Cynopsis: DIGITAL
03/23/10
Good morning, it’s Tuesday, March 23, 2010, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.
Google announced it is shuttering its China-based Google.cn search site but the company has developed a work around to continue to serve Chinese users. Google will redirect Mainland Chinese users to the uncensored version of Google Search, Google News, and Google Images based in the more democratic-leaning Hong Kong. The company says it will also retain much of its existing operations in the mainland, including R&D and local sales personnel. “We want as many people in the world as possible to have access to our services, including users in mainland China, yet the Chinese government has been crystal clear throughout our discussions that self-censorship is a non-negotiable legal requirement,” explained David Drummond, SVP, Corporate Development and Chief Legal Officer in a blog post to describe the move.
The New York Times introduced a new daily video podcast called TimesCast summarizing the news of the day and providing insight into how the paper chooses these stories. Posted to NYTimes.com and the Times’ mobile site each day at 1 p.m. ET, the ad-supported videos feature a behind-the-scenes peek inside the newsroom that should appeal to folks who’d like a little insight into how the fish-wrap is made. For now, the paper is not allowing the video to be embedded.
In honor of the U.N.’s World Water Day yesterday National Geographic is offering a free download of a special interactive version of the April issue from March 22 through April 2 at natgeofreshwater.com. Meanwhile, Nat Geo TV is gearing up for 25th anniversary of Explorer with a minisite and a 2-hour special hosted by Lisa Ling premiering April 19 at 9 pm.
AMC, which premiered Breaking Bad to its largest audience to date on Sunday night (1.4 HH rating), is creating 5-minute behind-the-scenes videos to go along with each new episode this season. Look for them at amctv.com, on iTunes or on AMC’s iPhone app immediately following each episode.
ABC News Digital is working with Healthline Networks to offer a series of interactive medical and health tools on the ABCNews.com’s Health vertical, powered by Healthline Networks.
On demand video technology start-up Panvidea has closed approximately $2 million in a second round of Series A funding led by new investor DFJ Gotham Ventures with participation from Contour Venture Partners, eValue, NYCSeed and Wider Wake Network. Panvidea combines a scalable, cloud-based post-production and encoding engine with an integrated online dashboard for managing video processing workflow.
ChaCha.me is a new social platform built around the ChaCha Q&A text service that allows individuals, celebrities or businesses to set up profiles and answer questions that come in from the crowd. Grammy award winner David Guletta is ChaCha’s first subject. The site, which launched an ask-a-friend Facebook app last year, is also planning a mobile service in the coming weeks.
Congrats to the 10 Streamy Awards finalists for Best Web TV Series, including some usual suspects and some surprising newcomers. These are the shows which received the most public votes between Dec. 15 – Jan. 18. Now it’s time to vote for the winner at Streamys.org, to be announced on the live online broadcast of the Streamy Awards Ceremony, being held at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles on Sunday, April 11.
Streamy Award Audience Choice Award Finalists:
Agents of Cracked
Anyone But Me
Dorm Life: Semester 2
Elevator
Noob
Star-ving
The Guild
Legend of Neil
The Totally Rad Show
The Young Turks
Subway is sponsoring an interactive video campaign with Univision Radio around the Subway Artistas Frescos microsite. Participants are asked to submit a creative video that incorporates the Subway jingle. The top-ten videos will be selected and posted on the site to allow visitors to vote for their favorite submission.
The Blu-ray Disc Academy will convene its first forum in Europe on May 19 in Frankfurt, Germany to showcase advanced Blu-ray features and BD-Live applications.
AETN International has reached an agreement with Samsung to provide a HISTORY “Branded This Day in History” widget to all television sets, Blu-ray Disc players and mobile devices outside the US enabled with the Samsung Widget Engine.
More Americans continue to watch TV and surf the internet simultaneously, according to Nielsen‘s latest Three Screen Report and the ones who do are spending much more time with two screens active. The company points to the findings as proof that the internet complements, rather than competes with, traditional TV. Online video consumption, up 16% from last year, is also seen as complementary as catch-up services are used when viewers miss an episode when they can’t make it to their TVs. Nor are mobile video users, who grew by 57% from Q4 of 2008 to Q4 of 2009 to 17.6 million, seen as a threat.
Persons 2+ Watching TV and Using the Internet Simultaneously
At Least Once Per Month At Home
Dec 2009 June 2009 Dec 2008 % Diff Yr to Yr
% of Persons Using TV/Internet Sim. 59.0% 56.9% 57.5% 2.7%
Estimated #of Persons Using TV/Internet Sim. 134.0m 128.0m 128.1m 4.6%
Time Spent Sim. Using TV/Internet in hrs,min. 3:30 2:39 2:36 34.5%
Ave. % of TV time Panelists spent also online 3.1% 2.7% 2.4% 29.7%
Ave. % of net time Panelists spent also using TV 34.0% 27.9% 29.9% 13.9%
Source: The Nielsen Company
The most popular applications at Apple’s App Store are the most expensive in Europe ($3.86 average), while the least expensive applications are in North America ($2.43) and Asia ($2.69), according to Distimo‘s Feb. 2010 mobile smartphone report. Overall and worldwide, prices of the most popular applications have decreased 15% on average from Dec. 1 2009 through Feb. 28, 2010. The most popular applications in the Navigation category are the most expensive in Europe, led by turn-by-turn navigation applications covering different regions in Europe (e.g. TomTom Western Europe, Eastern Europe, UK and Ireland). Games is still the most popular category in Australia and North America (USA, Canada and Mexico.)
Hillcrest Labs, maker of the nifty circular Loop pointer wireless remote, unveiled its new Kylo TV browser, designed to provide an easy-to-read interface for surfing through video content after connecting your PC or Mac to your TV. Complete with an on-screen keyboard and a pan and zoom option, the Kylo user interface features huge fonts and big colorful buttons to make navigation much simpler than trying to use a typical browser on your TV. Because its Mozilla browser-based, it should provide access to any online site including Hulu, but during a demonstration of Kylo at the DEMO show yesterday, Hulu content wouldn’t play. “It’s our sincere hope that Hulu isn’t restricting access,” said Hillcrest Labs in a statement. (It’s free to hope, I suppose.) Kylo TV works with any mouse but, of course it’s optimized for the Loop pointing device that looks like an oversized donut. The Kylo TV app is free but the Loop retails for $99.
The struggling Palm web OS mobile operating system has a chance to reach a new segment of customers, launching on AT&T for the first time. The Palm Pre Plus and Palm Pixi Plus phones will be available on AT&T 3G network for $149.99 and $49.99, respectively, with a two-year service agreement and after a $100 mail-in rebate.
Thumbplay Media unveiled a free BlackBerry version of its cloud-based music service, offered initially for select handsets including various Bold and Storm models. Some of the Thumplay’s selling points include a native recommendation engine and the ability to merge your personal music collection with Thumbplay playlists.
Financial news network CNBC has launched the CNBC Real-Time App for the Android Marketplace, providing access to Real-Time Stock Quotes. Users can create up to five customizable “stock watchlists” containing up to 30 equities each, updated in real-time from both the New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ.
The Weather Channel named Jennifer Rigby to the newly created role of Director of Multimedia Content. She will coordinate all content generation, breaking weather news and severe weather coverage across The Weather Channel properties including the network, online and mobile reporting to Helen Swenson, VP of live programming for TWC and Matt DeGanon, SVP/Weather.com and Consumer Application Software.
A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM THE ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS AND SCIENCES ™
THE TELEVISION ACADEMY HONORS
May 5, 2010
Congratulates these television programs that made a difference:
CSI Coup De Grace * GLEE Wheels * Grandpa, Do You Know Who I Am? * Explorer: Inside Death Row * Private Practice Nothing to Fear * Taking Chance * Unlocking Autism * Vanguard: The OxyContin Express
Help honor television with a conscience. For Tickets, click here.
Thanks to the proliferation of larger screen smartphones, now used by more than 17% of the mobile market according to estimates from ComScore and Forrester, the idea of watching a full-length movie on your mobile device doesn’t seem as far-fetched as it once did. (After all, we have a generation of youth raised on watching video on backseat monitors and playing games on the tiny Nintendo DS.) Mobile content service mSpot began serving a myriad of smarthphones with a hybrid a la carte/subscription mobile movie rental service last fall, offering titles in DVD windows from most major studios for a rather dear $4.99/each. Some 1.5 million customers have tried the service so far. Today the offering becomes more compelling with the launch of a new beta site mSpotMovies.com that allows you to finish up movies you began watching on your cell phone on a Mac or PC or visa versa. mSpot has taken care of the heavy lifting encoding the movies in all the various formats required by the major U.S. carriers to make the experience seamless for over 40 million mobile customers, says mSpot CEO Darren Tsui. The company is also preparing for the launch of the iPad, adapting 1024k bit rate streaming now used for the web service. Why would the Apple faithful rent a movie through mSpot instead of iTunes when it’s $1 more? “We’re streaming instead of downloading, so you don’t have to download the movie on you computer then synch it and our Movie Club option gets you up to 4 titles for $10 month,” says Mr. Tsui. We’re not sure Apple users will flock to mSpot, but certainly the ability to switch back and forth between platforms is an important evolutionary step.
Later – Wayne
Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
[email protected]
03.23.10
Cynopsis Ad Sales:
Mike Farina – Sr. Dir/Business Development & Sales – 203-218-6480 / [email protected]
Classifieds – Trish Pihonak- 203-926-9878 / [email protected]
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A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE
Publishing Tomorrow, March 24
The Kids! Market, the 1st in the Upfront 2010 Special Edition Series, will provide an
in-depth look at the 2010 selling season from both the Buyer and Seller perspectives.
Published to Cynopsis & Cynopsis: Kids! subscribers, and available at www.cynopsis.com
Upcoming Upfront 2010 Special Editions
Cable (4/7), Syndication (4/21), Spanish Language (5/5), Broadcast (5/19)
Ad Space is limited. Contact Mike Farina to reserve today! [email protected], 203.218.6480
Cyn opsis CLASSIFIEDS – For More classifieds, visit the Cynopsis.com classifieds page here .
JOB OPENING: MKTG COORD/GMC/ATL: Support Consumer, Ad Trade Mkting & Affil Mktg Depts. 3-5 yrs exp creative/media at cbl ntwrk a must. Strong writing & orgnz’l skills req. Knwldg of MS Office. Apply, send resume: [email protected] (3/30)
JOB OPENING: NBCU/NY:has an ANALYST, CHILLER SALES RESEARCH POSITION available working with the Research Department. Visit www.nbcunicareers.com for more info and to apply (3/30)
JOB OPENING: NBC Universal has an opening for a DIGITAL ACCOUNT MANAGER. Please visit www.nbcunicareers.com for more information (3/30)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR OF LICENSING, CONSUMER PRODUCTS/AETN, NY: Develop/execute global strategy for monetizing AETN brands & IP through goods and services. Apply: www.aetn.com/careers.html (3/30)
JOB OPENING EXEC ASST/Rainbow/NYC: Exp’d administrative professional to support busy Sr Exec in corp comm group. 2-3 yrs exp exec supp, cable/net exp pref. res to www.cablevision.jobs #10856BR (3/30)
JOB OPENING: GM/NEWS DIR BRONX/BRKLYN, NEWS 12 (CABLEVISION DIV)/NY:Mng editorial, staff, P&L,digital, grow audience, work with ad sales. Need 10 yrs in jrnalism, 5 in TV mngmnt, pref. all news. Apply: [email protected] (3/27)
JOB OPENING: MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS/ Nickelodeon/Burbank: 5+yrs exp TV Comm/PR/media relations, Strng written/oral comm. skills, Strng strategy exp, Strng media contacts, EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (3/27)
JOB OPENING: RESEARCH DIRECTOR/FX cable net/LA: provide audience analysis of FX and key comps; pgrm pjs., and spec prjcts. Strong facility with all Nielsen systems, 4+ years exp. http://bit.ly/amcJnZ (3/27)
JOB OPENING: SALES EXEC/PLUM TV/NY: Creative, aggressive, strategic pro to grow affluent lifestyle media org (TV/web/social). 7+ yrs cable TV sales or other nat’l media, solid rolodex in upscale sector. Full info: www.Plumtv.com (3/27)
JOB OPENING: SALES PROF/Plum TV/LA: Must be strategic & creative to grow west region for affluent multi-plat lifestyle media org. 10+ yrs cable TV sales or other nat’l media, solid rolodex in upscale sector. Full info: www.Plumtv.com (3/27)
JOB OPENING: METADATA QC COORD/iN DEMAND/NYC: Track, proof, approve & disseminate monthly movie schedules. Database/detail oriented. Recent college grad ideal. Apply: [email protected] (3/27)
JOB OPENING: F/T SCRIPT & STORY COORD/LA daytime drama: Liaison btwn. prod & writing team, resp. for continuity, rsrch, script format/dist, long term history tracking & clearances.Daytime exp. pref’d. Resume: [email protected] (3/27)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, PRICING & PLANNING/Hallmark Channels/New York: Work with SVP to direct discrete aspects of the Pricing and Planning for the Ad Sales. View full job posting & apply: www.hallmarkchannel.com “Jobs” (3/26)
JOB OPENING: A/P DESIGNER/WE tv/NYC: Support interactive content mktg teams& provide editorial content prod. 1-2 yrs web prod/design. Exp w/CMS, Movable Type, Flash, Photoshop & Illustrator. Resume: www.cablevision.jobs ref#10841 (3/26)
JOB OPENING: SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/The Hotel Networks/NY/CHI: National media sales exp req’d. Excellent opportunity/DOOH/Broadcast Exp:Client direct/travel/auto/financial/hospitality/ a+:send resume: [email protected] (3/26)
JOB OPENING: AD SALES COORD/PLANNER/OUTDOOR CHANNEL/NY: Dvlp on-air/online media plans. Track delivery & steward accts; working w/prgrmng, traffic, proficient in PPT. Media ind. exp & 4 yr deg req’d. Res to: [email protected] (3/26)
JOB OPENING: NATIONAL BROADCAST MEDIA DIRECTOR/Starcom/NY: Resp for managing Nat BC, Cable, Syn TV and network radio negotiations for GM. Details & Apply: www.starcomworldwide.co m Qualified candidates will be contacted (3/25)
JOB OPENING: COUNSEL /iN DEMAND/NYC: Contract management, copyright & trademark, standards & practices. JD plus 3 yrs cable/entertainment. Reply: [email protected] (3/24)
JOB OPENING: SUPERVISOR, PROGRAMMING/iN DEMAND/NYC: Create/Maintain/Track PPV, VOD, SVOD scheduling docs. Data gathering/delivery deadlines with program suppliers. Bachelors + 3 yrs exp. Reply: [email protected] (3/24)
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] .
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Experience you can’t pay for! STARGREETZ,a pioneering digital content co.,wants summer interns for MKTG, DESIGN & BUS.DEV. in L.A. If you’re a self-starter with talent to spare please CONTACT: [email protected] (3/27)
SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: SUMMER INTERNSHIPS/HOWARD TV/NYC: Logging, QC, tape dup/library & assisting producers/technical staff. Unpaid, college credit only. 2-4 days a week from 10-4. Apply: [email protected] (3/27)
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: SALES/RESEARCH DIR/STRATEGIST: 20+ yrs media, Nielsen, Hisp, research, sales, and presentation experience. How can I help you? Email: [email protected] (3/30)
SITUATION WANTED: BROADCAST TALENT MANAGER.Very experienced in all facets of talent including payments, celebrity negotiations and music licensing.Freelance or Staff. [email protected] (3/30)
SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING CONSULTANT available to develop marketing plans on a fee project basis. Advertising, direct marketing and sales promotion experience for the last 23 years. Contact: [email protected] (3/30)
SITUATION WANTED: 5 PRIME TIME EMMYS/ DOC. PROD, DIR., WRITER in L.A. Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (3/30)
SITUATION WANTED: Creative COPYWRITER. Award-winning, all media, affordable. [email protected]. For FREE samples, visit https://freebeaaron.wordpress.com (3/30)
SITUATION WANTED: 2D MOTION GRAPHICS DESIGNER (NY/CT): 20+ years exp. in TV & post-production. Freelance, pt. time or full time. www.DarleneRuess.com , www.linkedin.com/in/darleneruess, email [email protected] (3/27)
SITUATION WANTED: Need a Video or Spot? See my Reel DIRECTOR /FILM-MAKER seeks Production Company Representation or gig. Major Credits. Effectiveness/Awards. [email protected] (3/27)
SITUATION WANTED: DIRECTOR of OPERATIONS / PROD. MANAGEMENT/NYC: Skilled at budget & contract negotiation, cash flow forecasting, capital admin., staff mgmt., team-building. MBA, bilingual, perseverant, resourceful. [email protected] (3/26)
SITUATION WANTED: Ivy PhD with production & qual/quant research expertise. Quick, smart, an eye for emerging fields & bottom line. Avail 6/1 for cross media/tv/film research, dist, devel or prog position in NYC. [email protected] (3/26)
SITUATION WANTED: WRITER/PRODUCER CREATIVE DIRECTOR 20 years experience in on-air promotion for Cable and Broadcast companies. [email protected] (3/25)
SITUATION WANTED: EXEC BIZ DEV/STRATEGY/ CONTENT PARTNERSHIPS/NY: Seaside Heights resident. 10 yrs TV exp dancing at Karma. Harvard MBA. 2009 40 Under 40. Your next right hand. [email protected] (3/25)
SITUATION WANTED: EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT position film/TV (NY): 7 years experience: Interned for a President, Executive Assistant to SVP/VP/film director/celebrity [email protected] (3/24)
SITUATION WANTED: SHORT FORM VIDEO CONTENT PRODUCER: From conception to creation: I write, produce & direct content for online & interstitial on-air. Ten years experience, self starter, NY based but will travel. [email protected] (3/24)
SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER. Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- [email protected] (3/24)
E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.926.9878 for rates and specs for Job Openings.
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