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===================================================
DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE -- February 18, 2003
===================================================
To Subscribe For Free: http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

o Overture Services Acquires AltaVista Search Engine for $140 Million
o Reuters To Shed 3,000 Jobs After $661 Million Loss
o Acacia Streaming Media Patent Claims to be Tested In Court
o Google Buys Blogger Software Creator Pyra Labs
o U.K. Music Industry Develops Links With ISPs for Anti-Piracy Efforts
o Layoffs At Secure P2P Firm CenterSpan to "Significantly" Reduce Expenses
o Philips Licenses Gemstar TV Program Guide for Use in DVD Recorders
o Shares of Spoken Word Audio Firm Audible Move to OTC Bulletin Board

> DMW Digital Music Forum: Keynote Speakers Confirmed 
> DMW Publications: January Law and Policy Report

o Briefly Noted: Rockstar Games - "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" for PC,
Tiscali - OD2, AOL Radio@ Network, Roxio, Bureau of Film and Games -
Dimension Films, LucasArts - "Indiana Jones and the Emperor's Tomb,"
GamePro magazine, SeaChange International - Intercable
_____________________________________________

> Jobs: Web Editor

> Events: Games & Mobile Forum: April 28 | NYC, Global Entertainment
& Media Summit

> Marketplace: Multimedia production firm, Entertainment & Corporate
Legal Services, Game Industry Report, iTV Chronicle,
Interest-Based Navigation

Full Classifieds located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.

To post a Classified Ad:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/mainpostingpage.html
or contact Tinzar Than at tinzar@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________

o Overture Services Acquires AltaVista Search Engine for $140 Million

Pasadena, Calif. -- Overture Services, a provider of pay-for-placement
commercial search listings to search engine providers, announced on
Tuesday that it will acquire the AltaVista search engine business for $140
million in cash and stock. Pasadena, Calif.-based Overture said the deal
will enable it to offer "a significantly enhanced Web search solution to
portals, Internet service providers and other destination sites, as well
as additional marketing opportunities to the company's large base of
advertisers." Overture will also use the AltaVista website as a way to
test new search services and marketing products for its advertisers.
Overture allows companies to bid on keywords relevant to their businesses,
which then result in these businesses appearing in "sponsored results"
sections when consumers use a search engine.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030218/180671_1.html 
http://www.altavista.com 
http://www.overture.com 
_____________________________________________

o Reuters To Shed 3,000 Jobs After $661 Million Loss

London -- Reuters, the world's largest provider of financial information,
on Monday reported a record loss of $661 million (394 million pounds) and
announced another 3,000 jobs cuts. Reuters has been hit especially hard by
falling stock markets. Many of its customers -- such as investment
bankers, traders and other financial institutions -- have cut back on its
services. The company's shares have fallen 70 percent over the past year.
Reuters also announced that it will buy Multex, a U.S.-based equities
research reports provider, for $195 million.
http://shorterlink.com/?MATBPQ 
_____________________________________________

o Acacia Streaming Media Patent Claims to be Tested In Court

Newport Beach, Calif. -- A company holding patents that it says apply to
the process of delivering streaming media via video-on-demand services has
filed patent infringement suits against 39 online adult video providers,
in a test of its wide-ranging claims on the technology. Acacia Media
Technologies, a unit of Acacia Research Corp., holds the patents and filed
the claims in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of
California. The company also announced that it has licensed the technology
in question to eight adult entertainment firms. In addition to adult
firms, Newport Beach, Calif.-based Acacia has also targeted several
Internet radio broadcasters; Radio Free Virgin has already agreed to pay
Acacia's licensing fees rather than go to court. The company has said it
also plans go after cable TV operators that offer video-on-demand
services.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030214/140038_1.html 
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-984698.html?tag=cd_mh 
http://www.acaciaresearch.com 
_____________________________________________

o Google Buys Blogger Software Creator Pyra Labs

Mountain View, Calif. -- Search engine provider Google confirmed that it
has acquired San Francisco-based Pyra Labs, the company responsible for
the popular Blogger weblog creation software. The companies have not
released financial details of the transaction. Pyra founder Evan Williams
and the company's five other employees will join Mountain View,
Calif.-based Google. Pyra currently claims 1.1 million registered users
for its free Blogger software, which allows users to easily create their
own personal weblogs, or frequently updated online diaries on topics of
interest to their creators.
http://www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/business/5195814.htm 
http://www.pyra.com 
http://www.blogger.com 
_____________________________________________

o U.K. Music Industry Develops Links With ISPs for Anti-Piracy Efforts

London -- The British Phonograph Industry's Anti-Piracy Unit said that it
is hosting meetings between U.K. Internet service providers (ISPs) and
music groups to discuss how both can work together to tackle Internet
piracy. "Our close relationship with the ISPs has already assisted us in
removing huge numbers of illegal files from their servers," said Jollyon
Benn of the BPI. A closely-watched court case in the U.S. will determine
whether ISP Verizon will be compelled to submit data on an alleged
file-swapping subscriber as a result of a subpoena issued by the Recording
Industry Association of America.
http://www.bpi.co.uk/news/displayNews.asp?id=383 
_____________________________________________

o Layoffs At Secure P2P Firm CenterSpan to "Significantly" Reduce Expenses

Hillsboro, Ore. -- CenterSpan Communications, a provider of peer-to-peer
content distribution technology, announced that it will cut an unspecified
number of jobs to "significantly" reduce its operating expenses. The
company said the layoffs will reduce its projected burn rate to less than
$1 million per quarter as it "aggressively pursue[s] additional
financing." "The reduction in force will not impact the company's ability
to win and support new customers," said CenterSpan CTO Rich Sadowsky.
Oregon-based CenterSpan purchased the remnants of the Scour file-sharing
exchange for $9 million in late 2000; since then, companies including Sony
have used the company's technology to promote new artists.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030212/sfw039_1.html 
http://www.centerspan.com 
_____________________________________________

o Philips Licenses Gemstar TV Program Guide for Use in DVD Recorders

Pasadena, Calif. -- Gemstar-TV Guide International, the troubled provider
of electronic program guide technology to digital TV providers, announced
on Tuesday that consumer electronics firm Philips has signed a multi-year
agreement to license its technology. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Philips will integrate the guides with its recordable DVD and television
product lines in North America and Europe, allowing purchasers of Philips
DVD recorders to more easily program recording of their favorite TV shows
onto DVD discs. Pasadena-based Gemstar recently paid the government $5.7
million to settle a Justice Dept. investigation into the merger of Gemstar
and TV Guide; the company is also continuing to investigate unrelated
accounting irregularities that have already resulted in its restatement of
earnings from several periods.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030218/182247_1.html 
http://www.gemstar-tvguide.com 
http://www.philps.com 
_____________________________________________

o Shares of Spoken Word Audio Firm Audible Move to OTC Bulletin Board

Wayne, N.J. -- Audible, Inc., a provider of downloadable spoken word audio
content for PCs and portable devices, announced on Tuesday that its shares
will move from the Nasdaq SmallCap Market to the Over-the-Counter Bulletin
Board. The company said the move is a result of the Nasdaq's new listing
requirement test based on shareholder equity accounting, which Audible
believes is unfair. "We attempted to point out to Nasdaq the illogic of a
listing test that penalizes innovation and economic efficiency born of new
technology distribution platforms," said Audible CEO Donald Katz, "but we
were ultimately asked to meet financial structure requirements by the
Nasdaq listing committee that would have been gratuitously dilutive to our
shareholders."
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230490283&ticker=adbl 
http://www.audible.com 
_____________________________________________

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==========================================
DMW Presents. DIGITAL MUSIC FORUM
==========================================
March 3, 2003 | New York City | 9:00AM - 7:00 PM 
Full list of speakers and agenda:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events/MusicForum_030303.htm
 
A full-day forum focusing on business & legal issues impacting the music
industry today. The agenda includes 2 keynote addresses, 4 moderated
panels and breakout sessions.
 
Featuring: An Interview & Jam Session with the Legendary Les Paul 

Confirmed Keynote Speakers:
Lyor Cohen | Chairman & CEO, The Island Def Jam Music Group
Chris Gorog | CEO, Roxio "Why We Purchased Napster"
Steve Rennie | REN Management (Artist Manager for Platinum-selling
Incubus)

And panelists from: Sony Music, MTV/VH1, Roxio, Listen.com, FullAudio,
Moviso, Columbia Records, United Musicians, LAUNCHcast/Yahoo!, pressplay,
Astralwerks/EMI, Morpheus/Streamcast Networks, U.S. Copyright Office,
Electric Artists, Audible, Music Choice, Terra Lycos, AT&T Wireless

February registrations:  $200 until February 28
At the door:  $250   
Pre-Register at: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1024

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_____________________________________________
 
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==========================================
DMW Publications: January Law & Policy Report
==========================================
Contact tinzar@digitalmediawire.com or call 323-464-0793 to order your
copies.
To purchase directly, go to:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm

Digital Media Law & Policy Report - New Issue
Must-read publication on legal and policy matters related to digital
media. 35+ pages of case summaries, news and analysis, policy updates,
court filings, and exclusive interviews with legal counsel and business
leaders.
Published monthly. January issue on sale now!
**Special Reduced Rates available for a limited time**   
Price:   $19.00 Per Issue   |   $195.00 Annual Subscription  
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm

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_____________________________________________

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==================
FEATURED SECTION
==================
Featured Section posting at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/featuredpostingpage.htm  

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Briefly Noted: 

(New York) Video game developer Rockstar Games, a unit of New York-based
Take-Two Interactive, announced on Tuesday that it will release the PC
version of its popular "Grand Theft Auto: Vice City" title in North
America on May 13 and in Europe on May 16. The version of the game for
Sony PlayStation 2 was the top-selling video game of 2002.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030218/180259_1.html 
http://www.take2games.com 
http://www.rockstargames.com 

(Milan) European ISP Tiscali announced that it has partnered with OD2, a
provider of digital music distribution services for the European market,
to offer every registered Tiscali customer free digital music as part of
their standard Internet access services. Until May 12, all Tiscali
subscribers will receive 6 months' worth of free legal music downloads in
the form of credits towards the OD2 service, which includes the ability to
burn tracks to CD. OD2's current offering includes 150,000 tracks from
labels such as Warner, BMG, EMI and Universal.
http://www.ondemanddistribution.com/eng/press/pressdetails.asp?id=246 
http://www.tiscali.com 

(New York) America Online announced on Tuesday that it has named Ron Nenni
as director of programming for the AOL Radio@ Network, which includes
Radio@AOL, Radio@Netscape and Spinner. Previously, Nenni was vice
president of programming at XACT Radio Network, and before that held
various positions within Infinity Broadcasting Corp.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030218/182143_1.html 

(New York) Roxio, a provider of CD and DVD burning software applications,
announced on Tuesday the release of Easy CD & DVD Creator 6 Platinum, the
first of its products to combine the company's CD-burning and DVD-burning
software in one package. The product will retail for $99 or $69 for those
upgrading from earlier versions of Roxio products.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/030218/sftu051a_1.html 
http://www.roxio.com 

(Los Angeles) Bureau of Film and Games (BFG), a company that develops
content in multiple media with an emphasis on feature films and video
games, said on Tuesday that it has sold the movie rights for its
"Backwater" video game concept to Dimension Films, a division of Miramax
Films. "Backwater" is a "survival horror" genre title set in the Deep
South. Los Angeles-based BFG has also been involved in multimedia
franchises like Namco's "Dead to Rights" and Eidos' "Fear Effect."
http://www.dimensionfilms.com 

(San Rafael, Calif.) Video game developer LucasArts said that its "Indiana
Jones and the Emperor's Tomb" title for Microsoft Xbox will ship to
retailers on Feb. 25. San Rafael, Calif.-based LucasArts said that a PC
version of the game will be released in March and a PlayStation 2 version
will come out in May.
http://www.lucasarts.com 

(Oakland, Calif.) IDG Games Media Group, publisher of GamePro magazine,
said on Tuesday that the title saw ad page growth of 40 percent for 2002
as compared to 2001. With a circulation of 529,000, the magazine has also
seen a 77 percent increase in ad revenue for the first quarter of 2003 as
compared to the same period last year.
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/f_headline.cgi?day0/230490146&ticker= 
http://www.idg.net 
http://www.gamepro.com 

(Maynard, Mass.) SeaChange International, a provider of video-on-demand
delivery technology, said on Tuesday that Venezuela-based cable TV
operator Intercable has launched video-on-demand services using its
equipment. Based in Caracas, Intercable serves 1.2 million households in
the country. Massachusetts-based SeaChange also provides video-on-demand
servers to Adelphia, AOL Time Warner, Cablevision, Comcast, Insight,
Mediacom, RCN and Rogers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/030218/182460_1.html 
http://www.seachangeinternational.com 
_____________________________________________

===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================
To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobpostingpage.htm 

Web Editor

Variety.com is looking for an experienced Web Editor to work on the daily
production of the Los Angeles newspaper's site. You must have excellent
journalism credentials and know the entertainment industry from a business
perspective. You must:  have worked for a content web site, have
journalism in your blood, know Dreamweaver and the AP Style Guide. Hours
vary from noon-midnight, Sun. - Fri. To apply, send a resume, cover
letter, 2 URLS. No word attachments Send to
hrlosangeles2@reedbusiness.com, include the job title WEB EDITOR and job
ID# RBI 505 in the subject.
_____________________________________________

====================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
====================
To Post Events: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/eventpostingpage.htm 

Digital Media Wire Presents...Games & Mobile Forum
April 2003, New York City
 
Focusing on games and mobile entertainment opportunities and business
models. Panel topics will include "The Battle to Control the Living Room:
Is the Game Industry Winning?", "Mobile Games: Business Models & New
Opportunities",  "Legal & Policy Issues Impacting the Game Industry &
Mobile Entertainment", and "Home Networking: Technology for Modern Living
& Entertainment."

Door Tickets Price: $250. For Early Bird Specials, pre-register at:
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1025
_____________________________________________

Global Entertainment & Media Summit
February 28-March 2, New York City 

The Global Entertainment and Media Summit returns to New York City for a
productive three days of conferences, workshops and   keynotes all
dedicated to helping to facilitate the growth of our industries.  Keynotes
include Danny Goldberg, Dave Marsh, Lee Abrams of XM Satellite Radio and
Jack Healey, of the Human Rights Action Center--formerly of Amnesty
International. The event will feature over 20 productive panel sessions
over the course of the three-day event.
Show dates are Friday, Saturday and Sunday, February 28, March 1 and March
2. Registration is $75 per person and includes admission to all events.
Details: http://www.globalentertainmentnetwork.com
Schedule: http://www.globalentertainmentnetwork.com/schedule.htm
Tickets: http://www.globalentertainmentnetwork.com/tickets.htm 
_____________________________________________

==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================
To Post Marketplace:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplacepostingpage.htm 

Dangerously Creative EarthNatives for Hire

EarthNative is a film/video and multimedia production company bringing the
sky's limit down to Earth and original creations to you. We provide a
variety of production services for projects or produce completed programs
to suit your style. Stock library available for licensing. Fully equipped
to produce multimedia projects including behind the scenes, event coverage
and DVDs. Cameramen with 35mm and DV camera packages available, extensive
equipment rental list, editing, graphic artists and directors for hire.

Drop a line to: hightech@earthnative.com or 323.876.6503
http://www.earthnative.com
_____________________________________________

Entertainment & Corporate Legal Services
 
Top Credentialed Attorney with 9 years of experience representing major
studios, entertainment start-ups, VCs, investment banks and other blue
chip clients provides legal and business consulting for exclusive
clientele at reasonable rates. Services include entity formation, private
equity financings, licensing (entertainment and software products),
trademark registration and disputes, copyright issues and other
transactional and contract law services. Qualified in California and
Texas. Retainer required to commence services. Tel. 323-363-3620.
_____________________________________________

Game Industry Law & Policy Report 

Special industry report covering law & policy matters impacting the game
industry. The 15-page report includes case summaries, news and analysis,
feature article and an exclusive interview with Doug Lowenstein,
President, Interactive Digital Software Association.  Price: $19.00
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm
_____________________________________________

For those who believe in ITV - "Interactive TV: The Definitive Chronicle"
 
Covering the period 2000 to the present, this sourcebook presents a
complete history of the news and events that have shaped the business of
iTV since the beginning of the 21st Century. Culled from countless
sources, including the Digital Media Wire database, this 175 pages PDF (on
CD) covers all of the major players as well as the legal and financial
issues that helped shape the industry. Key research and industry
projections as well as a host of facts, figures, resources and thousands
of iTV-related links are included. Price: $ 55.00.
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/marketplace.htm
_____________________________________________

Etronica helps you "Find the Good Stuff FAST!"

Etronica's unique software toolset enables "Interest Based Navigation" of
Digital Content. The Patent Pending software tools can be incorporated
directly into content websites and portals, installed in TV settop boxes
or integrated as OEM components. The tools drive the automatic tagging,
indexing, and categorization of text. A recommendation engine suggests
highly relevant new information to users as they interact. Personalized
advertising and commerce offerings can also be automatically served.
Contact us to learn more: info@etronica.com
http://www.etronica.com
_____________________________________________

Digital Media Wire, Inc. leverages its integrated media network to provide
exceptional value to individuals and companies determined to capitalize on
the convergence of media, entertainment and technology. Digital Media
Wire, the first in a series of business-intelligence publications,
delivers original daily briefings on the business, legal and financial
developments shaping digital media.

Digital Media Wire is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international
network of publications that includes 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 62,000 individuals from
over 70 countries worldwide each business day.

Upcoming publications, events & information at:
http://www.digitalmediawire.com 

Questions, Comments & Suggestions to:
tinzar@digitalmediawire.com 

News Tips, Scoops & Press Releases to:
editorial@digitalmediawire.com 
_____________________________________________

Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing and Events: Tinzar Than

Copyright 2003 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.