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March 4, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o FTC Asks Court to Compel Blockbuster on Hollywood Bid Data
o Movie Gallery to Acquire Canadian Movie Rental Store Chain VHQ
o Labels Sue Altnet to Block P2P Ad Revenue-Sharing Fund
o DVD Censoring Software Gets Approval From House Subcommittee
o Yahoo Acquires Stadeon, Launches Mobile Game Development Studio
o On-Demand Mobile TV Provider VStar Raises $15 Million
o Mobile Handset Sales Worldwide Grow by 30% in 2004

> DMW Announcements:
--Games & Mobile Forum - April 21, 2005

> Featured Advertisement:
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 
 

o Briefly Noted: "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" - 12 million units, DualDisc - Europe, Finland's Kiss-FM - Visual Radio, $440 Gizmondo - U.K. launch, NY Public Library - Digital Gallery, Atari, Activision, Game Live Events, HP DJammer
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Director of Internet Strategy & Website Operations
--Controller
--Tech Media Relations Pro
--Director, Technology - Mid-Atlantic Online Media 
--Solution Developer
--Project Lead, Strategic Alliances
--Interactive And Email Marketing Production Manager - Manhattan, NYC
--Storefront Usability Engineer
--Online Marketing Manager
--Vice President of Sales
--Technical Marketing Manager
--Director, Product Management/Marketing - Mountain View
--Senior Manager, Business Development Digital Media
--3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005 
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel 
 


o FTC Asks Court to Compel Blockbuster on Hollywood Bid Data

Washington -- The Federal Trade Commission on Friday took video rental giant Blockbuster to court to compel the company to provide additional details of its bid to acquire No. 2 video chain Hollywood Entertainment. In its motion filed with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, the FTC said Blockbuster's response to its initial request was "insufficient and inadequate," and asked the court for additional time to review the merger proposal with the corrected Blockbuster data. Hollywood Entertainment has already rejected Blockbuster's $1.3 billion bid for the company in favor of a lower offer from Movie Gallery, the nation's third-largest movie rental chain. However, Blockbuster said in response to the FTC inquiry that it will still go ahead with its takeover bid.
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2005/03/blockbuster.htm
http://www.ftc.gov/os/caselist/blockbuster/050304compblockbuster.pdf
http://tinyurl.com/5dqep 
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o Movie Gallery to Acquire Canadian Movie Rental Store Chain VHQ

Dothan, Ala. -- Movie Gallery, the nation's third-largest movie rental store chain, announced on Friday that it has acquired Canadian rental chain VHQ Entertainment for $16.5 million in cash and stock. VHQ operates 61 stores and reported revenue of $26 million last year. "VHQ will enhance our already strong presence in Canada, where we have more than 200 stores, and complement our existing portfolio of nearly 2,500 stores across North America," said Movie Gallery president and CEO Joe Malugen. "In addition, VHQ's online subscription offering in Canada has been very well received, and we will consider ways to leverage that infrastructure for continued growth in Canada." Alabama-based Movie Gallery has received regulatory approval for its proposed acquisition of Hollywood Entertainment, the second-largest movie rental chain in the U.S. While Blockbuster has also submitted a rival bid for Hollywood, Hollywood's board rejected Blockbuster's offer and instead favors Movie Gallery's proposal.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050303/clth058_1.html 
http://www.moviegallery.com 
http://www.vhqonline.ca 
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o Labels Sue Altnet to Block P2P Ad Revenue-Sharing Fund

Sydney -- The major record labels suing peer-to-peer file-sharing software firm Altnet and its more well-known partner Kazaa in Australia for copyright infringement have asked a court there to block Altnet's plans to launch an advertising revenue-sharing fund with the independent labels utilizing its file-sharing distribution service. Altnet announced earlier this week plans to launch a new service that would share advertising revenue derived from its file-sharing service with labels such as V2, Artemis, Epitaph and Simmons/Lathan, who have distributed their artists' works via Altnet. Altnet has also sued the RIAA in the U.S. for patent infringement of its "TrueNames" technology, which it says the labels and antipiracy firms Overpeer and Media Sentry have misappropriated to seed file-sharing networks with "spoof" files.
http://www.altnet.com 
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050228/sfm087_1.html 
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o DVD Censoring Software Gets Approval From House Subcommittee

Washington -- The Family Entertainment and Copyright Act of 2005, which would ensure the legality of technology that can edit DVD movies to remove objectionable scenes, has passed a vote before the House Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Courts, the Internet and Intellectual Property. A similar bill has already been approved in the Senate. The legislation applies to companies such as Clear Play, which offers censoring software for over 1,000 movie titles to DVD player makers. Lawmakers are pushing to have the legislation passed before any potential changes to copyright law come with the Supreme Court's ruling on the record industry's infringement case against file-sharing networks Grokster and StreamCast Networks. HR 357 would also increase penalties for those caught sneaking camcorders into movie theaters to pirate films for street and Internet distribution.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d109:h.r.00357:
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,66784,00.html 
http://www.clearplay.com 
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o Yahoo Acquires Stadeon, Launches Mobile Game Development Studio

Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Yahoo announced on Friday that it has acquired Stadeon, a provider of technology that supports multiplayer gameplay across different platforms, and also launched a mobile game development studio. Terms of the Stadeon purchase were not disclosed. Yahoo Games Studio has already created games available for Verizon subscribers that will shortly be added by other carriers, the company said. "Casual games like dominoes and hearts are extremely popular in the emerging mobile entertainment market -- they are just the right format for today's mobile devices and the broad range of users who like to play them," said Geoff Graber, general manager of Yahoo Games. Yahoo also said it named Stadeon founder and CEO John Cahill to head mobile games business, as director of games operations.
http://games.yahoo.com 
http://www.stadeon.com 
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o On-Demand Mobile TV Provider VStar Raises $15 Million

Sherman Oaks, Calif. -- VStar, a developer of on-demand mobile TV, announced on Friday that it has raised $15 million in a recent round of venture capital financing, co-led by Bessemer Venture Partners and Charles River Ventures. The company also said it hired David Bluhm, co-founder of mobile entertainment publisher Mforma and former CEO of recent Yahoo acquisition WUF Networks, as its new chief executive. Sherman Oaks, Calif.-based VStar's 1KTV service delivers news, real-time sports scores, music and other media content from ABC, Fox Sports, Variety, The Weather Channel and other sources to Sprint PCS, Cingular and Nextel subscribers.
http://www.1ktv.com 
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o Mobile Handset Sales Worldwide Grow by 30% in 2004

London -- A new report by market analysis firm Gartner shows that mobile phone sales in 2004 grew by 30% year-on-year to a new record of 674 million devices. Gartner said a 24% year-on-year increase in shipments for the fourth quarter was a big boost for the year's overall results, which exceeded most analysts' expectations. Better than expected replacement sales in mature markets and substantial gains in emerging regions also played key roles in a banner year for mobile phone makers worldwide. "Consumers in developed markets, such as Europe and the U.S., were especially drawn to camera phones, as manufacturers offered mass-market prices for these devices and buyers had a compelling reason to upgrade," said Gartner analyst Hugues de la Vergne.
http://www4.gartner.com/Init 

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>DMW Events:
 



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
Jeff Anderson - President & CEO, Turbine Entertainment
John Batter - Vice President, Electronic Arts Mobile
Matthew Bellows - VP, Mobile Entertainment, GameSpot, CNET Networks
George Borkowski - IP - Head of IP & Tech Practice, MS&K
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
Mark Litvack - IP Lit partner at MS&K/Formerly of the Motion Picture Association of America  
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
Margaret Wallace - Co-Founder & CEO, Skunk Studios
Mike Yuen - Director, Gaming Group, QUALCOMM

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 | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

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> Featured Advertisement:

> 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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o Briefly Noted:

(New York) Take-Two Interactive announced on Friday that its "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" title has now sold more than 12 million units since its release four months ago, and figured as the top-selling U.S. PlayStation 2 game during each of those months, according to NPD data. The company added that it plans to release a new "Grand Theft Auto" title for Sony PSP in the third quarter, alongside the Xbox and PC releases of "GTA: San Andreas." Planned for the fourth quarter are the release of Rockstar Games' "The Warriors" title for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, based on the cult classic Paramount Pictures film, and the Japanese release of "GTA: San Andreas" for PlayStation 2.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050303/35734_1.html 
http://www.take2games.com

(London) 5.1 Entertainment Group, a producer of DVD-based audio, announced on Friday that it plans to launch the DualDisc hybrid CD/DVD format in Europe with over 100 album releases this year. The first DualDisc titles -- which contain regular CD content on one side, and DVD content like videos or surround-sound on the other -- were released in the U.S. in October. Labels including Silverline Records, Immergent and Myutopia plan to release European DualDisc albums from artists including Blondie, Todd Rundgren, Robert Cray and Poncho Sanchez.
http://www.5point1.net

(Espoo, Finland) Finland-based radio station Kiss-FM announced on Friday the launch of the world's first "Visual Radio" broadcasts, which utilize technology developed by Nokia to allow users to give feedback and interact with programming with their cell phones. The service provides visual information on the song and artist currently playing, and invites users to participate in mobile competitions and audience polls, as well as purchase ringtones or concert tickets. The Visual Radio technology is marketed to radio stations by HP, and currently supports the Nokia 7710, Nokia 3230 and Nokia 6230i handset models.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050304/ukf007_1.html 
http://www.visualradio.com 
http://www.kiss.fi/mobiili/?area=visualradio&sesID=

(London) Gizmondo Europe, the unit of Tiger Telematics developing the Gizmondo multi-functional handheld gaming system, announced on Friday that it will launch the device in the U.K. on March 19. The Gizmondo, which also plays MPEG-4 video and MP3s and includes a digital camera, GPS chip and wireless capabilities, will sell for about $440, while game titles will cost between $19 and $58. London-based Gizmondo said it plans to launch the device in Continental Europe and the U.S. in the spring of 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050304/ukf005_1.html 
http://www.gizmondo.com

(New York) The New York Public Library this week launched an online gallery containing over 275,000 images from its collection, offering free downloads of images such as 16th century maps, Depression-era photography and rare illustrated books by writers like William Blake. The library said it will update the archive monthly and plans to eventually offer 500,000 items.
http://digitalgallery.nypl.org/nypldigital/index.cfm

(New York) Video game publisher Atari announced on Friday that it has signed a worldwide publishing agreement with Sherman Oaks, Calif.-based developer Spark Unlimited, creators of the "Medal of Honor" franchise and "Call of Duty: Finest Hour." Under the deal, Atari will publish all future Spark titles. Spark is currently working on a new game, scheduled to launch in late 2006, that Atari says it will look to exploit with film, TV and consumer product tie-ins.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050304/nyf021_1.html 
http://www.sparkunlimited.com

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Activision announced on Friday that it plans to release "Call of Duty: United Offensive," the latest installment in the franchise, in the fall of 2005. As the original developers of the franchise, Spark Unlimited, today signed an exclusive publishing agreement with Atari, Activision said that its internal Gray Matter studio and "Spider-Man" game developers Treyarch will co-develop the new "Call of Duty" title.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050304/laf019_1.html 
http://www.activision.com

(San Francisco) Game Live Events, a producer of live console and PC video game touring events, announced on Friday that its "2005 Game Live on Xbox Spring College Tour" will visit 25 U.S. colleges and universities during April. Sausalito, Calif.-based Game Live said the tour will allow students to play unreleased betas and gold builds of new titles from Electronic Arts, LucasArts, Midway, the U.S. Army, Vivendi Universal, Majesco and Ubisoft.
http://www.gameliveevents.com

(San Francisco) Wired News on Friday reported on the HP DJammer, a prototype wireless gadget for digital DJs that emulates the "scratching" sound effect created when turntable DJs physically manipulate vinyl records beneath the needle. The device was created by HP research and development scientist Mat Hans in collaboration with New York's Scratch DJ Academy. "You are able to control music by air-scratching (and) jumping to different parts of the song ... using sensors built into the device," the device's software engineer, April Slayden, told Wired News. HP says it is developing a means for collaborative mixing, as well as mixing more than one track at a time for the DJammer.
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,66722,00.html 

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Director of Internet Strategy & Website Operations

Top Northeast Media & Entertainment Company seeks Director to be responsible for developing strategy to drive traffic and support company goals, managing website development & operations & leveraging bus. dev. opportunities. 5+ yrs. exp. in diverse aspects of highly interactive online portal, knowledge of production, contacts in online space and ability to build strong teams essential. Send resumes to managementxl@yahoo.com.
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> Controller

This individual will be charged with the overall responsibility of all aspects of the accounting function, including A/R, A/P, payroll, cash management, GL, fixed assets financial reporting, state and local tax reporting. This person must have understanding of Profit and Loss analysis, budgeting, and financial planning. He/she will ensure compliance and audit integrity with company, state, and federal tax and audit guidelines. A minimum of 5 plus years supervisory experience in a controller or accounting managerial role required. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire249.asp
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> Tech Media Relations Pro

Qorvis Communications, area's largest independently owned and fastest growing PR firm, looking for tech media relations pro. Our excellent client service resulted in a growing reputation leading to significant growth with local, national and international clients. We need great people to grow with us. Req: Min 3 yrs PR success securing media coverage in national and media outlets; must evidence commitment to do great work. Qorvis is equal opportunity employer. Send resumes to opportunities@qorvis.com
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> Director, Technology - Mid-Atlantic Online Media

Manage 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
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> Solution Developer

Solution Developer responsible for building a wide range of business solutions, using the CorasWorks Suite of modular components that are "snapped" together within the Microsoft SharePoint environment. Must be able to work successfully with business and technical people, demonstrate a solid understanding of Microsoft technologies, have proven experience architecting and designing business solutions, and be able to work independently. Please submit resume to careers@corasworks.net, or view more info online at: http://www.corasworks.net/CompanyInfo/Employment/index.html
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> Project Lead, Strategic Alliances

Leads USATODAY.com marketing distribution efforts by identifying new strategic and tactical opportunities for partnerships or platforms that will significantly expand the reach of USATODAY.com content. College degree required with 2-3 years of prior experience in online marketing, specifically in a partner, affiliate or alliance marketing capacity. For more info, visit http://www.usatoday.com Email: jobs@usatoday.com (SA-PT in Subject line)
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> Interactive And Email Marketing Production Manager - Manhattan, NYC

The Lift Network (http://www.theliftnetwork.com), an interactive and branding marketing agency is looking for a production manager to manage production team and multiple client deliverables. Require: at least 2 years managing a diverse team of online production backgrounds. At least 2 years as producer, project manager, or production manager in an online advertising/marketing environment. Excellent communication and organizational skills. Ability to interface with clients. Ability to perform well under pressure. Expert knowledge of MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint. Visio a plus. Web production experience using HTML, PhotoShop, Homesite.Creative and conceptual skills a plus. Send resumes to info@theliftnetwork.com
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> Storefront Usability Engineer

A DC based firm is seeking a Storefront Usability Manager. The Storefront Usability Manager will prioritize and write requirements, and interact with engineering team. The successful candidate will have 5-10 years experience in a marketing / technical environment and should be able to understand technology and collaborate with engineering staff and must have exposure to working in a mid to large-scale e-commerce environment. This is a hands on role not a director or VP level position. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire246.asp
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> Director, Product Management/Marketing - Mountain View

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
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> 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.
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> 3rd Annual Homeland Security Contracting Forum - May 5-6, 2005

5 Top DHS and DOE CIO's and other insiders confirmed include: Steve Cooper, CIO, Dept. of Homeland Security; Charles Armstrong, CIO, Border Security, DHS; Scott Hastings, CIO, The US-VISIT Program, (which awarded a contract worth up to $10 billion to Accenture), DHS and others. Panel Topics include: DHS Contracting Opportunities, Next Generation Homeland Security and DOD Technologies: Small-Medium Sized Business Opportunities, Homeland Security Contract and Grant Winners: How Your Firm Can Secure DHS Business and more. May 5-6, 2005. Hyatt Crystal City, Arlington VA. For more info or to register visit - http://www.potomactechwire.com/homelandconference2005.html
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> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

Enter the Blogosphere prepared - Enhance your sales and marketing programs. Take advantage of blog relations and blog technology at its forefront. As blogging matures and becomes a prevailing force in communications, allow Strategic Communications Group to assist you in meeting your sales, profitability and corporate valuation goals. Contact us for a free white paper. Send inquiries to info@gotostrategic.com or call 301.408.4500. Visit http://www.gotostrategic.com/blogptw.html  for more info.
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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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Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
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