Cynopsis: DIGITAL

04/29/09

Good morning, it’s Wednesday, April 29, 2009, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. 

An MSO of all entities fired a major volley in what could become a broadband pricing war. Cablevision announced plans to roll out a super-high-speed Docsis 3.0 cable modem service across its footprint from May 11, offering download speeds of 101 Mbps for $99/month. (That’s quite a value compared to rival Verizon, which sells its 50 Mbps up/20 Mbps down FiOS fiber service for $140/month, similar to the price point for Comcast’s 50 Mbps “wideband” service.) Cablevision also announced it is doubling the speed of its wireless internet access via Wi-Fi to 3 Mbps, offered for free to customers in selected service areas. 

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE from ACADEMY OF TELEVISION ARTS & SCIENCES

 
We tv and Waterfront Media’s Everyday Health Network launched a new health site geared toward helping users design their own personalized health and weight-loss regimes. It includes a subscription-based program featuring behavioral and lifestyle tools customized to meet users’ personal health goals. DietDetective.com is the online companion to WE’s new intervention and weight-loss series I Want to Save Your Life, starring Charles Stewart Platkin.
 
Bravo is tapping into the hottest social networks to help fans participate in The Real Housewives of New York City finale. On Tuesday, May 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, fans can utilize Twitter, Facebook Connect and live mobile chat integrations on BravoTV.com to interact directly with their favorite Housewives live and the ladies will respond in kind during the finale.
 

 
Microsoft is beta testing a new hyperlocal desktop app dubbed The Vine it is pitching to emergency management officials as a way to instantly update the public during a disaster, per the Seattle Times.
 
In its own ongoing effort to monetize status updates, Glam Media‘s new event-themed micro blogging platform Tinker announced support of Facebook’s new Open Stream API. Tinker enables publishers to create customizable and monetizable applications and widgets to share Tinker event streams on their own web sites or blogs.
 
The technically-ambitious web series Safety Geeks premiered the first two of a dozen planned episodes on Koldcast TV this week, the latest tongue-in-cheek adventure from Dave Beeler and Tom Konkle’s Pith-e Productions. Dave and Tom are members of P.O.S.H., a group tasked with getting to the bottom of who’s responsible for freak safety accidents.

 
Network’s digital arms are beginning to get serious about monetizing their content. NBC.com will launch a series of targetable segments starting in Q2 2009 enabling advertisers to target groups of users using a menu style selection matching their target to NBC audience clusters or custom segments. The network also unveiled a whole new suite of ad delivery solutions and products geared toward attracting premium brand ad dollars. New products include:

• Choose An Ad, allowing users to select the ad they want to view including options to play one extended ad followed by a commercial free presentation or a traditional ad followed by a limited-interruption presentation
• Pause Unit, appearing when the user pauses the video
• Push Back Unit, an expandable unit appearing under the clip within the inline video on rollover
• Rail Ad, framing the homepage of NBC.com
• An expandable Pushdown Ad, replacing the current smaller full site arrival ad offering
• Pop Out Player, allowing users to multi-task while watching clips and shows
• Photo Interstitial, a photo slide show allows advertisers to integrate an ad unit into the photo stream

 
Kia’s new youth-targeted Soul compact is receiving a custom paint job with Adult Swim-inspired stylings, from graffiti artist Hense. The Initiative+ promotion, which includes a giveaway of the limited edition car, will be featured on a special Turner minisite adultswim.com/kiasoul from May 4. The site will feature video interviews with the artist as well as time lapse photography of the project.
 

 
Verizon finished with an impressive quarter across several businesses, adding 1.3 million net wireless customers, 299,000 net new FiOS TV customers and a record 298,000 net new FiOS internet customers. The company posted net income of $3.21 billion, up from $3.05 billion a year ago on revenue of $26.59 billion.
 
The U.S. District Court for Massachusetts set aside a prior jury verdict against content delivery network Limelight, stating that Limelight doesn’t in fact infringe upon Akamai‘s CDN patents. Limelight hopes to reverse expenses of about $66 million saved for potential damages and interest in the case. Akamai promised to appeal the ruling.
 
EdgeCast, another Akamai rival, expanded its service offerings this week offering a new real-time reporting module, expanded Flash and Windows Media streaming functionality and a dozen new API modules – allowing publishers to automate key streaming functionality.
 
Online consumer group Consumer Watchdog is calling out Google for spending heavily on lobbying Congress to permit the sale of electronic medical records after the company promised that it wasn’t. The group cites public records that list Google’s total expenditure as $880,000 on lobbying during Q1 including on “online health-related initiatives.”
 

 
Twitter must conquer the retention rate hurdle is if its going to truly capitalize on its celebrity exposure and break through to become a household brand, according to a new analysis from Nielsen Online. Currently, more than 60% of Twitter users fail to return the following month, meaning that Twitter’s audience retention rate is only about 40%. For most of the past 12 months, (pre-Oprah,) Twitter languished below 30% retention. By comparison Facebook and Twitter’s retention rates were twice as high when they were emerging networks, exceeding 50%. Twitter’s user base is expected to double from 6 million to 12.1 million users this year representing 7.4% of the overall internet audience, estimates eMarketer.
 
Initially slated to begin during Q4 of last year, Nielsen is finally going through with tests to measure online media usage in a number of its People Meter households in an effort to integrate online viewing within its TV currency. The test is being conducted live among 375 members of Nielsen’s national TV ratings sample, per Mediapost.
 
Hulu continued its ascent among online video outlets, breaking into ComScore‘s top 3 properties in terms of videos viewed for the first time in March. With its vast store of TV-length content Hulu accounted for 2.6% of all videos viewed in the U.S., but 4.9% of all minutes spent watching online video. Google’s YouTube continued to account for more than 40% of all videos viewed online. In terms of unique visitors, Google Sites once again eclipsed the 100 million mark.
 
Top U.S. Online Video Properties by Videos Viewed -March 2009
Property                   Videos (000)    Share (%) of Videos                          
Total Internet           14,468,345           100.0
Google Sites              5,919,530            40.9
Fox Interactive Media    437,098             3.0
Hulu                            380,102             2.6
Yahoo! Sites                334,724             2.3
Microsoft Sites             288,239             2.0
Viacom Digital             277,753             1.9
CBS Interactive            191,686             1.3
Turner Network            167,323             1.2
Disney Online               125,248             0.9
AOL LLC                       105,237             0.7
Source: comScore Video Metrix, Rankings based on video content sites; excludes video server networks.  Online video includes both streaming and progressive download video
 
Top U.S. Online Video Properties by Unique Viewers – March 2009
Property                   Unique Viewers       Average Videos
                                     (000)              per Viewer
Total Internet                149,410                96.8
Google Sites                  100,382                59.0
Fox Interactive Media       55,156                 7.9
Yahoo! Sites                    42,524                 7.9
Hulu                               41,564                 9.1
CBS Interactive               35,400                 5.4
Microsoft Sites                32,194                 9.0
Viacom Digital                 27,168                10.2
AOL LLC                          22,349                 4.7
Turner Network                19,644                 8.5
Disney Online                   12,965                 9.7
Source: comScore Video Metrix, Rankings based on video content sites; excludes video server networks.  Online video includes both streaming and progressive download video
 

                                                                                    
Not another iPhone knockoff … Microsoft is in talks with Verizon Wireless to launch a touchscreen, app-friendly phone early next year, per the WSJ. Perhaps it will be targeted at the female demo; it’s code name is “Pink.”
 
Verizon could also be in talks with Apple to come up with a pair of “iPhone lite” devices that allow users to watch HD videos over a Wi-Fi connection, reports BusinessWeek. Verizon has also been rumored to be waiting in the wings for the exclusive AT&T/Apple to expire early next year.
 
USA Network is trying its luck with a new iPhone game styled after its Character Arcade casual gaming portal. Its Letter Matrix game, developed with GlowPlay, charges players to create works no fewer than 3 characters in length in order to put away virtual library book.
 
CBS Interactive released an updated version of its TV.com iPhone app offering a new continuous play feature enables users to watch full episodes without having to (annoyingly) click to the next chapter. The app also added new full episodes from Harper’s Island, Rules of Engagement and 60 Minutes, all viewable via a WiFi connection. CBS says the app, launched in Feb., has been downloaded more than 1 million times. The TV.com online portal also reported a 401% year-over-year increase in unique viewers, 153% increase in video streams and 117% increase in minutes month-over-month, citing comScore’s March Video Metrix figures.
 

 
New York-based video sharing site Blip.tv named former Disney sales executive Evan Gotlib as VP/Advertising Sales. He is charged with managing advertising operations and working with blip.tv’s content and technology teams to develop and build new advertising products.
 
Courtney Simmons has joined Disney Interactive Media Group as VP/Communications. She will be based in North Hollywood, CA and will report to DIMG President Steve Wadsworth and Zenia Mucha, EVP, Corporate Communications, The Walt Disney Co.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE FROM TVGUIDE.COM^TM

Source: Nielsen NetView Jan-December 2008 = Time Spent & Frequency. Competition = AOL TV, Yahoo TV, MSN TV and TV.com.
Omniture, March 2009 = Unique Users.

 
The ad community’s newest social network AgencyScoop received a major update this week, reorganizing the homepage into customizable Netvibes-style widgets that allow users to add their own updates via Twitter or RSS feeds. The idea is to encourage users to use the site as a homepage, where news from colleagues and other sources comes in as feeds that are more relevant from a professional standpoint. “My original concept for AgencyScoop was to create a way for people to keep in touch within the industry,” said founder Jason Culbertson, who hasn’t yet quit his day job as Senior Art Director at digital ad agency Atmosphere BBDO. “I really didn’t like the idea of having all these people I work with friending me up on Facebook.” His instinct has apparently proven to be prescient; the community has grown since its Jan. 9 launch purely by word-of-mouth to reach more than 18,000 current active members. Interestingly, a majority of users seem to come from traditional ad agencies rather than just the digital space, speaking to the rapid recent adoption of social networking habits. We’ve been using it here at Cynopsis by creating a Cynopsis Group to preview our daily top stories and newest job listings.
 
Clarification: ABC O&Os’ new digital channel Live Well HD is being added to stations’ digital spectrum alongside of the Accuweather weather channel. The latter, a licensed channel, is in no way affiliated with Live Well.
 

Later — Wayne
 Wayne Karrfalt for Cynopsis: Digital
04.29.09

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JOB OPENING: MANAGER, COMMUNICATIONS/Nickelodeon/NYC: 5+yrs exp TV programming PR relations, Strg writing skills, Strat/Creative Comm plans, Strng Press Relationships, Knwlg of TV Ind. EOE/M/F/D/AAP. Apply www.mtvncareers.com (5/6)

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JOB OPENING: SR MGR PROMOTIONS: 8+yrs , 20-25hrs/wk Dvlp/mng strategic promotions & mktg prgrms for cable clients. Oversee creative dvlpmnt, web prod, campaign support elements & prod. For complete job info: [email protected] (5/6)

JOB OPENING: DIR, OXYGEN PRGRM RSRCH/NY: Mng all top line & detailed analyses/ratings reporting, audience profiling, presentations & highlights covering Oxygen & its competitors. Visit: www.nbcunicareers.com using job# 1019442 (5/5)

JOB OPENING: DIR, BRAND MKTG/SPEED/NC: 10+ yrs exp in mktg/adv/social ntwrkg/brand pos/strategic initiatives. Must have exp with trad and nontrad media platforms. Resumes to: www.foxcareers.com ref: FNG15901 (5/5)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/MARATHON VENTURES, NY: Sale of short/long form direct response inventory. DR exp req. Sales or Buying exp req. Apply: [email protected] (5/5)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, ND&S/Hallmark Channel/Studio City: Increase distribution for Hallmark Channel & Movie Channel SD/HD. Min. 5 yrs. sales exp. See full posting & apply @ www.hallmarkchannel.com (5/2)

JOB OPENING: SALES COORDINATOR/LA/Ent-Media research co: Complete admin support to bus devel team. Strong multi-tasking/project mgmt skills a must.  Sales Force exp a plus. http://www.epollresearch.com/corp/aboutus/careers.view (5/2)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR, INTEGRATED MKTG /DISCOVERY/LA: TLC: Dvlp, execute integrated on-air ad sales partnerships. Mng relationships w/clients & agencies. Must have 7+ yrs on-air mkt exp. Apply: http://corporate.discovery.com/careers/ #8919 (4/30)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR MKTG/The Sportsman Channel/NY, NY: Lead mktg team’s consumer awareness efforts & affiliate mktg. 5+ yrs exp in TV or digital media. Apply: [email protected] (4/30)

JOB OPENING: VP AFFILIATE SALES/MKTG/The Sportsman Channel/Denver, CO: Lead sales & retention efforts in Western territory. 5+ yrs exp in cable television industry. Apply: [email protected] (4/30)

JOB OPENING: DIR, OPERATIONS/TLC/LA: Strat/Ops/bus planning, dev. new business, partner w/CFO & execs., 5+ yrs bus. dev./tv prod. exp., MBA desired. Apply: http://corporate.discovery.com/careers/ #8836 (4/30)

JOB OPENING: SVP AD SALES (1) /NY-CGO-LA/ TV Network: 10+ Yrs Sales & Mgmt. Oversee all aspects of new, fast growing TV ntwrk ad sales effort. Emphasis on mgmt, new biz dev, growing existing biz. Med travel. [email protected] (4/30)

JOB OPENING: MGR, INTL MKTG/PROGRAMMING/RCN CORP./Herndon, VA: Mng/execute Int’l mktg strategy initiatives; negotiate Int’l mktg plans; 5+yrs exp /Int’l mktg exp. Pref’d. Apply www.rcn.com & send resume to: [email protected] (4/30)

JOB OPENING: INTERNET SALES DIR: Mng fast growing websites, mobile platforms. Train AE’s aspects of int. & dvlpmnt of results mktg campaigns. Proven track rec of int sales success media, mktg/sales. Ltr/res: [email protected] EOE (4/30)

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SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDIT ONLY: PROD ASST/Zoo Productions: Asst with TV production, creative dvlpmnt rsrch, & general office tasks. College SO, JR, SR interested in TV Prod. Available May 12 – August 1 for 16-40 hrs/wk [email protected] (5/5)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: DESIGN INTERN/NYC:  Opp to design branded apparel for an exciting, new on-demand website.  Strong Photoshop and Illustrator Skills req¹d. Contact: [email protected] (5/2)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDIT ONLY: MARKETING INTERN/truTV, NY: Support marketing department (consumer, affiliate, & ad sales). Majors: Comm., Mktg, Adv. Skills: Writing, Computer, Phone, Rsrch. Apply Online: www.turnerjobs.com – Requisition # 112159BR (4/30)

SUMMER INTERNSHIP CREDIT ONLY: here! Networks ( www.regentmedia.com ) and Regent Studios ( www.regentstudios.com ) Westwood office. Qualified applicants will have a strong interest in Development for Film & TV. Email: [email protected] (4/30)

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SITUATION WANTED: SR MEDIA BUYER (FL): Exp’d Sr Buyer w/25 yrs exp, worked w/ major nat’l clients across all dayparts for TV, Radio & Cable. Team player, det. oriented, FT or freelance. [email protected] or (954) 328-5136 (5/6)

SITUATION WANTED: EXPERIENCED GRAPHIC DESIGNER (LA): Reality-TV, Film, Commercial, Documentaries & Corporate. Creative & Flexible. Seeking Freelance or Staff Position, Remote or In-House. Reel & Contact Info: www.ChaztizedMedia.com (5/6)

SITUATION WANTED: ART DIRECTOR / DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR (NY): Children’s market highly desired, permanent or freelance. 20 years experience working concept through completion. Portfolio: www.baerdavis.com Email: [email protected] (5/6)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCTION MANAGER (DC metro)-seasoned professional with experience on docs, corporate and commercial video-studio & remote production and post; available immediately for freelance or FT work. [email protected] (5/5)

SITUATION WANTED: REALITY PRODUCER/WRITER/DIR : NBC, TLC, CMT, CNN, E!, Discovery, pilots, sales tapes, internet; I’ll write your reality show treatment and develop your ideas. LA Based; travels well; [email protected] (5/5)

SITUATION WANTED: INTERACTIVE MEDIA SPECIALIST: LA: 18 yrs of media expertise & MBA. Research, plan, neg. & execute online campaigns; Can integrate w/non-traditional media. Avail F/P or freelance. [email protected] (5/5)

SITUATION WANTED: Audience Warm-up Artist; AP/RESEARCHER . Network-level warm-up,all types of shows; Also have clip shows, pdcn & development bkgd w/ 6 projects in hands of major prod co.. LA/NY. Contact: Steve @ [email protected] (4/30)

SITUATION WANTED: College Student. NJ/NY/CT. A summer internship with hands on exp (paid or unpaid). Majoring in INTERNATIONAL BUS at Sacred Heart University, CT. Diligent; hard working; open to all industries. [email protected] (4/30)

SITUATION WANTED: 20+ yrs. experience in TV Broadcasting & Cable ACCOUNTING/FINANCE. Seeking FT, PT or Temporary position: immediate start. Please contact [email protected] (4/30)

SITUATION WANTED: SENIOR MEDIA BUYER (NYC): Experienced National Broadcast Senior Buyer, worked with diverse blue chip clients across all dayparts. Team player, organized and detail oriented. Contact at: [email protected] (4/30)

SITUATION WANTED: PA/COORD (NY) Prod/Admin experience. Team player, highly organized, detail oriented. Natural multi-tasker seeks FT, PT, freelance work in TV/Film prod. Email: [email protected] (4/30)

SITUATION WANTED: DOCUMENTARY. PRODUCER, DIRECTOR, WRITER in L.A. Credits: National Geo, PBS, Discovery, History CH, TLC and MSNBC. Contact email: [email protected] (4/30)

SITUATION WANTED: MARKETING EXECUTIVE in NYC area. View my web folio for resume and accomplishments: www.webprofile.info/jrayher/ (4/30)

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