Cynopsis: DIGITAL
02/08/12
Good morning. It’s Wednesday, February 8, 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.
Google Chrome is now available for Android devices. However, this beta version is only available on phones and tablets running on Ice Cream Sandwich (Android 4.0 or higher). The most prominent feature on the mobile Chrome browser: auto-syncing capabilities with the desktop version of the browser. If you opt-in to this functionality, it means you can transport any open tabs from your desktop Chrome browser to this new mobile version. A similar syncing feature has already been available for Chrome browsers on multiple computers (provided that you link up your Google account to the browser). The Chrome app also features an Incognito mode that does not does not save cookies, websites and browsing data from session to session. Other features include auto-uploading of a page or website it thinks you are trying to visit, faster browsing via one finger flicks and a redesigned tab system. If you want to watch Google’s preview of the Chrome for Android beta, click here.
Tonight, NBC will debut Hidden Planet, a new monthly documentary series hosted by Richard Engel, exclusively on the Rock Center with Brian Williams iPad app. This marks the first time the network has premiered any content on Apple’s tablet before any other platform. Each installment of the series will also be available on RockCenterNBC.com a week after it appears on the iPad app. “Since Rock Center launched last fall, we’ve seen that our audience is both watching the broadcast on-air and viewing our stories online and via mobile devices,” said executive producer Rome Hartman. In the documentary series, Richard Engel, NBC News‘ chief foreign correspondent, will journey to some of the most remote and extraordinary locations around the globe, such as the Lost City of Timbuktu and the tunnels underneath the Pyramids of Giza.
EQAL, a media company that builds web properties around celebrities and brands, has launched TheRealStanLee.com. The site launch kicks off with a live interview with the comic book legend at 7 pm ET tonight. The interview and Q&A will be hosted by NBC and G4TV’s Alison Haislip, who will also field some questions submitted by fans on Twitter (using #TheRealStanLee). The website will offer new content every day, including behind-the-scenes features on Stan Lee’s upcoming projects, as well as being an extension of Stan Lee’s World of Heroes, an upcoming YouTube original channel from Lee and Michael Eisner’s Vuguru. It will also offer social networking functions such as user profiles, comments, direct messaging and photo albums.
Flingo, a publisher of connected TV apps, has secured $7 million in Series A funding, courtesy of August Capital. The start-up has announced that it will direct the funds toward expanding onto new devices, as well as its automatic content recognition (ACR) infrastructure, which identifies thousands of TV shows from around the world in real-time. The company’s SyncApps technology then delivers contextually relevant content directly to the viewer’s screen. Flingo has also made one-click sharing to Twitter and Facebook available, and will soon be available for A+E Networks’ HISTORY and A&E channels. As part of the deal, August Capital’s David Marquardt, a 30-year board member of Microsoft and founding investor in Skype, will join Flingo’s board of directors. Flingo’s connected TV software is currently available on 7.8 million screens in 118 countries across the globe. It is offered on connected TVs from Samsung, Vizio, LG, Sanyo, Insignia and others.
Spongecell, a N.Y.-based ad tech company, has landed a $10 million Series B round of funding, led by Safeguard Scientifics. The start-up will invest the new capital in continued product development, sales and marketing, executive and staff recruitment, among “other working capital needs.” Spongecell’s ad technology transforms standard display ads into dynamic ones that feature reach media elements; it says its dynamic ads can increase engagement rates by 25 to 50% over static banner ads. The ad tech start-up has previously received financing from the likes of Google’s executive chairman Eric Schmidt and Raptor Capital’s chairman James Pallotta.
Social mobile video start-up Viddy has raised a $6 million Series A round of financing, led by Battery Ventures, with additional investment from Greycroft Ventures and Qualcomm, reports AllThingsD. Viddy’s iOS app allows users to create, edit and share quick 15-second video clips. The app reportedly generated 40 million video views in January. While the app is free, premium content can be purchased for $0.99.
At the CableLabs Advertising and Interactive Services Interop event, BlackArrow, a global provider of multiplatform advertising technology, demonstrated its technical and business solutions for managing advertising inventory between service providers and affiliate programming networks, both on national and local levels, and compliance with the SCTE 130 standard. BlackArrow focused on two approaches to help ad inventory owners, such as service providers and programmers, execute local and national ad campaigns within a single VOD program and session. One approach showed how programmers can manage workflow of national ad campaigns through the BlackArrow Advanced Advertising System for execution via the CableLabs draft CIP 3.0 specification, and enabling service providers to have full control over the ad decision and execution processes by aggregating all ad campaign instructions within their own VOD services. The other approach demonstrated the execution of programmers’ national ad campaigns via real-time routing of ad requests to a third-party Ad Decision Service (ADS).
Worldnow, a provider of online technology, content and revenue solutions for local media, has announced that it had a record-breaking 2011. The company inked over 130 station deals over the course of the year, about 90 of which were extensions with existing partner stations. On top of that, Worldnow formed new partnerships with 46 stations. Of the announced extensions, two of them were with Raycom Media, which renewed 39 stations, and Young Broadcasting, which renewed eight. Both utilize Worldnow’s website and video publishing platforms for managing publishing workflow, and work with the company’s local and national sales support for revenue generation. Other groups to extend deals with Worldnow in 2011 include COX Television, Draper Communications and Lockwood Broadcasting. Other groups that formed new partnerships with Worldnow include Meredith, Heritage Broadcasting and New Age Media. The deals cover 25 broadcast groups in total.
Klout has purchased Blockboard, the company behind a local-mobile app that can serve as a Twitter-like message/discussion board for a neighborhood. Currently, the app is only available for residents of San Francisco. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Klout said that the Blockboard team will help in developing its own local and mobile initiatives. Even though the four-person team at Blockboard is joining Klout, the mobile app will not be killed off by the deal.
CBS Consumer Products has signed on CPLG France and Exclusive Icon to be its overseas licensing agents in France and the Philippines, respectively. CBS Consumer Products manages the worldwide licensing and merchandising for a wide array of brands and series from CBS, CBS Television Studios and CBS Television Distribution, as well Showtime and CBS Films. The group also oversees the online sales of branded programming merchandise.
Viewers are far more likely to recall a brand name and engage with an ad’s message if a branded video has been recommended to them by a peer. This is according to new research commissioned by social video advertising platform provider Unruly and conducted by Decipher Research, which sought to measure the effectiveness of social video advertising. The survey found that social peer-to-peer recommendations had a direct impact on traditional brand metrics and ad enjoyment. Specifically:
- Brand recall and association rose 7% among viewers who had been recommended to watch the video, opposed to finding it by browsing.
- 73% of respondents who viewed a peer-recommended video recalled the brand when prompted; in comparison, 68% of those who found the video by browsing recalled the brand.
- 14% increase in the number of people who enjoyed a video following a recommendation versus finding it by browsing.
- People who enjoyed a video were 97% likely to purchase the product featured in the video.
As Google prepares to launch its new social and search integration in March 2012, many users either have concerns over how it would affect their online privacy, or would rather not even have it at all. Per eMarketer, according to a survey conducted by AYTM Market Research, when respondents were asked if they would like personalized search results, 45.4% said they would prefer if everyone received the same search results. An additional 39.1% responded that they would like personalized search results, but have concerns regarding privacy. Only 15.5% said they would be fine with it.
Travel Channel has appointed Marietta Hurwitz to the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager of Digital. In her new role, Hurwitz will be charged with overseeing the Travel Channel brand across digital platforms as the network focuses on multiplatform expansion. She will be responsible for establishing digital content and strategy directed toward maintaining the network’s position as a leading provider of travel-related information, products and services. She will report to Shannon O’Neill, chief financial officer at Travel Channel, and will be based out of the Chevy Chase, MD and New York offices.
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This month, Red Bulletin Magazine‘s iPad app shines a light on the Red Bull Stratos Project. In an action sports event that is likely to terrify anyone with a fear of heights, BASE jumper Felix Baumgartner will be going up more than 120,000 feet in the air via a stratospheric balloon, only to freefall back down to Earth at a supersonic speed (before inevitably, I hope, employing his parachute). The jump is slated for later this year. The iPad app offers an assortment of multimedia content, including interviews with Baumgartner and footage of his mental and physical preparation for the daring feat. Other content available in this month’s app include interviews with actresses Charlotte Gainsbourg (Melancholia) and Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games), as well as exclusive images from the Red Bull Signature Series programming block that airs on NBC and NBC Sports Network. The Red Bulletin Magazine is Red Bull Media House’s monthly lifestyle publication and it, along with the app, is available for free.
Later – Sahil
Sahil Patel, Associate Reporter for Cynopsis Digital
02.08.12
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JOB OPENING: SR AP/BOOKER/NYC: Conflict Driven Talk show hiring ASAP. Must have strong booking abilities for conflict/resolution storylines. Min 5yrs talk -Resume: [email protected] (2/15)
JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR & MANAGER S&P/DISNEY/BURBANK: Revw original/acquired content, online. Kids S&P exp pref, Brand, Research, Programming bckgrnd an option. Please visit www.disneycareers.com REQ 21125 and 10437 more info (2/15)
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL SENIOR RESEARCH ANALYST/Travel Channel/Chevy Chase, MD: 3+yrs, analytics/Omniture/College Degree req’d. Apply/more info: http://www.scrippsnetworks.com #2794 (2/15)
JOB OPENING: RSCH ANALYST/A+E Networks/NY: Colg grad, 2-3 yrs TV research; exp w/Nielsen/MRI/Simmons. Excl. analytical/written skills, strong computer skills req. www.aetn.com/careers.html, #120268 (2/15)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/REELZ/NYC: 2+ years exp sales assistant/planner/buyer. Apply: [email protected] (2/15)
JOB OPENING: FREELANCE RESEARCHER/WRITER/BOOKER/NYC: Rsrch latest in gaming, tech, comics & sports for weekly tv pgrm. Pre-intv/book guests. Assist in writing pitches/onair segs. Relevant exp/contacts req.apply: [email protected] (2/15)
JOB OPENING: ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE/WTIC/WCCT/Hartford: Seeking two AE’s: 3+ yrs, 1+ yrs sales/media exp multi-media experience preferred; excellent negotiation skills; strong work ethic; desire to win. Resume: [email protected] (2/15)
JOB OPENING: ASSOC PROD/NYC: AP for feature doc on animal cruelty. 5+ years solid journalism, research, archive, undercover, strong writing, must be passionate about subject. Cov letter [email protected] (2/15)
JOB OPENING: DIR-DISTRIBUTION/AFF SALES/MKTG/SECAUCUS NJ: Provide sales, mktng and analytical svcs to help expand the dist of Ntwrk. Min 8 yrs exp in cable affiliate sales/mrktng and/or sports mktng. Resume to [email protected] (2/15)
JOB OPENING: DIR, AD SALES/OXYGEN/NY: Strong Ad sales exec. with min. 6 years exp, accountable for NY sales teams, coordinate with digital sales goals, manage sales tracking, BA reqd. Apply: www.nbcunicareers.com Job#: 4213BR (2/14)
JOB OPENING: MANAGER, PROGRAMMING RESEARCH/VH1/NYC: 5 yrs TV ratings research/data analysis; Expertise in research methodology, competitive TV landscape & industry trends; B.A req. EOE/M/F/D/AAP apply www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (2/14)
JOB OPENING: FREELANCE DEVELOPMENT PRODUCERS/NY pref, LA OK: Develop, shoot docu-series sizzles for estab prodco. Proven track record must. Amazing opptny. [email protected] (2/14)
JOB OPENING: TALENT DVLPMT SPECIALIST/Nat Geo TV/: Exp’d talent dev person to oversee casting, targeted talent & dev search. Success in finding talent, hosts & char for non-fic TV series. Apply www.nationalgeographic.com ID 4866 EOE (2/11)
JOB OPENING: SALES PLANNER/GSTV/NEW YORK: Largest nat’l away from home TV network seeks a sales planner with strong exp working closely with advertising sales. Apply at: http://gstv.iapplicants.com/ViewJob-251375.html (2/11)
JOB OPENING: SHOWRUNNERS, FIELD PRODUCERS, POST PRODUCERS & AP¹s/ATLAS MEDIA CORP/NYC: for a Lifestyle/Auction series & a True Crime series. Must have strong story/writing skills, prior related exp. Res to: [email protected] (2/11)
JOB OPENING: REGIONAL ACCOUNT EXEC/Screenvision Cinema/LA: 4+yrs exp selling media advertising. ‘Develop& sell integ’d progs from concept thru sale. Ext travel req’d. Res/apply at: https://home.eease.adp.com/recruit/?id=1195901 (2/10)
JOB OPENING: DIR, DIGITAL & SOCIAL MEDIA, SYFY/NYC: Brand steward and evangelist in the digital space. Min 5 yrs exp in digital and social mrktgl. Must be an expert in best practices for digital arena. nbcunicareers.com (2/10)
JOB OPENING: SR FINANCIAL ANALYST/IFC/NYC: – 2+ yrs finance, budgeting, forecasting exp. TV/Film exp. Acctng exp a+. Send res to [email protected] (2/10)
JOB OPENING: VP, BUS/LEGAL AFFAIRS/Fox/LA: Anlyz contracts in resp to bus/client group questions, prvd nec rsrch info to depts & execs. JD req + CA bar membrshp. Req. 7+ yrs trans exp w/ 3-5 yrs bus.affrs. www.foxcareers.com FNG0000889 (2/9)
JOB OPENING: SR MANAGER INTEGRATED AD SALES MARKETING/ION/NY: Create/execute Integrated Ad Sales solutions & cross platform B2B Marketing campaigns. Experience 5+ years sales marketing. Apply at [email protected] EOE (2/9)
JOB OPENING: SENIOR MANAGER, PROGRAM RESEARCH/NBC Universal/NY: Manage top line and detailed ratings reporting, audience profiling, and highlights covering Oxygen and its competitors. www.nbcunicareers.com Job#4291BR (2/9)
JOB OPENING: MKTG MGR AD SALES/DIG MEDIA/NBC/NY: Dvlp sales opps/create packaging/sales materials, collab w/ site teams to devp advsng opps, 6/8 yrs at an agency/media co/sales org, with 5 yrs int exp BA req/MBA pref. www.nbcunicareers.com (2/9)
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].
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: Sarah Katz, Exp. INTL. AND DOMESTIC ASSOCIATE PRODUCER/DC: 11 yrs story development, field production, media management, camera, rights clearance; 40+ Credits: Nat Geo, History, Lifetime, Discovery- [email protected] (2/15)
SITUATION WANTED: Jeanne Intile Burns, VOICE-OVER ARTIST/VOICE COACH, Cell: 845-721-9681, E-Mail: [email protected], Web Links: www.castingnetworks.com/jburns, http://jburns.voices.com, www.allegro-music.com (“American Biographies”) (2/14)
SITUATION WANTED: I’M ALL YOURS N.Y. Seeking to Assist in more substantial & creative way. Currently an E.A. to Chief of Dept. 5 Yrs. work exp. B.A. Mass Comm – Media Production Contact, [email protected] (2/14)
SITUATION WANTED: AD SALES ASSISTANT/CHICAGO: Interned at Comcast Sports Net in Ad Sales, Works as Sales Assistant at NBCUniversal. Has B.A. from DePaul in PR/Advertising. Resume upon request. Contact [email protected] (2/14)
SITUATION WANTED: DIGITAL MARKETING EXEC/NY or SF: digital marketing leader w/ 11 yrs online, mobile & tablet media, creative and analytics + big media company exp. http://www.linkedin.com/in/bretthouse / [email protected] (2/11)
SITUATION WANTED: Dedicated & Experienced ADV. SALES PLANNER (NYC): Sales proposals, resolving client discrepancies, quarterly post analysis, special sales service projects, expert computer skills. Contact- [email protected] (2/11)
SITUATION WANTED: LA: Experienced sales, biz development pro seeking position in educational / home media. Solid resume and excellent references. email: [email protected] (2/9)
E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203.381.9096 for rates and specs for Job Openings.
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