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January 21, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Michael Powell to Step Down as FCC Chairman
o EchoStar Buys Cablevision's Voom HD Satellite TV Service for $200 Million
o Google Loses Keyword Ad Trademark Suit in France
o Napster Raises $52.2 Million in Private Share Placement
o Sirius Satellite Radio Extends NBA Broadcast Deal

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

> Featured Advertisement:
--MIDEMNET - January 22-27, 2005
-
-Billboard Music & Money Symposium - March 3, 2005
 

o Briefly Noted: Supreme Court - MGM v. Grokster hearing date, Canadian Private Copying Collective - Supreme Court appeal, Nvidia - Sony PlayStation 3, SoundExchange - unclaimed royalties, CNET News.com - TrackBack, Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences - 8th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Strategic Account Manager - E-business and Games
--Director - Online Panel (Research)
--Web Consulting/Business Development Manager, iapps Division
--Senior Manager of Business Development
--Public Relations Account Manager - Andover, MA
--Senior Account Executive - Technology PR
--ClearedJobs.Net - Security Cleared Professionals
--Sales, Mktng, And Bus Dev. Executives Association - New England/Boston
--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
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Michael Powell to Step Down as FCC Chairman

Washington -- Michael Powell, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the past four years, said on Friday that he will step down from his post in March. "Having completed a bold and aggressive agenda, it is time for me to pursue other opportunities and let someone else take the reins of the agency," said Powell, the son of outgoing Secretary of State Colin Powell. The FCC chairman has been lauded for his hands-off approach to regulating new technologies, such as broadband, VoIP and Wi-Fi. "The use of cell phones, digital televisions, personal video recorders, and digital music players, is exploding. These devices are increasingly connected anytime, anywhere by a wide variety of broadband networks enabling a host of competitive services and new applications," said Powell. But Powell was also criticized for the Commission's controversial loosening of rules on media consolidation, decision to mandate an anti-piracy "broadcast flag" in new television technologies, and levying of record indecency fines against broadcasters -- over issues including partial nudity during a Super Bowl broadcast and the subject matter covered on Howard Stern's radio show. Powell was appointed to the FCC by President Clinton in 1997 and promoted to chairman by President Bush in 2000. The Washington Post reported that Kevin Martin, a Republican FCC member whose wife previously worked for Vice President Dick Cheney, is the likely successor.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-256206A1.pdf
http://makeashorterlink.com/?U5F223B4A 
http://tinyurl.com/6y666 
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o EchoStar Buys Cablevision's Voom HD Satellite TV Service for $200 Million

Englewood, Colo. -- EchoStar Communications, a provider of satellite TV programming through its DISH Network service, announced on Friday that it has purchased cable TV provider Cablevision's Rainbow DBS, which operates the Voom satellite TV programming service, for $200 million. Founded in 2003, Voom has touted itself as offering the largest amount of high-definition programming, but so far has lost $76 million and claims only 26,000 subscribers. Under the terms of the deal, EchoStar will receive Cablevision's Rainbow 1 satellite, in addition to the company's facilities in Black Hawk, S.D. Colorado-based EchoStar said it is "assessing how the Rainbow satellite's flexibility can best be utilized to enhance DISH Network's existing service," but will maintain the service for Voom customers at least during a transition period.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050120/205894_1.html 
http://www.cablevision.com 
http://www.echostar.com 
http://www.voom.com 
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o Google Loses Keyword Ad Trademark Suit in France

Nanterre, France -- In a ruling that may affect Google's successful keyword advertising business in the region, a French court has ruled the company's AdWord service infringed on the trademarks of French luxury hotel Le Meridien when it sold ads to competitors triggered by Le Meridien's trademark. The company must remove text ads placed by Le Meridien competitors that are launched when users type "Le Meridien" into its search engine within 72 hours, or face a daily fine of $195. Google must also pay a fine of $2,500 and cover Le Meridien's court fees. The French ruling is at odds with a recent U.S. case, where last month a federal judge in Virginia ruled that Google did not infringe on insurance company Geico's trademarks with its keyword ads. Google plans to appeal the French court's ruling. "We will continue to defend against this suit, which we believe is without merit," Google said in a statement.
http://blog.searchenginewatch.com/blog/050120-191513
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/01/21/google_adword 
http://tinyurl.com/648of 
http://www.lemeridien.com
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o Napster Raises $52.2 Million in Private Share Placement

Los Angeles -- Napster announced on Friday that it will raise $52.2 million through the sale of 7.1 million of its shares to undisclosed institutional investors. Los Angeles-based Napster was formerly a unit of Roxio, a successful developer of CD and DVD burning software. Owners sold that part of the business to Sonic Solutions in August 2004 for $80 million, in a bid to focus on the nascent digital music service. Napster said the proceeds from the share sale will be used for the launch of its upcoming Napster To Go portable subscription service, and for potential acquisitions.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050121/sff018_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050121/napster_financing_2.html 
http://www.napster.com 
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o Sirius Satellite Radio Extends NBA Broadcast Deal

New York -- Sirius Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, announced on Friday that it has extended a non-exclusive, multi-year agreement with the National Basketball Association (NBA) to broadcast games on its service. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. New York-based Sirius offers up to 40 NBA game broadcasts each week at no additional charge over its $12.95 per month programming fee. The NBA agreement includes the rights to broadcast the NBA playoffs and finals.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050121/nyf096_1.html 
http://www.sirius.com 

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>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.

FEATURED INTERVIEW:
Shawn Fanning - Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Snocap with
Chris Anderson - Editor-in-Chief, Wired

KEYNOTES:
Terry McBride - CEO, Nettwerk Productions
David Goldberg - VP & General Manager, Music, Yahoo!
Mike Conte - General Manager, MSN Marketplaces, Microsoft

PANELISTS:

Brad Duea - President, Napster
Jeffrey Bronikowski - VP, Bus. Dev., eLabs, Universal Music Group
Ted Cohen - SVP, Digital Development & Distribution, EMI Music
Thomas Gewecke - SVP, Digital Business Group, Sony BMG
Mike Gaumond - VP & General Manager, Motorola Media Solutions
Brian Garrity - Senior Editor, Billboard
Gerd Leonhard - Co-Author, "The Future of Music" / Senior Advisor, Sony Net Services
Phil Corwin - Chief Lobbyist, Sharman Networks (owner of Kazaa)
Martin J. Elgison - Partner, Intellectual Property, Alston & Bird
Steve Marks - General Counsel, RIAA
Jonathan Potter - Executive Director, Digital Media Association
Robert Acker - VP, RealPlayer & Music Services, Real Networks
Gary Cohen - President, MusicNow
Peter Diemer - VP Sales & Marketing, Musicrypt.com
David Card - VP & Senior Analyst, Jupiter Research
John Kilcullen - President & Publisher, Billboard
Ned Sherman - CEO, Digital Media Wire
Nancy Beaton - GM, Wireless Music & Personalization, Sprint
Ralph Simon - Chairman of Americas, Mobile Entertainment Forum
Additional speakers & keynoters to be announced


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 February 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


 

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> Featured Advertisement:

                                                  


 

>Billboard Music & Money Symposium - March 3, 2005

 

The 4th annual Music & Money Symposium will take place Thursday, March 3, at The St. Regis Hotel in the heart of midtown Manhattan. As in past years, The Symposium will attract thought leaders from the music, legal, management and Wall Street communities for a thorough examination of trends and opportunities in music and digital entertainment.

This year's Symposium will include a candid, one-on-one discussion between Loeb & Loeb co-chairman John Frankenheimer and Sony BMG Music Entertainment CEO Andrew Lack. These two giants of the biz will explore the challenge of merging Sony and BMG, while providing an aerial view of music's future. Additionally, the event will feature all-star panel discussions that will explore a host of crucial topics and networking opportunities such as a breakfast, lunch and cocktail hour.

For more information and to register online, please visit: www.billboardevents.com or contact Kelly at kpeppers@billboard.com or (646) 654-4643.

Attendees of the Digital Music Forum will receive 25% off the registration rate for the Billboard Music & Money Symposium.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Washington) The U.S. Supreme Court has scheduled Tuesday, March 29 to hear oral arguments in MGM Studios v. Grokster, the entertainment industry's appeal of a landmark ruling that said providers of peer-to-peer file-sharing software are not liable for any copyright infringement committed by users of programs like Grokster and Morpheus. The litigation against Grokster and Morpheus was launched in 2001 by a number of movie studios and record labels, who maintain that at least 90% of the activity on the services constitutes copyright infringement.
http://tinyurl.com/5txwn 
http://www.supremecourtus.gov/qp/04-00480qp.pdf

(Toronto) The Canadian Private Copying Collective (CPCC) has announced that it plans to appeal a ruling that threw out its levies on the internal memory of digital audio players, like Apple's iPod, to Canada's Supreme Court. The CPCC collects "private copying levies" placed on devices sold in Canada that can be used to make copies of music, and distributes them to artists and record labels. Canada's Copyright Board decided in Dec. 2003 to begin imposing a levy on sales of iPods and other audio devices with internal hard drives, at a rate of $15 for between 1GB and 10GB, and $25 on devices with greater than 10GB capacities. The Federal Court of Appeal ruled the levy was invalid in Dec. 2004. "Creators of recorded music deserve remuneration for the use of their work," said CPCC chair Claudette Fortier. "It is our responsibility to uphold that principle even when new developments in technology change the ways in which Canadians make private copies of music."
http://cpcc.ca/english/pdf/AppealFCARulingDARs.pdf

(Los Angeles) Graphics chipmaker Nvidia will provide the graphics processing unit for Sony's next-generation PlayStation video game console, the website X-bit Labs reported. The move is a departure for Sony, which has usually developed its own graphics systems in-house. "We've been working with them to produce a version that is customized specifically to connect that to the Cell processor, so that they could work together," Nvidia head of corporate marketing David Roman told X-bit Labs. "The timing and everything is up to them to disclose, although we will have some products a little bit later this year, so this is not that far in the future on the development side." The Cell processor is being jointly developed by Sony, IBM and Toshiba, and will figure as the heart of the new Sony video game console.
http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/editorial/display/ces2005.html
http://www.nvidia.com

(Washington) SoundExchange, the recording industry entity set up to collect royalties paid by webcasters to stream music online and distribute them to artists and copyright holders, announced that it has extended the deadline for artists to claim unpaid royalties from the period 1996-2000 until July 2005. SoundExchange said over 30,000 artists -- including The Shangri-Las, SWV and Luscious Jackson -- have not yet registered to claim their royalties, which will be forfeited it they fail to do so. "I was very pleased that the SoundExchange Board voted to extend the pool release deadline until July 2005, at the earliest, recognizing the immense challenge that we face. The Board clearly understood our mission: playing catch-up for 80 years of recordings without a performance right," said executive director John Simson.
http://tinyurl.com/442d2

(San Francisco) Technology publisher CNET News.com said this week that it has become the first major media entity to integrate TrackBack link notification capability into its stories, allowing readers to view the response of the blog community to its reporting and analysis. TrackBack is an emerging protocol that allows websites to automatically store records of any links which occur between them.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050120/205328_1.html
http://www.movabletype.org/trackback

(Calabasas, Calif.) The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) on Friday announced finalists for its 8th Annual Interactive Achievement Awards, recognizing the best video games of 2004 in over 30 categories. Nominees for Game of the Year include "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas," "Half-Life 2," "Halo 2," "Katamari Damacy" and "World of Warcraft." The winners will be announced on Feb. 1, during the video game industry's D.I.C.E. Summit (Design, Innovate, Communicate and Entertain) in Las Vegas.
http://www.dicesummit.org 
http://www.interactive.org 
 
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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Strategic Account Manager - E-business and Games

Boonty is an international company which develops and sells a premium service video game downloading platform to major Internet Access Providers and Portals. Your primary target: increase sales on our partner's websites. In coordination with the Sales director, you will work closely with our US partners (ISP, portals) More info here.
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> Director - Online Panel (Research)

The Director will lead a team of people who deliver many key aspects of our ZoomPanel product. ZoomPanel is a MarketTools proprietary online panel community. Require: 3-5 years Direct Marketing background. Internet marketing, consumer promotions or marketing research experience preferred. Some classical brand management experience at major packaged goods companies preferred. Creative problem solving skills a must. International business experience and foreign language skills a plus. Strong communication skills, oral and written, required. Must have the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Bachelors degree required, MBA strongly preferred. Please email your resume and salary history/requirements to hr@markettools.com
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> Web Consulting/Business Development Manager, iapps Division

iapps is searching for a Web Consulting/Business Development Manager for our Washington DC office. You will be responsible for sales, cultivating new client opportunities and growing our existing client base. Must be very experienced identifying clients' web challenges and developing detailed written technical specifications for pending client engagements. Strong presentation skills required. Knowledge of philanthropic/non-profit sector helpful. Send resumes to jobs@iapps.com
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> Senior Manager of Business Development

Small but growing media software company, backed by leading venture firms, seeks a business development manager to expand the company's strategic software and technology partnerships and develop new revenue opportunities. This person will identify potential customers, present solutions to senior media executives, and manage the BD process through contract negotiation. Significant travel is required. MBA and 5 years BD exp. preferred. Send resumes to jobs@lightningcast.com
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> Public Relations Account Manager - Andover, MA

PAN Communications is a full-service, independent public relations agency dedicated to increasing its clients' visibility, market share and profits. Based in Andover, MA, this mid-size firm has a nationwide client base and specializes in creating and executing public relations programs for Technology, Professional Services, Trade Show and Consumer clients. The ideal candidate will have 5 to 7 years experience in high technology public relations preferably in an agency setting and a B.S./B.A. or equivalent is required. Proven managerial experience is a must. Please send your resume to HR@pancomm.com. Visit our website at http://www.pancommunications.com
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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.
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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.

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


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