Cynopsis: DIGITAL
11/30/11

Good morning, it’s Wednesday, November 30, 2011, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.  If you would like to read this or any other Cynopsis edition online, click here. 

The CTIA Wireless Trade Association and the Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) have announced a ratings system for mobile apps as a way to inform families about smartphone and tablet software that may contain mature content considered unsafe for certain ages. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile USA, Sprint, Microsoft and U.S. Cellular will be the first adopters of the ratings system that has been modeled after the one used by video game developers, according to the CTIA. Developed by the ESRB, apps will be split up by those considered appropriate for everyone (ages 6 and older); ages 10 and over; teens (13+); mature (17+); and adults only 18+). While there are no government regulations on mobile apps and software, Apple and Android developers have both previously designated apps by age groups; neither Apple nor Google are part of this initiative.
 
 

 
Norton is getting in on the original content game. The online security company has hired professional actors to give dramatic interpretations of Facebook statuses and is set to air them live on its Facebook page. Called Stuff Theater, the content will be aired over the course of 24 hours, beginning at 9 am ET today. The program is part of Norton’s “Stuff” campaign that highlights how it protects users’ important content and information online. Users who want their statuses to be performed by a performer (they also have puppets) can make the request on Norton’s Facebook page.
 
Adspace Digital Mall Network has launched its Smart Screen Digital Directory in select malls across its network. The directory uses touchscreen technology in order to offer a search function that allows shoppers to search by store name or category. Once a store has been picked, a line draws out a path from the user’s location to the requested store. The displays also provide directions to elevators, restrooms and restaurants.
 
 

 
Facebook is considering raising about $10 billion in an initial public offering, which would value the company at $100 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal. The social networking giant may file by the end of this year and the valuation, even if it isn’t perfectly accurate, is set to shatter the previous record of highest IPO for a technology company. Last January, the company said that it expects U.S. regulators will require the company to reveal financial numbers if it does not go public by April 30, 2012. And just for some perspective on where Facebook would stand after such a valuation, Disney is currently valued at $61 billion and Amazon at $88.3 billion; Google and Apple’s market caps are $190 billion and $349 billion, respectively.
 
Whisper Startups, a company whose technology prevents third parties from having access to people’s mobile phone calls and text messages, has announced that it is being acquired by Twitter. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed and Twitter, while acknowledging the purchase, did not mention how it plans to employ the two-person start-up’s co-founders and use its technology.
 
 

 
YuMe has announced an enhancement to its Ad Visibility service. Using the YuMe ACE Relevance Engine, which collects detailed information about the page of a video player, the company’s Ad Visibility technology determines the viewing area, detects the video player size, figures out the player coordinates relative to the viewing area and then delivers a contextually relevant video ad. It all serves to better ensure brands that their video ads are running when the video player is actually in sight. Furthermore, the company also guarantees brands that their ads will be paired with safe content, reach viewers on any screen and be placed next to professional, high-quality videos so as to not diminish or risk brand credibility.
 
 

Facebook has finally settled the privacy complaint lobbed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that charged the social network for deceiving users about the privacy of their personal information. While the company will not have to pay any fines, it has agreed to first receive permission from users before making any changes to the way it shares data. The social giant will also be subjected to privacy audits every 2 years for the next two decades, as per the agreement.
 
AdGenesis and TVGenesis are merging to form Genesis Media, a full-scale online video distribution and targeting platform. Genesis Media employs a cost-per-verified-view broadcast ad model, which matches relevant brand videos to consumers, who have opted-in to the service, based on their interests and online habits. The Genesis platform has 5 million registered users and reaches 150 million viewers per month across thousands of publishing partners. As part of the deal, Andrew Reis, co-founder of Tremor Media and TVGenesis, has been named interim CEO.
 
AT&T continues to chug along as it tries to gain approval for its proposed merger with T-Mobile USA. According to a report from The New York Times, the wireless giant is in negotiations to strike a deal with Leap Wireless that would see it hand over some of T-Mobile’s customers and spectrum to the smaller wireless carrier. The divesting of some assets would serve to make its attempted acquisition of T-Mobile more attractive to the DOJ. The report notes that such a deal would make Leap Wireless the fourth-largest wireless carrier. However, it would allow AT&T to keep enough of valuable T-Mobile spectrum so that it can still further develop its own network.
 
NewNet Communication Technologies will purchase former Motorola Solutions’ WiMAX business from Nokia Siemens Networks. “The addition of the WiMAX business would enhance…our overall market position in providing wireless infrastructure solutions to carriers on a global basis,” said Ron Pyles, president and CEO of NewNet. Per the agreement, 300 Nokia employees are expected to transfer to NewNet. The deal is expected to be finalized before the end of 2011.
 
 

$15 billion have been spent online in the U.S. during the first 28 days of the November to December 2011 holiday season, which is a 15% increase over the same time period from 2010, according to the latest e-commerce figures from comScore. Cyber Monday 2011 represented the heaviest U.S. online spending day in history as it reached $1.25 billion in online spending, an increase of 22% over 2010.
 
Online U.S. video ad spend will grow 43.1% in 2012, according to an eMarketer estimate. In fact, by 2015, it forecasts that video ad spending will reach $7.15 billion, up from $2.16 billion in 2011. The positive future growth of online video ad spend extends to the UK as well, as eMarketer predicts a compound annual growth rate of 65% over five years for online video ad spend, jumping from $150 million 2010 to $850 million by 2015. The report does note several factors that could challenge the forecasted growth, including the high price of video ads and the need for better reach and measurement.
 
 

 
Elfster is a digital Secret Santa social networking platform. The service has announced an extension into Facebook, as well as on mobile via iOS and Android apps. The service is integrated with Facebook so it does not require a log-in. In terms of features, along with accessing wish-lists, it informs you if a desired gift has been purchased by another friend and allows you to secretly message the intended recipient if you need more information. The apps let you add things to your own wish-list by using the camera to take a picture or scan the barcode.
 

 
Cedric Foster has been promoted to Vice President and General Manager of Spike Digital Entertainment. At his new post, Foster will be responsible for digital brand, content and programming strategy, as well as the creative direction of Spike Digital Entertainment. With the company since 2006, Foster was most recently senior director of content and programming.

Vitrue has added Brian Blond to its executive team via the newly created position of Chief Revenue Officer. A 15 year veteran in the fields of sales and development, Blond will take charge of Vitrue’s long-term, strategic revenue generation and oversee global sales operations. Based out of the social marketing platform provider’s San Francisco office, he will report to Vitrue’s CEO and founder, Reggie Bradford.

MWW Group has promoted Leslie Linton to Senior Vice President of its Media Strategies practice. A 25 year veteran of broadcast news, Linton has been with the firm since 2005. Linton also leads MWW’s media training services and provides counsel to help executives deliver clearer messages for media interviews and opportunities.

Entertainment Promotions has appointed Christopher “Kit” Cody to be its Vice President of Digital Products. In his new role, Cody will lead and develop Entertainment’s array of online, mobile and digital products for both consumers and business clients. Entertainment delivers discounts and promotional offers for a wide range of products and services through a network of local, regional and national merchant and advertising partners.

A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE

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Here’s a great website to keep in mind as you get into the giving spirit this holiday season: GoodShop.com. The site has partnered up with over 2,500 top web retailers in order to help you shop for gifts AND donate to a charity of your choice at the same time. When a user makes a purchase through the site, up to 30% of the bill will be sent to his or her favorite charity. And it’s affordable; GoodShop offers over 100,000 coupons and free-shipping deals in order to make sure that people who choose to help out others are not breaking their own bank. While the website’s lineup of retail partners is impressive (it includes Target, Apple, Macy’s, Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Gap, PetSmart, HP, JCPenny and as I mentioned earlier, around 2,500 more), it’s list of nonprofits and schools is even more inspiring: over 103,000 charitable organizations are on board, including the ASPCA, Unicef and the American Red Cross. Buy a present, give a gift!

Later –  Sahil
 Sahil Patel, Associate Reporter for Cynopsis: Digital
11.30.11

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JOB OPENING: WEB DESIGNER/BBC America/NY: Oversee design/redesign & prod wide range online mktg graphics. Strong orgnztl/comm skills a must. Sftwr knwlg: MacOSX, Photoshop, illust, flash.Res/cvr: www.bbcamerica.com/employment.jsp (12/7)

JOB OPENING:  MGR SALES PLANNING/Galavision/NY: Support Dir. on inventory mgmt/stewardship/revenue rptg. Must be detailed/analytical/able to multi-task. Experience in media/DM/VCI/Spanish a +. Apply- [email protected] (12/7)

JOB OPENING:  ON-AIR PROMO PREDITOR/ NY:  Write, produce, edit & direct promos, short form, BTS or interstitial segments. Utilize writing skills and present multiple concepts for each assignment. Apply: www.disneycareers.com   #9923 (12/7)

JOB OPENING: GENERAL MGR P&I/NYC: Daily mgmt of inventory. Revenue, inventory, pricing and liability reporting. Rate card maintenance. Prof in excel. Strong analytics & 5+ yrs exp in Media. Apply: [email protected] (12/6)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES MKTG MGR/Current TV/NYC: Xfnctnal role: Creative promo mktg dev, strat client solutions, project mgt, 3-5 yrs TV/Media/Mktg/Ad/or Online [email protected] EOE (12/3)

JOB OPENING MGR, STRATEGIC MKTG/USA/NBCU/NYC:Develop & execute 360 multiplatform mktg opps for USA Ntwk’s ad partners. Min 5 years exp at a TV network or ad agency w/ TV clients. Apply online at www.nbcunicareers.com (#3543BR) (12/3)

JOB OPENING MGR, SALES RESEARCH/NBCU/NYC:Manage on-air sales research for Cloo & Chiller ntwrks, part of USA & Syfy research teams. Knwldg of Nielsen, Simmons, MRI, CMR, Excel/PP req.Apply online www.nbcunicareers.com (#2970BR) (12/3)

JOB OPENING SSR/CHICAGO: Assist to max ad revenue handle all facets of sales process/decision maker except sales negotiations https://secure.sterlingdirect.com/jobboard/Default.aspx?JOBBOARDID=618&JobDetail=115171 (12/3)

JOB OPENING BRDCST DESIGNER/AMC/NYC: Top cable net seeks temp After Effects Designers/Animators for in-house projects. Exp w/ on-air promos, snipes and bugs is a must. Send CV, link to reel, & day rate to: [email protected] (12/3)

JOB OPENING MGR CLIENT SOLUTIONS/NY/ABC: Support ad sales, assist in the dev of solutions & prod of materials,5+ yrs media exp, Keynote, research tools exp apply: www.disneycareers.com Req #9922 (12/3)

JOB OPENING: SENIOR SOFTWARE PRODUCER/NYC: Major children’s publisher seeks producer to oversee day to day production of cross-platform software, including PC and mobile. 5+yrs prod exp. Resume: [email protected] (12/2)

JOB OPENING: SHOWRUNNER for HGTV series in MPLS (willing to work in MN for production). Reality TV sprvsng prdcr credits req’d. Start Dec, 7-8 wks for pilot w/brk bfr continuing the series. [email protected]  (12/2)

JOB OPENING: DIR PROGRAMMING & DIST STRATEGY/Marvel Animation/LA: Mng/strategize global prgrmng & distribution with internal & 3rd party partners. 5+ yrs prgrmng & distribution exp, highly organized. Resume to: [email protected] (12/1)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCER, ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS/Los Angeles:Must have talk or court show experience. Send resume and cover letter to [email protected] (12/1)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, CONSUMER INSIGHTS RESEARCH/MTV/NYC. 5-7 yrs TV research/pilot testing & pilot optimization at a network is a must; B.A req EOE/M/F/D/AAP apply www.mtvnetworkscareers.com (12/1)

JOB OPENING: COORD STANDARDS & PRACTICES/Nickelodeon/NYC: BA, 2yrs work exp; knwldg children’s media. Strong communic/written sk. Detail-oriented, good editorial judgement. Apply www.mtvneworkscareers.com EOE/M/F/D/AAP (12/1)

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] .

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY:  Internship opportunity within the OWN Research department. TV/Online/VOD/Social Media Quant and Qual research. Must good w/ numbers and proficient w/ Microsoft Office (esp. Excel). For credit only! Re: [email protected] (12/7)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: CBS TV Stations is seeking intern in Strategic Mktg to support biz dev/ad sales efforts. Detail-oriented & thrives in fast-paced environment. Must receive academic credit. Send res/cov. ltr to [email protected] (12/7)

SPRING INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: Entertainment marketing firm seeking intern to join creative/fast-paced team. Will prepare presentations, research, onsite activation & organize/work on multiple tasks simultaneously. Contact [email protected] (12/7)

WINTER INTERNSHIP CREDITS ONLY: INTERNSHIPS for school credit only: http://www.rnntv.com/careers.php-please forward resume to: [email protected] (11/30)

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:  FIELD PRODUCER 20+ yrs. Covered Cannes, BH Film Fests, Red Carpets, Product Launches. Clients inc Dreamworks, Qantas, Carnival Cruises. [email protected] (12/7)

SITUATION WANTED: SPORTS BROADCASTER: Currently working with CBS Sports, YES Network, and Army Athletics. Broadcasted games for Hudson Valley Renegades. Resume and demo reel upon request. FT/Contract. Contact [email protected] (12/7)

SITUATION WANTED:  RESEARCHER w/mkting background. Analyzes and infers meaning from resrch, illuminates big picture, acts on results. Makes #s come alive. Agency&publishing, x-platform experience. FT/contract. [email protected] (12/6)

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] (12/6)

SITUATION WANTED:  I’M ALL YOURS – Seeking to Assist, Currently an E.A. to Chief of Dept. 5 Yrs. work exp. B.A. Mass Comm. Contact, [email protected] (12/2)

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”)  (12/2)

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] (12/2)

SITUATION WANTED:  Award-winning WRITER/PRODUCER is looking for his next job. Shows I’ve written and produced have aired on TLC, Discovery, ESPN,and PBS, among others. Please contact [email protected] or 626-437-2698 (12/2)

SITUATION WANTED:   PRODUCTION/OFFICE ASSISTANT: Recent grad with a BFA in Arts Management seeks entry level position in NY. Interested in all departments of entertainment and media. Dedicated & passionate- [email protected] (12/2)

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