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February 18, 2005 --
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Main Stories
o New
York Time's Buys Primedia's About.com for $410 Million
o
Hollywood Board Rejects Blockbuster Bid,
Recommends Movie Gallery Merger
o
Italian Police Fine Club DJ $1.8 Million for Playing Pirate MP3
Files
o
Report: Broadband Services Disappointing U.K. Consumers
o Onstream Media Raises $2
Million in Convertible Debt
o Note
to Readers: Presidents Day Holiday
o
Briefly Noted: Firefox - 25
million downloads, TiVo - 3 million subscribers, Shazam
Entertainment - SDC, Gesturetek - Sony Computer Entertainment
America, MTV Japan - Shazam, Archos - 100GB portable video recorder,
Jakks Pacific, FCC - consumer digital TV website
_____________________________________________
>
Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Director, Technology
--Online Marketing Manager
--Vice President of Sales
--Technical Marketing Manager
--Director, Product Management/Marketing
--Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media
--Account Manager
--Sr. Information Architect
--Director of Sector Marketing
--Media Manager
--Director of Online Marketing
--New Business Marketing Analyst
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook:
2004-2008
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o New York Times Buys Primedia's
About.com for $410 Million
New York -- The New York Times Company announced late Thursday
that it has agreed to acquire About.com, a unit of publisher
Primedia that provides online consumer information, for about $410
million in cash. New York-based About.com offers a database of
information, produced by a network of 500 amateur editors, on topics
ranging from finance to health and travel that is viewed by 22
million visitors monthly. Primedia paid $690 million for About.com
in 2000, but was unable to successfully integrate the Web company
into its stable of niche magazines. The Times said that the purchase
adds a fast-growing, profitable website to its portfolio, and
strengthens its online advertising base. In a separate announcement,
The New York Times Company also named Martin A. Nisenholtz senior
vice president of digital operations, charged with overseeing sites
including About.com, Boston.com and the company's flagship
NYTimes.com. Nisenholtz was named CEO of New York Times Digital in
1999, after serving as president of the paper's electronic media
unit since 1995.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050217/175849_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050217/175817_1.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/18/business/media/18times.html
http://www.about.com
_____________________________________________
o Hollywood
Board Rejects Blockbuster Bid, Recommends Movie Gallery Merger
Portland, Ore. -- Hollywood Entertainment, the nation's second
largest movie rental chain, has announced that its board of
directors has rejected rival Blockbuster's takeover bid for the
company, and advised its shareholders to do the same. The board said
"the uncertainties and possible delays inherent in Blockbuster's
offer outweigh the approximately 9.4% premium being offered by
Blockbuster" over the merger proposed by Alabama-based Movie
Gallery, the nation's third-largest chain. The Federal Trade
Commission has given its approval to a potential Movie
Gallery-Hollywood merger, while it continues to investigate
antitrust concerns with Blockbuster's bid. "We are pleased that
Hollywood's board has rejected the exchange offer proposed by
Blockbuster and reaffirmed its recommendation that Hollywood
shareholders vote to approve the merger with Movie Gallery," Movie
Gallery said in a statement. The rejection of Blockbuster's bid
seemingly paves the way for Movie Gallery, which operates mainly in
rural markets, to acquire Hollywood's 2,000 Hollywood Video and 720
Game Crazy stores.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050217/nyth137_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050217/clth071_1.html
http://www.hollywoodvideo.com
http://www.moviegallery.com
____________________________________________
o Italian
Police Fine Club DJ $1.8 Million for Playing Pirate MP3 Files
London -- An Italian DJ has been served with a record $1.8
million fine after being discovered by the Italian Fiscal Police of
Rieti to have been performing hundreds of pirate music files in a
Roman nightclub. The unnamed DJ was found to have in his possession
"2,000 music files suspected to be illegal downloads and 500 pirated
video clips;" authorities also seized "a large quantity of
audiovisual material and software." "This DJ was touring clubs and
making money out of the music he played -- while those who had
invested time, talent, hard work and money into creating the music
in the first place did not get a cent," said Enzo Mazza, director of
the Italian recording industry association (FIMI). "We hope this
precedent will serve as a deterrent for those who are thinking of
doing the same." The announcement indicated the DJ may also be
subject to further criminal sanctions.
http://www.ifpi.org/site-content/press/20050216.html
____________________________________________
o Report:
Broadband Services Disappointing U.K. Consumers
London -- According to a new survey of 2,000 broadband users in
the U.K., a growing number of consumers are dissatisfied with their
Internet services. PC Pro Magazine said slow speeds, high prices and
poor customer service were the chief complaints, leading about 17%
of the respondents to switch Internet providers and another 16% to
consider a similar move in the near future. The top three broadband
suppliers people are abandoning are BT Group Plc, NTL and Pipex, in
that order. PC Pro Editor Tim Danton said he expected customer
dissatisfaction to leap in 2005, as every month prices drop and
increasing numbers of people try to switch providers. The survey
found that as many as 12% of respondents have been unable to the
switch. "We discovered a huge variety of problems, but one of the
biggest issues is the current supplier withholding the information
that people need to give to their new supplier," Danton said. "This
breaks the code of practice, but because that code is voluntary,
there's nothing we or Ofcom can do to help."
http://makeashorterlink.com/?G1082328A
____________________________________________
o Onstream
Media Raises $2 Million in Convertible Debt
Pompano Beach, Fla. -- Onstream Media, a Florida-based business
services provider of video and rich media communication, webcasting
and digital asset management services, has raised $2 million in
convertible debt from a group of previous investors, which exercised
an option to invest more in Onstream. The company provides media
encoding, editing, indexing and querying services.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050217/nyth127_1.html
____________________________________________
o Note to
Readers
Digital Media Wire will not be published on Monday, Feb. 21, in
observance of the Presidents Day Holiday. The next edition will
arrive on Tuesday, Feb. 22.
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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
Mike Conte - General Manager, MSN Marketplaces, Microsoft
with
Paul Brindley - Managing Director,
MusicAlly
KEYNOTES:
Terry McBride - CEO, Nettwerk Productions
David Goldberg - VP & General Manager, Music, Yahoo!
PANELISTS:
Craig Palmer - President & CEO, Gracenote
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
Shahid Khan - Managing Director, BearingPoint
David Kusek - VP, Berklee Media, Berklee College of Music
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
Mark Levy - Vice President, Content, InfoSpace Mobile
Steve Marks - General Counsel, RIAA
Jim DeLong - Senior Fellow, The Progress & Freedom
Foundation
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
Don Teague - VP of Sales & Marketing,
PaymentOne
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
Registration rate: $395
Register online at
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1092
Phone registration: 323-822-0936
3rd Annual
Games & Mobile Forum
April 21, 2005 | New York City
www.gamesandmobile.com
Games & Mobile Forum is the
leading executive forum focused on online and mobile games. The
annual event brings together decision-makers from online and
mobile game publishers, developers, marketers, retailers, content
creators, technology providers, advertisers, investment bankers,
lawyers and venture capitalists.
FEATURED INTERVIEW:
Scott Hunter Smith - Director, Global Brand Team, The
Coca-Cola Company
KEYNOTES:
John Smedley
- President, Sony Online Entertainment
Mitch Lasky - Chairman and CEO, JAMDAT
Mobile
PANELISTS:
Eric Albert - Director, Business Development, Gameloft
Matthew Bellows - VP, Mobile Entertainment, GameSpot, CNET
Networks
Jill Braff - Vice President,
Marketing, Sorrent
Kenny Dinkin - Vice President & Executive Producer, PlayFirst
Anders Evju - Vice President & GM, North America, Digital
Bridges
Eric Goldberg - Managing Director, Crossover Technologies
Daniel Hart - VP, Online Games Strategy and Operations, MTV
Networks
Mark Jacobstein - President & COO, Digital Chocolate
Victor Penev - Vice President, Online, Playboy International
Don Ryan - Studio Manager, Microsoft's Zone.com
Mika Salmi - CEO, AtomShockwave
Ned Sherman - CEO, Digital Media Wire
Craig Priddle - Director, Marketing, BioWare Corp.
Brian Taptich - Dir., Marketing & Bus. Dev., EA Sports & EA
Games Online
Eric Zimmerman - Co-Founder & CEO, gameLab
PANEL TOPICS INCLUDE:
- ONLINE GAMES: The State of
the Industry
- ONLINE GAMES: Developers' &
Publishers' Roundtable
- MOBILE GAMES: The State of
the Industry
- MOBILE GAMES: Developers &
Publishers Roundtable
For more
information click
here.
To register
click here.
REGISTRATION
Pre-registration rate: $295 (until March 31st)
Registration rate: $395 (after March 31st)
Register online at:
http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1093
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
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Sponsorship Materials
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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: (Mountain
View, Calif.) The Mozilla Foundation announced this week that its
Firefox Internet browser software has now been downloaded more than
25 million times, since its release in November. Firefox competes
with Microsoft's juggernaut Internet Explorer, which is installed on
around 90% of all computers but has lost a bit of market share
recently, according to data from WebSideStory and OneStat. The open
source programmers who developed Firefox say the browser is
averaging 25,000 downloads a day, and is being promoted on over half
a million websites.
http://www.mozilla.org/press/mozilla-2005-02-16.html
http://tinyurl.com/67rrx
(Alviso, Calif.) TiVo, a provider of digital video recorder
hardware, software and services, announced on Friday that it has
surpassed 3 million subscribers for its service, having added
698,000 net new subscribers during the fourth quarter of 2004. Of
these, the company said 447,000 came as a result of consumers
signing up for TiVo through partner DirecTV.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050218/sff008_1.html
(London) Shazam Entertainment, provider of a mobile music
recognition service, this week announced a partnership with SDC
(Secure Digital Container), a provider of mobile music digital
rights management. The deal will enable cell phone users to purchase
and download a song to their cell phones without knowing the artist
or song name, using Shazam's service that can identify a song if a
cell phone is pointed near any music source. Switzerland-based SDC's
digital rights management will also allow for songs to be
transferred from phone to PC. Shazam will offer the service to
customers including O2, Vodafone, SFR and T-Mobile.
http://tinyurl.com/4sut8
http://www.shazamentertainment.com
http://www.digicont.ch
(Toronto) GestureTek, a developer of motion-sensitive gesture
technologies, announced this week that Sony Computer Entertainment
America has licensed its patents for use with the EyeToy USB camera
accessory for the PlayStation 2. Toronto-based GestureTek's video
gesture interface technology uses a camera to capture a player's
movements, projecting them onto the screen in real-time and enabling
the player to control a video game using gestures alone. Toymaker
Hasbro also recently licensed GestureTek's technology for use in its
ION EGS, an interactive TV game system for children.
http://www.gesturetek.com
http://www.eyetoy.com/English
(Tokyo) MTV Japan and mobile partner Yamaha said this week that
they have made U.K.-based Shazam Entertainment's music
identification service available to KDDI mobile subscribers in
Japan. The MTV Music Finder service will allow users to dial a
number and hold their phone near any music source to have the song
identified by comparing its audio fingerprint with Shazam's
database. The service is also available to Japanese Vodafone
subscribers.
http://www.shazamentertainment.com
(Irvine, Calif.) Consumer electronics firm Archos this week
shipped what it says is the first 100GB personal video player and
recorder device. The $799 Archos Pocket Video Recorder AV4100
features a 3.8" color LCD display and the capacity to hold up to 200
full-length movies or 400 hours of video content recorded directly
from a TV, VCR, cable or satellite TV set-top box. The device can
also store and playback music, photos and data.
http://www.archos.com/products/prw_500698.html
(Malibu, Calif.) Toymaker Jakks Pacific on Friday introduced the
Gamekey expansion pack for its TV Games standalone plug-and-play
video game system. The packs will cost less than the TV controller,
and add extra game titles to each respective TV Games product --
which have been embedded with a suite of games from publishers
including Namco, Atari and Midway Games. Malibu, Calif.-based Jakks
said the expansion packs will ship in North America this fall and
elsewhere in the spring of 2006.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050218/laf003_1.html
http://www.jakkstvgames.com
(Washington) Facing pressure from lawmakers to accelerate the
transition to digital television, the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC) has taken it upon itself to launch a consumer
education campaign to provide information about the impending
switchover from analog to digital broadcasting. "We understand that
any transition can raise questions and be confusing to consumers.
What is DTV? How is it different from HDTV? Why are we transitioning
to DTV? How will it affect me? For answers to those questions, and
more, we've launched dtv.gov," said Dave Snowden, chief of the FCC's
consumer and governmental affairs bureau.
http://www.dtv.gov
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>
Classifieds --
Advertise
> Director, Technology - Mid-Atlantic Online MediaManage
web development, system administration, infrastructure
operation and multi-media design to create and maintain online
publishing operation. QUALIFICATIONS: 10 years experience in
applications development from an online media, services or
e-commerce company; 5 years management experience in a 24x7
Web operation, competence in Web technologies, including JAVA,
HTML, XML, Bachelors degree in Computer Science or related
field.
Contact:
fsltd@earthlink.net
_________________
> Online Marketing Manager
We are currently seeking an Online Marketing Manager to
manage Search Engine Marketing Channel and perform Marketing
Analysis. Require: 3 plus years on- line marketing experience,
with specific, in-depth experience in paid search marketing,
Excellent relationship management skills, Strong verbal and
interpersonal communication skills, Attention to detail,
analytics/problem solving ability, ability to learn quickly,
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel (familiarity with
Access and/or SQL a plus). Undergraduate degree. Marketing or
Business preferred, MBA a plus. Please send a resume and cover
letter to
jobs@buyerzone.com
_________________
> Vice President of Sales
Blue Canopy, a pioneer in aligning Business and Information
Technology is looking to hire a VP of Sales. The primary
responsibilities of this position are to drive marketing and
selling of strategic sourcing engagements and assist in the
continued development of Blue Canopy's sourcing solutions.
Qualifications: 10 plus years experience selling strategic
sourcing consulting services, extensive practical experience
in structuring and execution of outsourcing engagements, and
ability to present at a board room level or group of senior
executives. Send resumes to
vpsalesposition@bluecanopy.com
_________________
> Technical Marketing Manager
As a Technical Marketing Manager, you will serve as an
internal subject matter expert on our XML Business Integration
Portfolio, responsible for a wide variety of strategic and
tactical marketing activities. Require: Degree level
qualification in a technology or marketing related discipline
is a plus, Min. 7 plus years exp. in a solution marketing role
with a technology company Demonstrated understanding of
solution marketing and positioning, Knowledge of the software
technology sales and purchase processes, Experience working in
a team-based environment, strong formal and informal
presentation skills. Send resumes to
maureen.brennan@softwareagusa.com
_________________
> Director, Product Management/Marketing
This is a key role reporting to the Sr. VP of Products. You
will be a vital player in helping define and execute the
overall product business strategy. Require: Significant exp.
in financial services, online fraud management, or information
security technologies. At least 8 years hands-on exp. with all
aspects of Product Management and Product Marketing of
internet/enterprise software and service products. Proven
ability to define and manage enterprise software products,
including API's, operating environments, etc. Entrepreneurial
drive and small company experience mixed with the knowledge of
how to grow organizations and businesses. Send resumes to
jobs@quova.com
_________________
> Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media
We are looking for Senior Managers within our Business
Development, Digital Media area in Products and Services. We
need qualified candidates in 3 functional areas, to include
messaging, Digital Media (games, ringtones, music) and in our
boost area. Must have previous digital media experience in
some capacity. Must have previous business development,
product management, or partnership experience within the
telecommunications and wireless industries. Positions located
in Reston , VA. Send resumes
here.
_________________
> Account Manager
Axis Marketing & PR (www.axismarketingpr.com)
is a San Francisco based PR boutique specializing in the
mobile technology and consumer industry. To date, Axis
Marketing & PR has represented industry leading brands across
the technology sector as well as some of the industry's
leading-edge conferences, trade shows and industry affinity
groups. Axis is looking for an experienced and talented
Account Manager with a passion and drive for commitment and
hard work in a fast paced agency. Contact:
info@axismarketingpr.com
_________________
> Sr. Information Architect
As a member of our User Experience community, you would
work with our strategy, creative, and technology teams to
create smart, innovative solutions for our clients.
Qualifications: 5 plus years exp. developing interactive
products. 2-3 years exp. as an information architect,
interaction designer, or experience designer. Demonstrated
expertise in consumer or B2B eCommerce, software application
interfaces, and/or interactive marketing. Experience leading
and/or observing user research and usability testing and
translating results into design decisions. Degree in a related
field, such as technical communications, human-computer
interaction, visual design, graphic design, or industrial
design. Submit a resume, cover letter, and sample URLs via
email.
_________________
> Director of Sector Marketing - Media & Technology
Duties include: growth strategy development, research and
analysis, marketing and selling strategy/execution, business
analysis and reporting, sales tools, Training, and In-cycle
support, communications program development and execution,
budget management Corporate planning. Skills: 5 plus years
exp. working as a mgmt. consultant. MBA preferred; Bachelor of
Arts or Bachelor of Sciences degree required, Detail-oriented,
with ability to manage multiple projects, teams and vendors,
Strong marketing communications skills (written and verbal),
Strong interpersonal skills, Advanced skills in Excel-based
modeling and PowerPoint presentations. Send resumes to
denise@iconstaff.com
_________________
> Media Manager
Burson-Marsteller (http://www.bm.com),
is looking for a manager in the Media Practice, which
specializes in media strategy development and program
execution for our clients. Qualified candidates should have a
proven track record of media results, managing client programs
and developing client relationships. Candidates should be
excellent writers capable of developing press materials, white
papers, bylined articles and op-eds, as well as managing
announcements, editorial placement and speaking opportunities.
Requires a bachelor's degree and at least 7 years of PR exp.
Send resumes to
Kay_Fynmore@nyc.bm.com
_________________
> Director of Online Marketing
Seville Marketing is an aggressive online marketing company
focused on the financial services industry. Required
experience: 2 years experience managing online advertising
campaigns for the mortgage industry, including Search Engine,
Ad Network campaigns and other marketing partnerships. Must
have experience managing over $1,000,000 of annual online
mortgage related campaigns. Candidate must be well versed with
the CPC and CPM marketing metrics and be able to meet CPA
campaign goals, Strong creative skills and experience,
Compensation is highly competitive. You must be authorized to
work for any employer in the U.S. No Relocation Assistance is
offered for this position. Send resumes to
mortgagerecruiter@gmail.com
_________________
> New Business Marketing Analyst
As a New Business Marketing Analyst, you will be
responsible for successfully assisting our supplier
acquisition and buyer marketing efforts. Your daily activities
include managing a variety of marketing programs, supporting
our sales team, participating in client development activity,
and analyzing the ROI of these efforts. Requirements: Recent
college graduate with up to 3 years work experience,
preferably with a major in business, economics or marketing.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills Exceptional
analytical and research skills, Strong ability to write
clearly, Ability to learn quickly and complete projects
accurately in a fast-paced environment. Send resumes to
jobs@buyerzone.com
_________________
> 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.
Advertising & Sponsorship
Publications, Events & Information
Executive & Editorial Team
Chief
Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger
Contact Us
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Copyright 2005 Digital Media Wire, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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