Cynopsis: DIGITAL
7/10/07
Good Morning, it’s Tuesday, July 10 2007 and this is your first early morning digital briefing. And as a quick reminder – Cynopsis is on vacation all next week, no editions, no emails, no phone calls from us. Hard to believe, eh? But we’ll be back on the 23rd, just as if this little break never happened.
Nielsen Media Research is expected to announce today it will no longer base web rankings on page views. Instead the firm will begin tracking how long users spend on each site – a much more relevant metric to advertisers given how meaningless the page view stat has become. Online publishers have long pumped up their page view numbers by spreading news stories across three to four web pages. The widespread use of Ajax script – the JavaScript-based technique which automatically refreshes web pages – also inflates this metric. The change should give even more weight to social networking sites such as Facebook, whose users spend far more time on average than on traditional media sites.
ABC is bringing back interactive game show Bingo Night for a five-night run in December, partly because it was so successful in driving traffic to ABC.com, according to Broadcasting and Cable. More than 22 million Bingo cards were downloaded during the show’s run as the site doubled its unique users in May from the previous year to more than 14.6 million, finishing atop of MediaMetrix and Nielsen’s list of entertainment TV sites for the month. The show only averaged a 1.4/5 share rating in the 18-49 demo during its initial run.
CBS‘s Last.fm signed a global distribution deal with Sony BMG, giving it the rights to carry music from three of the four major labels. Last.fm’s recommendation system points users in new directions based on musical tastes of their “neighbors” (users who tend to listen to similar kinds of music.)
MTV Networks struck partnerships with major labels for its video remixer, which allows users to create legal mashups from the music videos of participating artists including RCA/Sony BMG’s Kelly Clarkson and Geffen’s Nelly Furtado. The remixer, originally launched on June 5, utilizes Adobe Premiere Express remix and editing technology, which runs directly through the web browser.
CBSNews.com will launch new Campaign ’08 coverage in the coming months including “Pure Horserace”, a daily wrap up and email blast, “Poll Position,” a weekly column and CBS Radio News podcast and daily video blogs from CBS News reporters. Interactive tools allowing viewers to engage in active debates and dialogues will also play a prominent role.
Disney plans to switch online gaming site Toontown from a subscription model to an ad-supported one, according to Mediaweek. Disney Online has been charging users $9.95/month to access unlimited game titles since it launched 4 years ago. The company is currently negotiating with advertisers and is already beta testing a free version of the site.
Univision and Caress unveiled an interactive novella allowing viewers to choose between two alternative endings to the saga in which the body oil plays a key element in the plot. Mi Adorada Malena will be the first novella to air full episodes on Univison.com beginning today. One new episode will premiere each week for the next six weeks.
TV Guide will cover this month’s TCA tour with on air interviews, magazine coverage and daily blogs and video clips from writers Matt Roush, Michael Ausiello and Stephen Battaglio.
Airborne Entertainment will create ringtones, ringbacks and over-the-air downloads for Wind-Up Records, with plans to develop additional mobile applications and products. Wind-Up licensed its catalog to Verizon’s V Cast music service last month.
Transformers director Michael Bay and producer Don Murphy tapped online message boards to get a feel for what fans might like when the film was in the planning stages, according to CNET’s News.com. Don Murphy has been moderating an ongoing discussion on his personal website that peers behind the scenes into some of the politics involved in making the blockbuster, which grossed over $150 million in its first week in the U.S. (including a record $65.7 million on 4th of July.)
Joost struck an agreement with MTV Networks to give the P2P service exclusive rights to deliver the entire 8-episode season of VH1’s new scripted comedy series I Hate My 30s on July 16, a full 10 days before its scheduled on air premiere. The episodes will be ad supported. MTV parent Viacom is a key content partner and minority shareholder in Joost.
Online gaming company Trion World Network received $30 million in second round funding led by Bertlsmann, NBC Universal and Time Warner, reports Variety. The firm was founded last year by former EA executive Lars Buttler and game designer Jon Van Caneghem to use broadband networks to distribute games episodically.
Mobile entertainment company Limbo 41414 unveiled a new service that will allow media companies and mobile carriers continue to run SMS sweepstakes in the wake of recent class actions suits that have classified such promotions as illegal gambling. The “Limbo Loot” program will award loyalty points to winners instead of cash, which in turn can be exchanged for products and services. SMS sweeps had become big business for producers of shows such as Deal or No Deal, charging users $1 or more to enter.
Google agreed to acquire email services company Postini for $625 million in cash. Postini provides spam filters, encryption and other email security services to businesses. The deal will add even more tools to the Google Apps toolbelt, which already includes word processing, spreadsheets and email programs offered as free alternatives to Microsoft’s Office suite.
Sony announced it is officially lowering the price of its 60GB PlayStation 3 console from $599 to $499, in time for the stripped down E3 gaming convention in L.A. this week. Beginning in August, a new 80GB model will retail for $599, including a free copy of the hit racing game MotorStorm. The PS3, originally launched in November, was outsold 4 to 1 in May by Nintendo’s Wii and almost 2 to 1 by Microsoft’s Xbox 360 according to the NPD Group.
Internet network provider CenturyTel formed a partnership with MobiTV to allow CenturyTel subscribers to view the mobile entertainment service’s 24 video channels through any broadband connected PC. MobiTV operates 24/7 channels from several programmers including The Weather Channel, A&E and Oxygen.
Twentieth Century Fox is getting into the swing of using web 2.0 techniques to promote The Simpsons Movie. Fox launched a feature on The Simpsons Movie site allowing users to create their own Simpsons avatar. The studio is sponsoring a user generated contest with USAToday.com in the 15 towns across the U.S. named Springfield to see which city gets to host the movie’s premiere. A partnership with JetBlue also has Montgomery Burns taking over CEO David Neelesman’s blog.
Internet measurement site Quantcast added video and widget measurement services to report on usage of Flash-based media including casual games, videos and widgets. The services are available for free to publishers who join the company’s Qualified Publisher Program and agree to have their sites tracked.
TV watching still consumes half of US teen and adult leisure time despite ever increasing options, according to new US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics report. TV watching far outstripped game playing and computer use even by 15-19 year olds, who averaged 1.96 hours viewing TV during the week compared to .69 hours spent using a PC or gaming console.
Michael Aaronson was promoted to VP/Digital Platforms for NBC Universal Digital Distribution, responsible for supporting new media initiatives and distribution. Additionally Charlie Tiersch joined the company as Director of Digital Business Development, focusing on extending distribution of NBCU brands and content. Keith Eich was added as Director of Digital Platforms-Operations, overseeing operational strategy across new platforms. Finally, Stacy Melle will add TV marketing ad promotions across NBCU’s digital platforms to her existing responsibilities as VP/Marketing for Digital Distribution.
Daniel Sachar was named to the newly created position of Director/Digital Media for iN Demand Networks. He will be charged with managing the company’s expansion into new digital content platforms reporting to Mark Boccardi, Director, Programming and Product Development.
Beth Higbee will switch titles from SVP/Scripps Networks Interactive to SVP/GM of Emerging Ventures for the company, overseeing new business development for FoodNetwork.com, FineLiving.com and GACTV.com. She will report to Ron Feinbaum who was named EVP/New Business Development in January.
Univision Online Inc. named Byron Elton as SVP/Ad Sales. He was previously Regional Vice President at AOL Media Networks and served in the company for over 7 years. Byron will report to Javier Saralegui, Univision Online’s President, and will be based in New York City.
Toronto-based Gorilla Nation added three new executives to its online sales group. Michael Giles and Michael DiGiovanni join as Account Executives, both with extensive experience in interactive media. Asif Din was also hired as Media Planner, formerly of Sandbox Communications and Starcom Worldwide.
Now that Baseball season is half over it may be time for fantasy players to retool their line-ups. NFL fantasy draft season is also right around the corner. FantasyPlayers.com launched a resourceful site for fantasy gamers compiling video coverage, player rankings, news and analysis from many of the leading online fantasy news sources, including KFFL, MVN and RotoNation. It aggregates content from more than 50 NFL, MLB and NBA-focused sites in all.
A new website will be featured here everyday for you to check out. Some are TV-centric, some creative, some just plain strange, but all have something to do with this crazy business. Email me your suggestions at [email protected] and if I include the site you mention, your name, company and city will be credited. Only one mention per calendar week, to make it fair.
Correction : Yesterday’s chart of video sites listed “minutes per visit” in the third column rather than “minutes per visitor”, representing their entire month of usage. We regret the error.
Later — Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digitals
07.10.07
Cynopsis Ad Sales: Mark Bohn- 203-583-1224 / [email protected]
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
JOB OPENING: DIR DIGITAL MEDIA AD SALES-NBC UNI/NY: Assist and increase sales across NBC Universal properties. Degree w/ min 5 yrs related exp. www.nbcjobs.com keyword job#598623 (7/24)
JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES MARKETING-NBC UNI/NY:Marketing and increasing multi-platform sales for Bravo. Degree w/ min 5 yrs related exp. www.nbcjobs.com keyword job#608413 (7/24)
JOB OPENING: DIR, INTEGRATED MKTG & PROMOTIONS/ABC Family, Devlpmnt & execution of multi platform mktg programs, Mgmnt of RFP process & Promo Bdgt,BA, 5-7 Yrs Exp, MS Office, Photoshop, MRI & CMR www.disneycareers.com Req# 73810 (7/24)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH FREELANCER/ LIFETIME TV NY: short-term engagement, 3-5 days per week. Must have 3+ years experience with Nielsen N-Power. Apply at: http://www.lifetimetv.com/about/jobs.html (7/24)
JOB OPENING: US DIR OF FINANCE & PROD ACCT’G/Chorion Silver Lining, Inc/NY: Oversee acct’g & reporting function in the US, prod accounting along w/corp oversight. Animation exp pref’d. Res/cvr ltr: [email protected] (7/14)
JOB OPENING: LINE PRODUCER/Chorion Silver Lining, Inc/NY: experienced line producer for animated children’s series. Email resume and cover letter to [email protected] (7/14)
JOB OPENING: MARATHON MEDIA/SANTA MONICA. For a PRINT MEDIA BUYER/PLANNER w/1-2 years exp. E-mail resume: [email protected] (7/14)
JOB OPENING: MARATHON MEDIA/SANTA MONICA. For an ONLINE BUYER/PLANNER w/1-2 years exp. E-mail resume: [email protected] (7/14)
JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC/WorldLink NY: Sell Nat’l Cable advertising for general market, direct to clients/agencies and dvlp new business. Nat’l cable exp min 2+ yrs in sales. Resume: [email protected] (7/14)
JOB OPENING: MKTG/SALES PROMO COORD/Fox/NY:dvlp & execute sponsor partnerships (in-show integration, promotions, events) for FOX reality programming incl American Idol; 2+ yrs ad sales mktg or agency exp pref; www.foxcareers.com (7/14)
JOB OPENING: SPONSORSHIP SPECIALIST-DISCOVERY LA: Mge devel & fulfill of Ad Sales Sponsorships on TLC/DSC/HOME. Support Mgr in execution of integrated mktg Sponsor. 3-5 yrs mktg/agency/prod exp. Apply: www.Discovery.com (req #5464) (7/14)
JOB OPENING: GROUP BUYING DIR/Spot TV-Active Int’l /Pearl River NY (15 miles NYC): 10 Exp+. in Supervising/Buying TV. Strong negotiating, operations & team bldg skills req’d. [email protected] 845-732-8943 (7/28)
JOB OPENING: SR. NEGOTIATOR/National Broadcast/Pearl River NY(15 miles NYC): Exp in all areas of Nat’l Broadcast placement. Strong analytical & presentation skills req’d. Resume: [email protected] or call 845 732-8943 (7/28)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER: CBS is looking for a Sales Planner in our W/C Sales office. Interested candidates should apply online at www.cbscareers.com and reference job 2120. CBS is EOE. (7/14)
JOB OPENING: MARKETING ANALYST/News/NY: Must have BA & 5 years exp. at agency; Responsibilities: Analyze spending patterns; develop/execute promotional concepts; run SMRB/MRI data. Apply: www.nbcunicareers.com #604969 (7/14)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, DIGITAL MEDIA ASSET MGT/Stamford, CT: Create, drive, execute strategies for media inventory management. Exp with media flex preferred. Apply www.aetn.com (7/12)
JOB OPENING: SR ANLYST TV RSRCH/Disney*ABC/LA: Pgm analysis and syndie research. 2+ yrs. exp. at a studio/distributor. Knwldg Galaxy Explorer, WRAP Overnights/Sweeps, Word Excel PowerPoint. Apply www.disneycareers.com REQ 94668 (7/12)
JOB OPENING: PROD ASST/NY: Inside Edition, NY based nationally syndicated newsmagazine seeks orgz’d, outgoing PA w/opp to grow. FT position to assist daily operations of the on-air promotion dept. Apply: [email protected] (7/12)
JOB OPENING: EXP WRITER/PROD/ Rachael Ray/NY: Syn talk show seeks promo prod w/exc writing skills & strong conceptualizing ability for topical promo prod. Strong org skills & 5-10+ yrs in TV promo prod. [email protected]. (7/12)
JOB OPENING: PROMO EDITOR/Rachael Ray/NY: Syn talk show seeks exp avid editor w/ 5-10 yrs in TV.Ideal cand. is creative, conscientious, team player, works well under pressure, & has a good ear for music. [email protected] (7/12)
JOB OPENING: NEW BUSINESS SALES/ WRNN-TV in NY: needs salesperson 4 new business initiatives 4 both tv & online.Must have exp. selling media to agencies & direct business.E-mail resume AND SALARY REQ. to [email protected]. (7/12)
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL AE/History/A&E Chicago: Sell digital advertising solutions to clients/agencies. Dvlp new business. Client service and acct mgmt. 4 yrs in sales -min 2 yrs digital sales. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (7/12)
JOB OPENING: REGN’L ACCT DIR/Screenvision/Chicago: Dvlp/present/sell integrated in-theatre advrtsng & media prgrm campaigns to regn’l clients. 3+yrs selling media advrtsng exp. BA equiv work exp. Apply at www.screenvision.com (7/11)
JOB OPENING: ACCT MGR-Nat’l Sales/Detroit, MI: BET-Cable salesperson w/strong presentation skills. Comfortable w/multi-platform & integrated opps. Sales/agency exp. req’d. Email: [email protected] (7/11)
JOB OPENING: VP, AFF. FINANCE/MTVN/NY: Lead a large team responsible for managing affiliate revenue recognition, A/R & subscriber reconciliation. 10+ yrs required & Degree in Finance/Accting. www.mtvncareers.com . EOE/M/F/D/AAP (7/11)
JOB OPENING: SR MGR/SpikeTV-Research & Planning/NYC: Gather/interpret ratings data & assemble research findings. 4-5yrs TV exp. Strong analytical/numeric skills & knowledge of Nielsen systems. EOE/M/F/D/AAP www.mtvncareers.com (7/11)
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL MEDIA AE/WCCO-TV/Mpls, MN: Sell digital advertising to clients/agencies, dvlp new business for CBS O&O. Client service and acct mgmt for online/wireless/all media. 2+ yrs online exp. Apply www.wcco.com/jobs (7/11)
SUMMER 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] .
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SALES ASST, ADV SALES DEPT, ELMSFORD NY: Input orders for Acct Execs, search cable network websites for prog & promo info, power point presentations. If interested please email resume to [email protected] (7/24)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: NY INTERCONNECT-TRAFFIC COORD/JERICHO NY: Intern will learn the fundamental aspects involved w/ trafficking TV commercials. Visit www.cablevision.jobs req id 3189 for more details. (7/24)
SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED …
SITUATION WANTED: FILM APOC or POC– 10+ yrs exp. as TV Line Producer/Prod Mgr. switching to film seeks APOC or POC position. Recent work on major studio feature film. LA based. Please contact: [email protected] (7/14)
SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER LA: Former NBC producer avail. for freelance or staff basis. 5+ yrs of Entertainment Industry exp, including field/studio directing, writing, daily live-brdcst, & reality. Contact: [email protected] (7/13)
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] (7/11)
SITUATION WANTED: TV DEVELOPMENT/CREATIVE/PRODUCER/Los Angeles: seeking consulting or staff position. 15 yrs experience in show development, promo/trailer/EPK producing. www.daviddaigle.com
[email protected] (7/11)
E-mail Trish Pihonak for rates and specs for Job Openings.
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