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Introducing Billboard.biz, a 24-7 information-rich website geared
specifically toward meeting the needs of the music community. More information |
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January
27, 2004 --
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Main Stories
o
European Indie Labels Vow to Fight Proposed Sony-BMG Merger
o Peter
Gabriel, Brian Eno Encourage Musicians to Embrace Digital
Distribution
o TiVo
Raises $74 Million in Secondary Offering
o
Vivendi Drops Case Against Messier Over $25.7 Million Severance
o Rich
Media Ad Delivery Firm EyeBlaster Raises $8 Million
o
Mobliss Acquired by Japanese Mobile Entertainment Firm for $15
Million
o
Briefly Noted: Ultrawideband,
OD2 - SonicSelector, Xingtone - Hollywood Records, Downlplay -
Alltel, CinemaNow - CODE, Sega - "Astro Boy" - "Samurai Jack," Sony
Computer Entertainment America - "Game Before the Game," Infinium
Labs - Kevin Bachus, Telenor Mobile Interactive USA - "American
Idol," "Second Life" - game developer contest, Nokia 7700 - Visual
Radio
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>
Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Best Cities, Best Job Growth Performers: Where should you be?
--Director of Corporate Marketing Communications - Fort Collins, CO
--Software Engineer
--HireStrategy- COO
--Video Production Services
--Obtain Maximum Value for Your Excess Used Technology Equipment
--Tech Executive Meeting - Harnessing Metrics to Drive
--IT Service Management Forum Government Conference & Expo
--Complete Information for Department of Homeland Security
--Artisan Quality Handbags and Jewelry
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o European Indie Labels Vow to Fight
Proposed Sony-BMG Merger
Brussels -- Impala, a trade group representing more than 2,000
independent record labels in Europe, announced this week that it
would fight the proposed merger between music heavyweights Sony and
BMG. Impala claims the newly merged behemoth would command more than
a quarter of the Continent's music sales, as well as lead to the
elimination of thousands of jobs. Impala Vice President Patrick
Zelnik said that the smaller labels would be "further marginalized,
and access to radio play lists, television programs and retail
outlets will become impossible". The group threatened to launch
legal action in both Europe and the U.S. should the European
Commission approve the merger.
http://www.impalasite.org
_____________________________________________
o Peter
Gabriel, Brian Eno Encourage Musicians to Embrace Digital
Distribution
London -- Peter Gabriel and Brian Eno have created a musicians'
union that aims to allow fellow artists to distribute their music
online and bypass or supplement the traditional record label model
for selling music. The two artists released a manifesto of sorts
called the "Magnificent Union of Digitally Downloading Artists" (MUDDA)
at the MIDEM music industry conference in Cannes. The document
details how artists can use the Internet to release their music in
formats other than the industry standard album. "I'm an artist who
works incredibly slowly," Gabriel told the Associated Press. "If
some of those (songs) could be made available, you don't have to be
so trapped into this old way of being confined only by the album
cycle." Gabriel is also a co-founder of On Demand Distribution
(OD2), a European provider of licensed songs and delivery technology
for the region's leading digital music services.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/3424483.stm
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,62050,00.html
_____________________________________________
o TiVo Raises
$74 Million in Secondary Offering
San Jose, Calif. -- TiVo, a provider of digital video recorder
services, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $74 million
through a placement of 8 million shares with a group of
institutional investors. San Jose, Calif.-based TiVo, whose
technology allows viewers to pause and record live TV, said it will
use the funds primarily to fund sales, marketing and customer
acquisitions, and secondarily to fund research and development,
capital expenditures and working capital.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040127/sftu076_1.html
http://www.tivo.com
____________________________________________
o
Vivendi Drops Case Against Messier Over $25.7 Million Severance
Paris -- Vivendi Universal announced on Tuesday that it has dropped
its legal actions against former chairman and CEO Jean-Marie Messier
and former chief operating officer Eric Licoys, over a $25.7 million
severance payment awarded to Messier following his ouster in 2002.
Vivendi said it dropped the lawsuit in French court following an
agreement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the
terms of which also call for Messier to relinquish the severance
payment.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040127/275648_1.html
http://www.vivendiuniversal.com
____________________________________________
o Rich Media Ad Delivery Firm
EyeBlaster Raises $8 Million
New York -- EyeBlaster, a provider of rich media ad delivery
technology, announced that it has raised $8 million in its most
recent round of venture capital financing, led by Insight Venture
Partners. New York-based EyeBlaster's ads are run on AOL, MSN and
Yahoo, and its customers include over 500 advertising agencies and
1,000 publishers and networks. The company said it delivered more
than 2 billion total impressions during 2003. EyeBlaster will use
the funds to expand its operations and move into new markets.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?U5C521637
____________________________________________
o Mobliss Acquired by Japanese
Mobile Entertainment Firm for $15 Million
Seattle -- Mobliss, a provider of mobile entertainment and messaging
applications, announced that it was acquired by Japanese mobile
phone content provider Index Corp. in a transaction valued at $15
million. The deal, which closed on Jan. 13, will maintain the
current staff and management of Seattle-based Mobliss. The company
said on Tuesday that it will once again power AT&T Wireless' cell
phone text-message voting feature for viewers of Fox's "American
Idol" series.
http://www.mobliss.com/jsp/news/pr/pr_ai3_1-27-04.jsp
http://www.indexweb.co.jp/english/index.php
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> DMW Events:
4th
Annual
Digital Music Forum
March 1, 2004 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com
CONFIRMED SPEAKERS
Amy Bernstein -
Senior Editor, Business 2.0
David Del
Beccaro - President & CEO,
Music Choice
Derek Broes - EVP, Worldwide Operations,
Altnet
Ted Cohen - SVP, Digital Development & Distribution,
EMI Music
David Card
- VP & Research Director,
Jupiter Research
Peter Csathy
- COO, MusicMatch
Maureen
Dorney - Partner, Gray
Cary
Roy Elkins
- CEO & Founder, Broadjam
Mark
Frieser - CEO & Founder,
Consect
Brian
Garrity - Senior Editor,
Billboard Magazine
Jim Griffin
- CEO, Cherry Lane
Digital
Ellie
Hirschhorn - GM & EVP,
MusicNet
Jeff Howe -
Contributing Editor,
Wired Magazine
John
Kilcullen - President & Publisher,
Billboard Magazine
David Kusek
- Associate VP, Berklee
College of Music
Steven Marks - SVP, Legal and
Business Affairs, RIAA
Tim Nilson
- VP, Mobile Technology,
Sony Music
Jonathan Potter - Executive Director,
Digital Media Association
Sean Ryan -
VP, Music Services, Real
Networks
Ned Sherman
- CEO & Founder, Digital
Media Wire
Howie
Singer - Chief Technology Officer,
Warner Music Group
Steve Schnur - Worldwide Executive of Music & Audio,
Electronic Arts
Perry Solomon - Founder & VP,
Strategy, Peppercoin
Bob Struble
- President & CEO,
Ibiquity Digital
Nikke
Slight - SVP, New Media,
Atlantic Records
Don Teague - VP, Sales & Marketing,
PaymentOne
Jim Van
Huysse - Executive Director & GM,
The AOL Radio@ Network
Jon Vlassopulos - Sr. Dir., Bus.
Dev., AT&T Wireless Mobile Multimedia
more to come......
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
This year's forum focuses on the following questions:
- Is there a viable business model for selling music online?
- Can licensed services compete with free downloads from
file-sharing networks?
- Who will be the winners and the losers in the world of online
music sales?
- What is the status of pending lawsuits and legislation
concerning digital copyrights? Can the music industry profit
from legitimate uses of P2P?
- How are consumers reacting to new formats for music delivery?
- Will new formats generate the kind of success that the industry
experienced with CDs during the '80s and '90s?
- What are the challenges and opportunities for music industry
executives seeking to maximize the potential of the mobile
market?
- What does the future hold for satellite and Internet radio?
For complete agenda and event details, please go to:
www.digitalmusicforum.com
REGISTRATION
Early Bird Special: $195 (until January
20)
Pre-Registration: $295 (until February 20)
Registration: $395 (after February 20)
> DMW Publications:
> Digital
Media Law Report
Must-read publication on legal and policy matters related to
digital media. Law Report includes case summaries, news and
analysis, policy updates, court filings, and exclusive interviews
with legal counsel and business leaders. Published monthly.
Subscriptions
-
Order
Available Now - December Law Report - 31 pages
-
Order
>
Game
Industry Quarterly
- Subscriptions
-
Order
The Game Industry Quarterly features news about key business,
legal and finance developments impacting the game industry. Each
issue includes sections on current industry research, financings,
law and policy matters, game releases, business deals and other
industry events.
Available Now - Q3 Game Industry Quartertly - 105 pages -
Order
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o Briefly Noted: (Los Angeles)
The MultiBand OFDM Alliance, a consortium of consumer electronics
firms led by Texas Instruments that is developing wireless
networking technology standards, said on Tuesday that "ultrawideband"
technology capable of delivering cable TV signals from a wall outlet
to any TV in the home may reach the consumer market as early as next
year. The technology uses less power and can transmit greater
amounts of data than current "Wi-Fi" and "Bluetooth" technologies.
The group will ship the first sample microchips featuring
ultrawideband late this year and expects consumer electronics
utilizing the technology to hit the market in the second quarter of
2005.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?G67621637
http://www.multibandofdm.org/press_012704.html
(London) U.K. music download site and delivery technology
provider On Demand Distribution (OD2) has announced the launch of
SonicSelector, a new feature that allows users to access CD-quality
streams of entire albums on a pay-as-you-go basis, as opposed to
paying a monthly subscription. The music jukebox application uses
Microsoft's Windows Media Player 9 Series technology.
http://www.ondemanddistribution.com/eng/press/pressdetails.asp?id=261
(Los Angeles) Wireless application developer Xingtone said on
Tuesday it partnered with Disney's Hollywood Records on a wireless
promotion. Fans will be able to send free MP3 ringtones and
high-quality images featuring artists including Hilary Duff, The
Polyphonic Spree and Josh Kelley to one another using their cell
phones.
http://www.xingtone.com
http://hollywoodrecords.go.com
(Irvine, Calif.) Wireless entertainment provider Downplay
announced on Tuesday that its selection of polyphonic ringtones and
color wallpaper is now available to wireless network operator
Alltel's subscribers. Irvine, Calif.-based Downplay is the U.S.
licensor of content owned by Finland-based Jippi.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040127/nytu034_1.html
http://biz.jippii.com
(Marina del Rey, Calif.) CinemaNow, a provider of Internet-based
video-on-demand movies, said on Tuesday that it licensed its
PatchBay delivery technology to Kabushiki Kaisha CODE, a newly
formed joint venture between Microsoft and Japanese marketing chain
management firm Transcosmos. CODE was created to join content owners
and service providers looking to distribute paid broadband content.
http://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp
http://www.cinemanow.com
(San Francisco) Sega of America on Tuesday said it partnered with
Sony Pictures Consumer Products to create game versions of Tezuka
Productions' legendary Japanese comic "Astro Boy," which has sold 80
million comic books and $3 billion in merchandise, and recently made
its U.S. TV debut on Kids WB. Sony will release "Astro Boy" for
PlayStation 2, developed by its Sonic team, as well as "Astro Boy:
Omega Factor" for Game Boy Advance, developed by its Hitmaker
studios and Japanese developer Treasure, this summer. Sega also
announced Tuesday a license from Cartoon Network to create "Samurai
Jack: The Shadow of Aku" for PlayStation 2 and Xbox. Developed by
Kirkland, Wash.-based Amaze Entertainment, the title will be
released in March. Finally, Sega on Tuesday released its "Sonic
Heroes" title for PlayStation 2 and Xbox.
http://www.sonypictures.com/tv/shows/astroboy/tvindex.html
http://www.amazeentertainment.com
http://www.sega.com
(Foster City, Calif.) Sony Computer Entertainment America will
hold its 9th annual "Game Before The Game," an event where players
on the AFC and NFC champion teams competing in the Super Bowl
challenge one another in Sony's "NFL GameDay 2004" title for
PlayStation 2, on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Competing this year will be
New England Patriot Troy Brown and Carolina Panther Steve Smith.
Sony said the team winning the video game contest has gone on to win
the Super Bowl the last eight consecutive years.
http://www.gamebeforethegame.com
(Sarasota, Fla.) Infinium Labs, developer of a PC-based video
game console that plays PC games over a broadband network, said on
Tuesday that it has hired Kevin Bachus as its president and chief
operating officer. Bachus was a founding member of the Xbox project
team at Microsoft, who managed third-party relations and culled
developers to create titles for the Xbox. Florida-based Infinium
recently raised $15 million in financing that will enable it to
bring its Phantom Game Console to market later this quarter.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040127/nytu049_1.html
http://www.phantom.net
(New York) Telenor Mobile Interactive USA, the U.S. arm of the
Norwegian wireless application developer, said on Tuesday that it
partnered with FremantleMedia -- licensor of the "American Idol"
franchise -- to develop an "American Idol" text-message game for
AT&T Wireless subscribers. Developed by Mindgames, the title costs
$1.99 per play.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040127/275112_1.html
http://www.fremantlemedia.com
http://www.telenor-interactive.com
(Austin) Game developer Linden Lab, creator of the "Second Life"
massively multiplayer online game, on Tuesday announced a contest
that will allow its players to create their own in-world games using
development tools offered by the company. The games must be
multiplayer in nature and playable for at least one hour, but may
consist of quests, sports, brain games, obstacle courses, player vs.
player or players vs. the environment scenarios. The contest begins
on Jan. 31, with winners to be announced on June 14.
http://www.secondlife.com
(London) U.K. news site TheRegister on Tuesday reported on Visual
Radio, a new feature of cell phone maker Nokia's 7700 Media Device.
In addition to pulling in FM radio signals, the device will accept
related images and text on its screen, such as a photo of the band
currently playing. The 7700 is also Nokia's first phone that is
capable of receiving and displaying digital TV transmissions.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/68/35114.html
http://www.nokia.com/nokia/0,8764,47550,00.html
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Classifieds: > Best Cities, Best Job Growth Performers: Where
should you be?
As the economy rebounds, some localities are ahead of the
curve and some are hoping better economic news will bring them
out of an extended slump. Which areas are performing well and
helping local businesses thrive despite difficult economic times?
Is your area helping you succeed or holding you back? Click here
for a full rundown:
http://www.e-country.org/techwire.htm
___________________
> Director of Corporate Marketing Communications - Fort
Collins, CO
Exciting opportunity with a leader in the semiconductor equipment
industry! You will need to have demonstrated experience in
branding and positioning, e-marketing, advertising,
public/investor relations, trade shows, and sales collateral
development. Prefer 10+ years of leadership experience in a
corporate marketing role. Need to have big picture thinking and
advanced business judgment. MBA preferred. Full relocation
provided. Contact:
heather.blagg@aei.com
___________________
> Software Engineer
Helps design, prototype, develop, and maintain innovative
newsroom automation software and systems integrating text,
graphics, audio, video, and machine control for broadcast
stations and networks. Manages functional specifications for
enhancements/updates, interfacing with development partners.
Requires programming in Microsoft Visual Studio and Visual
Studio.NET; computer sciences degree or related; PCs and MS
Windows products; data communication and LANs, and broadcast news
production systems. Travel. Email:
apbnchr@ap.org
___________________
> HireStrategy- COO
HireStrategy has been retained by one of its fastest growing
client companies to search for a COO. This key executive will
drive the national expansion and growth of this growing
enterprise. The COO will drive the scaling-up of policies,
procedures, structures, processes, systems and infrastructure.
The COO will lead, direct and participate in the following
activities: Strategic Planning, Operations Management, Sales, and
Marketing. Email resume to
mmolinas@hirestrategy.com Visit
http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire158.asp
___________________
> Video Production Services
INK Productions offers full service TV, Video, Corporate and
event video production. Professional Camera, Editing, Sound,
Lighting, Voice & Music. Betacam SP, DVcam, DVCpro, DVD, CD-Rom,
VHS and Web Formats. Personalized Services with Competitive
Rates. INK Productions "Your Full Service TV & Video Production
Source" Ivan N. Katz (703) 521-3090 (703) 626-2383--Visit
http://www.inkproductions.net. For more info Email:
INKvideo@aol.com
___________________
> Obtain Maximum Value for Your Excess Used Technology Equipment
BIZI International offers a suite of programs to maximize the return
on your used excess technology assets. Specialists in
Telecommunications and Test and Measurement equipment. Complete
Turnkey Solutions for all of your asset liquidation needs.
Established in 1985 with global operations. Massachusetts
headquarters. Contact Bill at (978) 649-0722 x134 or
bmccready@bizinetworks.com Visit
http://www.bizinetworks.com
___________________
> Tech Executive Meeting - Harnessing Metrics to Drive
Burlington, MA - FEB 10: What's in a number? Come meet our
esteemed set of panelists for an interactive discussion and case
examples of how to harness metrics to drive greater sales
results. NETSEA is the premiere not-for-profit organization
designed to provide learning and networking opportunities to New
England tech executives. Visit: (www.netsea.org)
___________________
> IT Service Management Forum Government Conference & Expo
February 2-7, 2004 - Washington, DC. A Framework for Achieving
Operational Excellence in Govt. Information Technology<< An event
for Federal, State & Local government agencies and the industry
professionals that work with & provide services to them.
Conference includes ITSM Pre-Conference Day & Post-Conference
Training Classes. Register today and save!
http://www.itsmfevent.com
___________________
> Complete
Information for Department of Homeland Security
Small businesses wanting to do business with the government
face unique challenges when entering the federal marketplace. The
2003- 2004 Directory of Homeland Security includes a detailed
list of procurement information and small business government
contacts for the various federal departments and agencies.
Contact names, titles, phone and fax numbers and descriptions are
included in the listings. The Department of Homeland Security
portion of the directory has entire section titled, "Doing
Business with the Department of Homeland Security." To order the
2003-2004 edition, go to:
http://www.tech-directories.com/dmw.htm
___________________
> Artisan Quality Handbags and Jewelry
Marumaru offers artisan quality handbags and jewelry for the
savvy and discriminating woman. We specialize in vintage silk kimono
purses and offer many elegant jewelry pieces made from bamboo and
coral to semi-precious stones. All of our fine products are
Asian-inspired and handcrafted in Hawaii, the gateway to Asia. We
welcome you. Please visit us at marumarugirl.com . contact:
cara@marumarugirl.com or
michael@marumarugirl.com
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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. To
subscribe for free, please
click here.
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
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Copyright 2004 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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