.com (1/29)

SITUATION WANTED:POWER COPYWRITERS– headed up by former broadcast network player,specializing in tv promos & taglines. Credits from Fortune 500 entertainment companies. [email protected] (1/29)

SITUATION WANTED: A WRITER’S WRITER! Not a prod./dir./ed.-turned-writer-b/c-of-the-economy! Written: MTV scripts, nat’l print ads (Pepsi, X-Box), & for NY Post, RS, Vibe. Gen. X, smart, witty, bi-lingual. [email protected] (1/28)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/DIRECTOR (NY) Ultra-creative, award winning, all formats, all genres, all major networks and major cable.  Fast, frugal and fun! [email protected] (1/28)

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] (1/28)

SITUATION WANTED: DOCUMENTARY PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Credits include National Geographic, PBS, Discovery, History Channel, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (1/28)

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

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