Connecting People & Knowledge - Since May 2000
   
Today's Sponsor:
       

  

 


January 14, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Report: News Corp Eyeing Purchase of Video Game Company
o Google Settles With SEC Over Pre-IPO Sale of Options, Playboy Interview
o Hollywood Video Seeks Antitrust Approval for Movie Gallery Merger
o Washington Post Completes Purchase of Online Magazine Slate From Microsoft
o U.K.-based Online Ad Technology Developer Accipiter Raises $2 Million

o Note to Readers: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday

> DMW Announcements:
--Digital Music Forum - March 2, 2005  

> Featured Advertisement:
--Games and Mobile Forum - April 21, 2005
 

o Briefly Noted: Samsung - motion-sensitive cell phone, Griffin Technology - Bluetooth iPod accessories, Blinkx - U.K., Food Network - GoldPocket Interactive, Comcast's CN8 - TalkShow.TV, Atari - "Act of War: Direct Action" - FUNimation, Sony Online Entertainment, XM Satellite Radio - "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope," Correction - Napster
_____________________________________________

> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Senior Account Executive - Technology PR
--Junior Developer
--Account Executive At Hot Software Company, Tysons Corner, VA
--ClearedJobs.Net - Security Cleared Professionals
--Sales, Mktng, And Bus Dev. Executives Association - New England/Boston
--COO/CEO - Baltimore- Washington Metro Area
--Channel Manager
--Senior Technical Project Manager
--Sr. Java Software Engineer
--OSDL Enterprise Linux Summit - Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2005
--Tech Global Venture Congress 2005 - Jan. 27-28
--eNaugural.com - The Presidential Hi-Tech Inaugural Ball Jan 20, 2005
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Report: News Corp Eyeing Purchase of Video Game Company

London -- Australian media tycoon Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation is actively eyeing acquisitions in the video game sector, a move confirmed this week by the company's chief operating officer Peter Chernin at an investment conference, The Financial Times reported. "We see [video games] as a big business and would like to get into it," Chernin said, adding that News Corp has been "kicking the tires of pretty much all video games companies." Targets include Santa Monica, Calif.-based Activision, which is actively seeking a buyer. "We are struggling with the gap between companies like Electronic Arts, which come with a high price tag, and the next tier of companies. These may be too focused on one or two product lines." The news comes in the same week that News Corp agreed to buy full control of Fox Entertainment Group -- which includes the Fox Network, Fox News Channel, 20th Century Fox film studio and its stake in DirecTV -- in a stock swap valued at around $6 billion.
http://news.ft.com/cms/s/dfb4d796-6508-11d9-9f8b-00000e2511c8.html
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=6278 
_____________________________________________

o Google Settles With SEC Over Pre-IPO Sale of Options, Playboy Interview

Mountain View, Calif. -- Search engine giant Google on Thursday settled charges from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that it broke the law by failing to report having offered $82 million in employee stock options, and in granting an interview with Playboy magazine during the "quiet period" before the company's IPO last year. The SEC concluded its probe into the matter without imposing fines or penalties against Google, which signed a cease-and-desist order but did not have to admit or deny any wrongdoing. In addition to the unreported granting of stock options, Google founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin spoke with Playboy magazine in a possible violation of SEC rules restricting the public comments of companies with an impending initial public offering, but the SEC did not penalize Google for the interview.
http://www.sec.gov/news/press/2005-6.htm
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050113/google_sec_2.html 
____________________________________________

o Hollywood Video Seeks Antitrust Approval for Movie Gallery Merger

Portland, Ore. -- Hollywood Entertainment, the nation's second-largest video rental chain behind Blockbuster, announced that it has sought official antitrust approval of a buyout offer from Movie Gallery, the third-largest video rental chain in the U.S. Earlier this week, Alabama-based Movie Gallery offered $850 million for Hollywood, which operates 2,000 Hollywood Video and 700 Game Crazy stores. Oregon-based Hollywood also announced that it has received a "second request" from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) in relation to an FTC investigation of a potential offer from Blockbuster to acquire the shares of Hollywood. Blockbuster previously offered $11.50 per share for Hollywood, but has said it would raise that offer if Hollywood granted full access to its books, and eliminated a qualification that Blockbuster never sidestep Hollywood's management with an offer proposed directly to Hollywood's shareholders.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050113/nyth173_1.html
http://www.hollywoodvideo.com 
____________________________________________

o Washington Post Completes Purchase of Online Magazine Slate From Microsoft

Washington -- The Washington Post Company said on Friday that it has completed its acquisition of online magazine Slate from Microsoft. The purchase price was not disclosed. Slate, which had 6 million unique users in November according to Nielsen NetRatings, offers a mix of articles about politics, news and culture. The transaction was first announced on December 21, 2004.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050114/dcf002_1.html 
http://www.slate.com 
____________________________________________

o U.K.-based Online Ad Technology Developer Accipiter Raises $2 Million

London -- Accipiter Solutions, a developer of online advertising technology, announced that it has raised $2 million from Frontier Capital in its first round of venture capital financing. London-based Accipiter counts customers in 28 countries, including Freeserve, NineMSN, E! Online and Tiscali, and said over 49 billion ads are served each month using its AdManager and AdBureau services. The company will use the funds to hire additional personnel and for product development.
http://www.accipiter.com/news/011205vcfunding.php 
____________________________________________

o Note to Readers

Digital Media Wire will not be published on Monday, Jan. 17, in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Holiday. The next edition will arrive on Tuesday, Jan. 18.

Top


>DMW Events:

 



5th Annual Digital Music Forum
March 2, 2005 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com

Digital Music Forum is the premier event for music industry decision-makers focused on business models and legal issues impacting music. The annual event brings together decision-makers from records labels, music publishers, producers and distributors, technology companies, wireless companies, rights organizations, industry bodies, radio, advertising, attorneys, artists investors and venture capitalists to examine the role of digital technologies in the future of music.

PANEL TOPICS INCLUDE:

  • THE STATE OF THE DIGITAL UNION: The Outlook for Online & Mobile Music Markets
  • LAWYERS, GEEKS & MONEY: The Clash Between Technology & Copyright Law
  • THE ONLINE MUSIC MARKET: Competition, Business Models & Courting Consumers in a Crowded Market
  • THE MOBILE MUSIC MARKET: What Does the Future Hold for this Booming Market?

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Pre-registration rate: $295 (until February 4th)
Registration rate: $395 (after Feb. 4th)

Register online at http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1092

Phone registration: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

Top


 

> Featured Advertisement:

                                                   SAVE THE DATE

     

             For more information, visit http://www.gamesandmobile.com/

 

Top


o Briefly Noted:

(Seoul, Korea) Korea's Samsung Electronics has introduced a new cell phone design that utilizes movement recognition technology to translate motion into commands for the phone. If shaken twice, the model SCH-S310 will end a call or delete a message. The phone will also recognize when users "write" the number 3 in the air, and then dial that number, as well as "X" and "O" symbols that will translate into other functions. Samsung said other applications include a "beat box" where a specific drum sound will play in sync with the shaking of the phone in time with a music track being played back, and games where a player's movements of the phone up or down will induce actions within the game.
http://tinyurl.com/3mv5c

(Nashville, Tenn.) Griffin Technology, a manufacturer of accessories for Apple's iPod and other devices, this week introduced two new iPod products that utilize Bluetooth wireless connectivity. The $149 BlueTrip can wirelessly transmit music from the iPod over a Bluetooth wireless connection to a receiver that connects to a home stereo. The iPod can then control playback on the home stereo from a range of up to 30 feet. Nashville-based Griffin also introduced the AirClick, a $40 accessory that utilizes Bluetooth to allow users to control the iPod using a tiny controller that provides access to volume, track skipping and pause functions while driving or riding a bicycle.
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/bluetrip/index.php
http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/airclick/index.php

(London) Blinkx, a developer of search engine technology that indexes TV programming including news, sports and entertainment available on the Internet, announced on Friday that it has begun to offer and market its service in the U.K. The company's index currently spans over 42,000 hours of video from over 20 international broadcasters, including the BBC, ITN and Sky News. San Francisco-based Blinkx's service enables users to search for specific video clips, giving the example that typing "Who shot JR?" would return the famous clip from TV's "Dallas."
http://www.blinkx.tv

(Los Angeles) Cable TV network Food Network announced on Friday that it partnered with interactive TV developer GoldPocket Interactive to add interactive features to its program, "Iron Chef America." Viewers will be able to vote online for which dishes and which chef they believe are superior, and play an online bingo game based on information presented during the program.
http://www.goldpocket.com
http://www.foodtv.ca/tv/shows/titledetails/title_79059.asp

(Philadelphia) TalkShow.TV, a 30-minute local talk show covering style, sports, music and nightlife, said on Friday that it will now air on cable TV provider Comcast's CN8 network and accompanying video-on-demand service. The program will be broadcast to Comcast's 6.4 million subscribers in the Northeast, and made available to those digital cable subscribers with access to video-on-demand services.
http://www.talkshow.tv 
http://www.cn8.tv

(Beverly, Mass.) Video game publisher Atari said on Friday that its upcoming "Act of War: Direct Action" title will feature a story written by best-seller Dale Brown and include original live-action footage produced by SWAT Films/Beyond FX. The title is due for release for the PC in March. Separately, Atari said that it has signed a five-year extension of its license with FUNimation Productions to produce games based on the Japanese import animated series, "Dragon Ball." Since May 2002, Atari has released 12 "Dragon Ball" titles that have sold a combined 7 million units.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050114/145041_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050111/115928_1.html 
http://www.dalebrown.info

(San Diego) Sony Online Entertainment said on Friday that it has added LucasArts' "Star Wars Galaxies" massively multiplayer online game to the roster of titles offered through its Station Access subscription plan, which provides access to all of Sony's online game titles for $21.99 per month. In addition to "Star Wars Galaxies," the subscription includes access to Sony's "EverQuest" and "PlanetSide" online games.
http://www.sonyonline.com 
http://www.station.com

(Washington) XM Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, said on Friday it will broadcast NBC Universal's "Tsunami Aid: A Concert of Hope" two-hour benefit event live on Saturday evening. Scheduled performers include Madonna, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Nelly and John Mayer.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050114/dcf008_1.html
http://www.nbc.com/nbc/Tsunami_Aid:_A_Concert_of_Hope  
_________________

> Correction

A story in yesterday's edition of Digital Media Wire incorrectly stated that Napster had doubled its subscriber base in its most recent financial quarter. The company's subscriber base actually increased by 50% during the quarter, as the headline for the story correctly stated.
 
Top


> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Senior Account Executive - Technology PR

LaunchSquad, a tech-focused PR firm in San Francisco, is seeking a high- energy, experienced media relations professional to join our team. The senior account executive will work directly with LaunchSquad's managing partners on several of the company's clients. Duties will include writing, media pitching, strategic planning, client relations, new business activities, and other general client work. Require 3 to 7 years of tech PR exp., strong written and verbal communications skills, strong media pitching skills, Analyst relations exp., Client mgmt skills. Visit http://www.launchsquad.com for more info. Please send a resume and cover letter to thesquad@launchsquad.com
_________________

> Junior Developer

A stellar Northern Virginia based consulting firm is looking for three junior .net developers. The ideal candidate will have 1-2 years development experience, a positive, go-getter attitude and the ability to learn new skills quickly. The core skill set is asp.net. C#.net and familiarity with SQL Server is strongly preferred. Must have working knowledge of object oriented programming methodologies. XML and Microsoft Reporting Services is a plus. If interested, please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire238.asp
_________________

> Account Executive At Hot Software Company, Tysons Corner, VA

HyperOffice delivers ASP solutions to SMB to improve collaboration. You will be responsible for calling mid-top level management, qualifying in-bound leads, and delivering web presentations to achieve sales goals in an energetic start-up environment. Selling software is a plus but not required. Solid biz dev and inside sales skills are a must. Ability to think conceptually and on your feet when interpreting requirements into solutions is required. Send resumes to careers@hyperoffice.com For more info. visit http://www.hyperoffice.com
_________________

> ClearedJobs.Net - Security Cleared Professionals

ClearedJobs.Net, one of the fastest growing career portals dedicated to the security cleared community seeks individuals for permanent and contract opportunities with a wide range of defense firms in the D.C. Metro Area. Current openings include: Oracle DBA's, Software Engineers, Systems Engineers, System Administrators, Network Engineers, and many others. Learn more by visiting our Cleared Professionals Marketplace at http://www.ClearedJobs.Net Send resumes to recruiting@clearedjobs.net
_________________

> Sales, Mktng, And Bus Dev. Executives Association - New England/Boston

Making a bad hiring decision can cost you tremendously - in time required to manage that person (and managing the person out) as well as in lost sales, missed marketing results, and under-performing alliances. Come to this interactive session with a panelist of acclaimed speakers who have been featured on CNN, in the Wall St. Journal, Newsweek, and hundreds of other journals on how to hire the best. This is also a great opportunity to network with your fellow executives. Visit NETSEA (http://www.netsea.org) for more information - register today. Send inquiries to ssao@netsea.org
_________________

> COO/CEO - Baltimore- Washington Metro Area

Blogdigger, a real-time search engine for syndication technologies, seeks business partner to join technical founders as COO/CEO. Duties include advancing business plan, seeking equity, developing revenue models, establishing business relationships. Will work closely with founders, who have launched Blogdigger's search engine technology. Should understand the basics of weblogs, RSS/syndication, search, web services. Send resumes to jobs@blogdigger.com
_________________

> Channel Manager

Netezza is looking a for high energy individual to recruit, manage and expand relationships with System Integrators, Independent Software Vendors and Complementary Technology partners. The ideal candidate has a technical background with experience in channel management, business development, and/or consulting for technology companies focused on the Business Intelligence, Database and/or Storage markets. Send resumes to rrobinson@netezza.com
_________________

> Senior Technical Project Manager

The individual working in this exciting position will provide admin. support to member firms in the new areas of industry technology standards, electronic commerce security, process automation, and innovative systems. He/she will assist in the project mgmt. of tech advances, and products and services which benefit members and their customers, while providing staff support for various Committees. The incumbent must work well with people. Bachelor's degree in engineering and a min of 5 years of exp. reqd. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire235.asp
_________________

> Sr. Java Software Engineer

A commercial product firm seeks a senior software engineer with 7 plus years of exp. The firm strongly prefers a candidate that has experience on both Unix/Linux and Windows platforms and solid experience with at least 2 programming languages and agile programming. This position requires direct contribution in all phases of the life-cycle, including specification, design, coding, unit test, integration and system test, and documentation. Strong skills in developing and executing on business requirements are needed. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire237.asp
_________________

> OSDL Enterprise Linux Summit

The OSDL Enterprise Linux Summit is the source of Linux deployment information. This unique conference brings together Linux system administrators and architects, corporate developers, ISVs and vendors who want to explore practical solutions for accelerating Linux deployment and increasing Linux business across the enterprise. Jan 31- Feb 2, 2004, Hyatt Hotel, Burlingame, California http://www.osdllinuxsummit.org/btw
_________________

> Tech Global Venture Congress 2005 - Jan. 27-28

The Technology Global Venture Congress is a two-day conference designed to address the venture capital landscape, identify current trends in innovation, learn key technologies and scientific discoveries and discover emerging Technology companies. More than 35 participating VC speakers, 8 panel discussions, VIP Cocktail reception and networking. Jan 27- 28, Madison Square Garden , NYC. Special discounted rate ($450) for Tech Wire subscribers. Register here. Send inquiries to tech@saeclub.com
_________________

> eNaugural.com - The Presidential Hi-Tech Inaugural Ball Jan 20, 2005

The eNaugural.com Ball is the Presidential Inaugural Ball for the Hi-tech community. This spectacular celebration brings together key industry leaders, elected officials and the media to honor and celebrate the overwhelming, positive impact of the new digital age on virtually every aspect of American life. This exciting gala is webcast live to the world, and archived for later viewing on the web. Go to http://www.enaugural.com for more info.
_________________

> PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
_________________

Top


About Us
Digital Media Wire, Inc. is a news organization, publisher and events company serving the digital media industry since May 2000. Our daily newsletter delivers original briefings on business, legal and financial developments shaping digital media and read by over 30,000 executives and professionals.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

Advertising & Sponsorship
Publications, Events & Information


Executive & Editorial Team
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger


Contact Us
Questions, Comments & Suggestions
News Tips & Press Releases

For a free subscription to Digital Media Wire:

Email address:
(Required) Your name:
(Required) City, State:

To unsubscribe:

Email address:

Top


Copyright 2005 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.