Cynopsis: DIGITAL
08/15/12

Good morning. It’s Wednesday, August 15, 2012, and this is your first early morning digital briefing. If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis editions online, click here.

Yahoo News has unveiled the programs it plans to launch on its elections hub, The Ticket, as it covers the months leading up to the US Elections on November 6. First, there’s #HashOut, a “talk show conducted over social media.” Launching next week, the Yahoo News Twitter handle will post a question each weekday to all of its followers. Three answers will be selected and published the next day on the custom #HashOut page. Yahoo has signed up a roster of recognizable names to participate in this program, including American Tax Reform Founder and President Grover Norquist, LOST writer Damon Lindelof, and Maria Shriver, among others. Next, there’s the Election Control Room, an interactive platform through which Yahoo News plans to deliver political coverage during “key election events” that is personalized to the user. Features include live-streaming video, maps of political races, live blogs, and more. Beyond these two initiatives, Yahoo also plans to kick off several video series on August 27 tied to the upcoming political conventions:

• #HashOut: On Location: Hosted by NY Times best-selling author Baratunde Thurston, the show will be shot on and around the floor of each convention. Thurston will interview those at the convention and pose a #HashOut question of the day.
• Just Explain It: Political Edition: Hosted by Yahoo News Washington Bureau Chief David Chalian, this program will take a look at key election issues like immigration, Medicare, and taxes. It will run Tuesday through Thursday from both conventions.
• Just Explain It: Historical Moments: Host Jeff Greenfield, a veteran journalist and Yahoo News columnist, will offer his perspective on memorable moments from past conventions.
• Newsmakers Live: Co-Hosted by Yahoo News and ABC News, Yahoo will stream a live version of the show from both the Republican and Democratic conventions. Reporters from both outlets will moderate a discussion with those behind both Romney’s and Obama’s campaigns before an audience of political influencers. It will be streamed on Yahoo News and ABCNews.com.
• Who Knew? Convention Edition: Two special episodes that will shine a light on convention traditions.
• Live Convention Coverage: A recap of convention highlights in a roundtable discussion with ABC News anchors and correspondents including Diane Sawyer, George Stephanopoulos, Yahoo News’ Oliver Knox, and more.

In other news from Yahoo, the company is reporting that its London Olympics coverage generated more page views than it did during its coverage of the Vancouver Olympics in 2010 and the Beijing Olympics in 2008, combined. The company topped 3 billion page views worldwide across its PC, mobile, and tablet platforms, reaching in total over 150 million unique visitors. The numbers are as of August 13 and come from Yahoo Digits, the company’s internal measurement service. For the most recent Games in London, Yahoo powered the Olympics Hub, which offered breaking news, photos, analysis, video, and games to users every day during the event.

Evolve Media Corp.‘s female-centric SheKnows network has launched a new website called AllParenting.com. The site will feature content and parenting advice from an array of parenting experts as well as celebrities from EQAL’s roster of Celebrity Influencer Networks, such as Tori Spelling, Alicia Silverstone, and Kendra Wilkinson. Content will come in the form of articles that cover a wide range of topics relevant to women, and in most cases will be accompanied by videos from said experts and celebrities adding their thoughts on the topic. The site will also include a social element, which will allow users to log in via email or Facebook or Twitter and “follow” their favorite contributors.

Health and wellness VOD network Mag Rack has announced that its fitness and yoga programming is now available for free on Cox Communications’ on-demand platform. Titles now available to Cox’s Advanced TV subscribers range from those covering Pilates and cardio workouts to those focusing on kickboxing and dance-based exercises.

Digital video advertising analytics start-up Visible Measures has landed $21.5 million in a new round of funding led by DAG Ventures, with contributions from a slew of existing investors like Advance Publications (owners of Conde Nast), General Catalyst Partners, and Northgate Capital, as well as from new investor Commonfund. The start-up says the funds will be directed toward increasing the adoption of its choice-based digital video advertising platform among advertisers and publishers. Visible Measures has now raised over $65 million to date.

App store analytics provider App Annie has closed $6 million in Series B financing led by Greycroft Partners, with participation from Infinity Venture Partners and Series A lead investor IDG Capital Partners, among others. App Annie’s suite of products allows app developers and publishers to track downloads, revenues, in-app purchases, and ranking data across different categories and geographies, along with trend analysis across iOS, Mac, and the Google Play app stores. The start-up says it will use the new capital to accelerate its product roadmap; expand into new app stores across the globe; increase its presence within the US, China, and Japan; and hire more employees.

A US District Judge in California has denied Hulu’s request for the dismissal of a lawsuit that alleges it violated the Video Privacy Protection Act (VPPA). The VPPA, which was passed in 1988, makes it illegal for “videotape service providers” to disclose a customer’s movie-viewing history without permission. The lawsuit focuses on Hulu’s work with an analytics firm called KISSmetrics, which allegedly used “supercookies” to track people even after they had deleted their cookies. Hulu then shared this information to third parties, including ad networks, measurement firms, and social networks, without getting written consent from the viewers. In defending itself, Hulu argued that since its business is in digital content and not in selling physical goods, it should not be identified as a videotape service provider as articulated by the VPPA. The judge disagreed, stating that the VPPA is about video content in general, and not about how that content was delivered. So the request for dismissal has been denied and the lawsuit will move forward.

In news that you can’t make up, Fox recently filed a lawsuit against BarryDriller.com. It’s an online video service that retransmits broadcast channels in NY and LA via antennas to subscribers in LA, Chicago, Minneapolis, and NY in a fashion that is very similar to Aereo, the NY-based start-up backed by Barry Diller. And now, CBS, NBC, and ABC have filed a joint copyright infringement lawsuit as well against the online video service. BarryDriller.com comes from Alki David, the creator of FilmOn, which in 2010 had its share of trouble with broadcasters when it decided to offer a similar web-based stream of channels from CBS, NBC, Fox, and ABC. David plans to launch this service in Dallas and San Francisco in the next two weeks.

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Can’t get enough of the Olympics? Good, because here’s some data: social TV analytics provider Bluefin Labs reports that NBCUniversal’s telecasts generated a total of 36 million social media comments (Facebook and Twitter) across all of its networks. Breaking it down by the two preeminent social networks, Twitter accounted for 34.9 million of those public comments and Facebook accounted for 1.1 million. Overall, there were 82.6 million social media comments about all Olympics-related topics from July 27 through August 12. The most talked about athletes (in non-team sports) were Michael Phelps (4.2 million comments), Tom Daley (4.2 million comments), and Usain Bolt (3.3 million).

According to new research from mobile ad network InMobi, conducted in partnership with OnDevice Research, Americans who use mobile media, including native apps and mobile websites, spend more time consuming media on mobile devices (2.4 hours) every day than they do on other devices, such as TVs (2.35 hours), PCs (1.6 hours), or music players (1.5 hours). The findings also suggest that Americans consume media on mobile devices throughout the day, with 77% of respondents saying they do so while lying in bed, 70% while watching TV, and 65% while waiting for something. InMobi says this correlates with timeframes found in the report, which show most mobile usage during early morning and early evening hours as well as throughout the evening. And for you advertisers, 59% of respondents said they are influenced by mobile ads, while 47% said they are influenced by TV ads. Additionally, 53% of American consumers have been introduced to something new via their mobile device, and 21% said they buy goods on mobile devices. The research was conducted as part of a global study to understand mobile media consumption. The US portion consisted of asking 1,435 US consumers in Q4 2011 and 1,055 in Q2 2012.

Verizon Wireless’ Viewdini service, which allows users to search for and find where they can watch, rent, or buy TV shows and movies online, is now available on iOS devices. The service provides access to a wide range of content providers, including ABC, Crackle, Funny or Die, Hulu Plus, Netflix, Verizon’s own FiOS service, and Vimeo, with more to come soon. It also offers additional information for each search term, such as a summary, cast and crew information, and links to similar programming. Prior to this, Viewdini had only been available for free via Verizon Apps and Google Play.

YouTube has rolled out a new app for the PlayStation 3. Available for free through the PlayStation Store under My Channels, the updated app offers a new user interface that YouTube says is better suited for the big screen and PS3 controls. Features include instant search recommendations and results as you type, access to subscription channels, and the ability to turn your smartphone into a remote.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Going with another two today:

Vodio, a video discovery app originally only available for the iPad, is now available for the iPhone and iPod Touch as well. Vodio Labs, the company behind the app, says the iPad app has witnessed over a quarter of a million hours of video viewed since it was launched in January 2012. The app pulls together and curates all sorts of video content categorized around a wide variety of topics, such as tech, entertainment, comedy, sports, movies, apps, music, news, viral video, science, food, and style. Users can select which categories they’re interested in and then access and navigate between them through a pretty fluid interface. Another feature available on Vodio is called “Highlights,” which surfaces all the videos the user is most likely to enjoy into a single channel. These videos can come from the user’s channels on Vodio as well as videos that have been shared on their social networks. Other options include the ability to like or dislike the video, share it, and also watch it later. Oh, it’s free.

Today the National Geographic Channel is transmitting “The Wow Reply” into space from the Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico. Earlier this summer, to promote the channel’s new series Chasing UFOs, National Geographic teamed up with NY-based marketing agency Campfire to launch this social campaign. It ended up collecting over 20,000 tweets from fans, while Campfire put together videos from celebrities like Stephen Colbert and Jorge Garcia, all of which have been fashioned into the first consumer-based signal meant to say hello to an extraterrestrial civilization, if there is one out there. The transmission, which is scheduled for 12pm ET today, can be viewed at the above link.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Editor for Cynopsis Digital
08.15.12

Denise O’Connor: Group Publisher, Media Entertainment
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JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIR/AMC/NYC: Resp for AMC On-Air Promo creative. Oversee team of Writer/Prods, Editors resp for series launch & sustain, movies, stunts & image promotion. Strong writing/prod/mngmnt skills. Res: bit.ly/NyvlBA (8/22)

JOB OPENING: DIR OF LITERACY/ePals Dir. Of Literacy Ch/IL: Resp for literacy content/community for ePals.com. 5-7 yrs K-12 exp req’d; exp w/online learning & mng online communities desired. Res to: [email protected] (8/22)

JOB OPENING: Sr WRITER/PROD/History/NY: Write & produce high concept, on brand, on-air promo spots. 5+ yrs TV promo, mktg, production exp in a media environment. Apply: www.aenetworks.com/career.html (8/22)

JOB OPENING: RIGHTS & CLEARANCES ADMIN/WE/NYC: min 2 yrs R&C exp., ability to review & analyze contractual language & identify R&C issues. Resumes to: [email protected] (8/22)

JOB OPENING:  SALES ASSISTANT/American Target Network/NYC: Develop Sales prop, work w/agency buyers, 3 yrs+ exp in TV, must be very organized, media math, Nielson, excel & writing skills a must. Apply: [email protected] (8/22)

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JOB OPENING: DIR COMM/Discovery/MD: dvlps comm strategy & oversees PR/program publicity/Public Affairs outreach for ID and Military Channel; 8+yrs hands on media exp http://careers.discovery.com/ #6337 (8/21)

JOB OPENING: DAYTIME TALK PRODUCER/New York: Producer needed immediately for nationally syndicated daytime talk show. MUST have prior conflict booking experience. Resume: [email protected] (8/21)

JOB OPENING: BROADCAST DESIGNER/MLB Network Promos/NJ: Design/animate/edit promos/gfx pckgs. Strong tech. execution & 5 yrs exp w/After Effects, Cinema 4D, Final Cut Pro, etc. Send resume/link to reel to [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: ACCT EXEC. AD SALES/NY: Growing multimedia sports co. seeks experienced TV ad sales rep. Excellent compensation/benefits pkg. Agency relationships and ratings exp. a+. Send resume Attn: Rose to [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR AD SALES RSRCH/Ovation/NYC: Proactive, detail-oriented, creative, team player. 7+ yrs exp. with cable or BC sales team req’d. Strategic & hands on w/ Nielsen, MRI, Mendelsohn etc. [email protected] (8/18)

JOB OPENING: EXEC ASST, PRESIDENT/SYFY, NBCUNIVERSAL/NYC: Looking for a talented Executive Assistant to support the Pres of Syfy. Must have 2 years of admin exp as well as a min 1 year working in TV. www.nbcunicareers.com (6201BR) (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR, CONSUMER RESEARCH/Showtime Networks/NYC: Resp. for acq, trking and forecasting of consumer info in support of corp. directives. 8+ yrs of primary and second rsch exp in media a must. Apply at www.sho.com #12180BR (8/18)

JOB OPENING: DIR. PROG & SCHEDULING/Nat Geo TV/DC: Prog/Schdling expert will create Chl’s prime/daytime/fringe/late-night strategy. Strg schdl/nielsen exp analysis/strategy. 3-5 yr Cbl TV, Strg Excel/PP, Mgt. http://bit.ly/OY8Ebg. (8/17)

JOB OPENING: DEV/PRODUCTION MGR/DC: Non-fic theatrical product, giant screen films & documentaries. Highly creative & orgnzd & great comm skills. 3D film prod exp a plus.  Apply: www.nationalgeographic.com ID 5273. EOE. (8/17)

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JOB OPENING: VP, PROGRAM STRATEGY/Viacom. 10+ yrs exp. in TV prog/sched; Min 2 yrs @ Sr. Dir level and above; Min 5 yrs exp managing a team. Prog research bckgd desired. B.A req. EOE/M/F/D/AAP apply www.viacomcareers.com (8/16)

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JOB OPENING: FREELANCE FCPX EDITOR/Uncommon Content/NYC: Experienced and creative FCP X editor with background in creative services, promo and short-form.  Please send resume and link to reel to: [email protected] (8/16)

JOB OPENING:  ACCT EXEC/OUTDOOR CHANNEL/CHICAGO: Dvlp, sell, implmt on-air/online media plns; new biz, mng accts, meet sls gls; 5 yrs media sls ind exp, 4yr deg reqd. Apply @ outdoorchannel.com/employment; EEO/M/F/D/V (8/16)

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FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Non-Fiction TV Dev. Internship (NYC): Major TV Prod Co seeking CREATIVE INTERNS interested in reality TV and motivated to research, write and develop new ideas for TV series.Res/cov let:[email protected] (8/22)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: INTERN/DiGa Vision/NYC: Busy production company looking for interns for current series in production & post. Must be enthusiastic, have a positive attitude and eager to learn. [email protected] (8/21)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS POSTING/NYC: Crown Media Family Networks needs interns in our Corporate Communications department. Interns will get exposure in media outreach/placement, press kits & marketing. [email protected] (8/21)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: RESEARCH POSTING/LA: Crown Media Family Networks needs an intern in our Research department. Interns will get exposure in analyzing network trends, focus groups, and Nielsen ratings.  [email protected] (8/21)

FALL INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: INTERNS/Pink Sneakers Productions/Orlando: A one-stop, all-inclusive prod co creating entertaining, high-quality prgrmng. [email protected] (8/16)

FALL INTERNSHIP FOR CREDIT ONLY:   FanBridge/NYC: Online fan marketing & management platform for music, sports, entertainment & brands seeks interns interested in biz dev/marketing/social media. [email protected] (8/16)

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SITUATION WANTED:  NYC, Frfld, Wstchstr counties. Experienced SALES, BIZ DEV PRO pro seeking position in educational/home media, ad sales. Solid resume and excellent references.email: [email protected]  (8/22)

SITUATION WANTED: SUPERFINE WRITER. Concepts/content. Digital, video, print, integrated. Broadcast, innovation, beauty, foodie, wellness. I hear brand voices. [email protected] (8/21)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCHER/EXEC ASST/LOS ANGELES AREA: 16+ yrs exp + key player in Primetime TV as researcher, proofreader, copy-editor, writer, exec asst. Exc. etiquette. [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: SENIOR PRODUCER/FIELD DIRECTOR (NYC):  Experienced long-form, short-form and studio producer proficient in booking, writing, directing, talent producing, and post. [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: PRODUCER/WRITER/RESEARCHER: for TV/webcomedy and variety series and specials at the network level. NY-based and looking for new opportunities. Visit http://about.me/markselby for more info. Contact [email protected] (8/18)

SITUATION WANTED: RESEARCHER/EXEC ASST/LOS ANGELES AREA: 16+ yrs exp +key player in Primetime TV as researcher, proofreader, copy-editor, writer, exec asst. Exc. etiquette. [email protected] (8/16)

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