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April 28, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Comcast Withdraws $48.4 Billion Disney Merger Proposal
o RIAA Sues Another 477 Alleged Music File-Swappers
o Report: Terra Lycos Looking to Sell U.S.-based Lycos Unit
o Apple Reports 70 Million Songs Sold in First Year of iTunes Store
o RealNetworks Reports $12.3 Million in Music Revenue for Q1 2004
o Japanese Electronics Firms to Launch Broadband "Any Music" Service
o Europe's Wisdom Group Raises $46 Million for 'Net Entertainment Ventures
o Streaming Video Delivery Provider The FeedRoom Raises $5.1 Million
o Mobile Games Firm Airborne Entertainment Lands $2.2 Million
o American Greetings Acquires MIDIRingTones

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Washington Digital Media Conference - June 18, 2004
 --Digital Media Law Report - Volume 3 - March/April  

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Streaming Media East 2004 Conference & Exhibition, May 10-12, 2004 
 --PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
 

o Briefly Noted: Musicmatch - prepaid download cards, Chilmark Media, GoVideo, Square Enix U.S.A., NCSoft, Capcom, Electronic Arts, In-Fusio, THQ Wireless - NFL

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Digital Media Content Manager
--Inside and Outside Sales Representatives
--HireStrategy - Treasury Manager
--Account Executive
--Regional Manager, Business Development
--Director Business Development (DBD)
--Infrastructure Sales Executive
--IT Perm and Contract Placement Services
--Advanced Selling for High Tech Professionals
--2nd Annual BNA Contracting and Homeland Security Forum -- May 10-12
--AeA Micro Cap Financial Conference for Public Tech Companies, May 16-18
--Supplier Diversity Summit at SUPERCOMM 2004, June 21, Chicago, IL
--Customized Your Corporate Logo With Quality Products! 
 


o Comcast Withdraws $48.4 Billion Disney Merger Proposal

Philadelphia -- Comcast, the nation's largest cable TV operator, announced on Wednesday that it has withdrawn its $48.4 billion proposal to merge with The Walt Disney Company. "It has become clear that there is no interest on the part of Disney's management and Board in putting Comcast and Disney together," said Comcast president and CEO Brian Roberts. "We have always been disciplined in our approach to acquisitions. Being disciplined means knowing when it is time to walk away. That time is now." Roberts added that, as a result of the bid withdrawal, the company in a position to move forward with its previously announced $1 billion stock repurchase program. The company will also explore a possible purchase of bankrupt cable TV operator Adelphia, Reuters reported.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040428/phw023_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/040428/comcast_disney_39.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/040428/media_disney_comcast_13.html
_____________________________________________

o RIAA Sues Another 477 Alleged Music File-Swappers

Los Angeles -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on Wednesday sued an additional 477 individuals for copyright infringement via music file-swapping, bringing the total number of U.S. residents sued by the major label trade group to 2,454. Wednesday's actions were filed against "John Doe" defendants, with the intention of having each defendant's name revealed by his or her Internet service provider through subpoena. The new lawsuits included 69 defendants at 14 universities, including Princeton and Brown; a round of suits filed in March also targeted 89 college students.
http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040428/media_lawsuits_1.html 
http://www.riaa.com  
____________________________________________

o Report: Terra Lycos Looking to Sell U.S.-based Lycos Unit

New York -- Spanish Internet portal Terra Lycos has hired investment bankers Lehman Brothers to explore a possible sale of its U.S.-based Lycos Internet business, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday. The sale of Lycos, which CNET News.com reports sources say could generate $200 million, would undo the $12.5 billion year 2000 merger of the Massachusetts-based company with the Spanish portal Terra. "An acquisition of Lycos, one of the last available premier Internet search and content properties, represents an outstanding and unique value creation opportunity at a time when advertising budgets are increasing, paid online content is gaining broader acceptance and public markets are favorably rewarding consolidation in the rapidly growing search market," reads a document prepared by Lehman Bros. that was obtained by News.com.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?M2C132828 
http://news.com.com/2100-1023_3-5201301.html 
http://www.lycos.com
____________________________________________

o Apple Reports 70 Million Songs Sold in First Year of iTunes Store

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple Computer announced on Wednesday that its iTunes Music Store has sold over 70 million songs since launching one year ago, and now claims a 70 percent market share of legal downloads for singles and albums. Apple had previously said its aim was to sell 100 million downloads in the first year of iTunes. The company also introduced a number of new features to the service, including CD jewel case printing, personal playlist sharing, "party shuffle," the rights to play songs on two additional computers (now a total of 5), and the ability to automatically convert unprotected WMA files into its proprietary AAC format, making them playable on an iPod.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040428/sfw037_1.html
http://www.apple.com/itunes/store
____________________________________________

o RealNetworks Reports $12.3 Million in Music Revenue for Q1 2004

Seattle -- Media delivery technology provider RealNetworks announced its first quarter 2004 revenues on Wednesday, reporting that it generated more than $12.3 million in digital music revenue, despite an overall net loss of $10.4 million during the period for the company. The $12.3 million represents an increase of 55% over revenue from the 4th quarter of 2003, and comes from the Rhapsody and RadioPass monthly fee subscription services as well as from sales of downloads through Rhapsody and the RealPlayer Music Store launched at the beginning of the year. A RealNetworks spokesperson said that the numbers "are further evidence that [Apple CEO] Steve Jobs is dead wrong in saying that the music subscription market, which now has an estimated 1 million paying customers (between services like Rhapsody, Napster, MusicMatch and MusicNet) 'are not succeeding.'"
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040428/sfw107_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040428/sfw106_1.html 
http://www.real.com
____________________________________________

o Japanese Electronics Firms to Launch Broadband "Any Music" Service

Tokyo -- A consortium of Japanese consumer electronics firms plan to launch a broadband digital music subscription service called Any Music on May 20, which will deliver songs directly to compatible home audio equipment. Participating firms Kenwood, Sharp, Sony, Pioneer, Onkyo, D&M, JVC and Yamaha said that stereos and other devices featuring an Any Music button will be able to browse and download songs directly to the devices via a remote control -- bypassing a PC -- and also transfer them to portable players. Users will pay a $3 start-up fee and $3 monthly fee for Any Music, which will initially offer a library of 38,000 songs at $1.50 per track or $10 per album. Content will be provided by LabelGate, a music distribution company formed by the joint investment of Japan's leading record labels.
http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/040420.html 
http://www.anymusic.jp
____________________________________________

o Europe's Wisdom Group Raises $46 Million for 'Net Entertainment Ventures

Madrid -- The Wisdom Group, a newly formed group of European interactive entertainment businesses, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $46 million in new funds from investors Apax Partners and iNova Capital. The Wisdom Group's holdings bring together video game development and distribution firms (PyroStudios, Play Wireless, Proein); online information and entertainment distributors (LaNetro Internet, LaNetro Mobile, Geofactory, YATT); and a computer-animated film production company. All of these companies are managed by the Perez Dolset family, which retains a 51% stake in Wisdom Group. The funds will be used to finance the companies' national and international expansion projects.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?N29225828 
http://www.lanetro.com 
http://www.pyrostudios.com
____________________________________________

o Streaming Video Delivery Provider The FeedRoom Raises $5.1 Million

New York -- The FeedRoom, a provider of streaming media delivery solutions for broadcasters and other media companies, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $5.1 million in new funding. The investment round was led by BEV Capital, with participation from existing investors Warburg Pincus, Ridgewood Capital, Constellation Ventures, Circle-T Partners, the New York City Investment Fund, former CBS CEO Peter Lund and UBS Warburg's U.S. head of investment banking Ken Moelis. New York-based FeedRoom's clients include NBC's owned television stations, CBS Sports, AOL, Comcast, Reuters and Tribune Television -- in all a network of 170 sites that deliver over 1 million streaming video clips daily. The company will use the funds to expand its sales and marketing efforts.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?N27E42728
____________________________________________

o Mobile Games Firm Airborne Entertainment Lands $2.2 Million

Montreal -- Airborne Entertainment, a publisher of mobile games and other wireless entertainment content, announced on Wednesday that it has received a $2.2 million investment from Wellington Financial LP Fund II as part of its ongoing second round of venture capital financing. Montreal-based Airborne has created wireless applications for customers including the WWE, NHL and a number of cable networks and magazines owned by Time Warner and others.
http://www.airborne-e.com
____________________________________________

o American Greetings Acquires MIDIRingTones

Cleveland, Ohio -- AG Interactive, a unit of American Greetings, announced on Wednesday that it has acquired MIDIRingTones, a provider of cell phone ringtones and other wireless entertainment. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Greeting cards maker American Greetings said the acquisition is part of its expansion into the wireless market, kicked off with the launch of its AG Interactive division earlier this year. Since its inception in 2002, Minnesota-based MIDIRingTones has secured licensing agreements with over 75 music publishers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040428/clw045_1.html
http://www.americangreetings.com 
http://www.midiringtones.com

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 > DMW Events:

Washington
Digital Media Conference

June 18
, 2004  |  Washington, DC
www.digitalmediaconference.com

OVERVIEW

Media and entertainment companies are going through a digital transformation, which is impacting traditional business models and changing the way we distribute, access and market media and entertainment.

Washington Digital Media Conference brings together decision-makers from the leading media, entertainment and technology companies in the Greater Washington, DC area for a 1-day executive forum focused on business, legal/policy and technology developments impacting digital media.

Get a unique view of the future of media and entertainment from the inside. Gain insight into new business opportunities driving the transformation of entertainment and media businesses. Take a hard look at how traditional challenges to sustainable business models are dissolving, only to be replaced by new obstacles, and how we can prepare now to overcome them. Examine media and entertainment-based technologies emerging today and explore how these technologies are driving the transformation of the media and entertainment industries.

How are traditional business models being reinvented? What are the challenges and opportunities involving digital media? What do you need to do to stay competitive in the technology age? Be a part of this inaugural event, which brings together the business and government leaders who are transforming the Greater Washington, DC area into a center for digital media innovation and development.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration: $195 (until May 24th)
Pre-Registration: $295 (until June 11th)
Registration: $395 (after June 11th)

Online :  http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1067
Phone: 323-822-0936

To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2004 conference, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.


Digital Media Law Report
New Featured Section - Volume 3 - 2004

We are pleased to announce that we have added a "Featured Section" to Digital Media Law & Policy Report. We will use this section to provide in depth coverage of certain cases, events and policy developments each month.

Subscriptions
-
Order
Volume 3 - March/April 2004 Report - Order

 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients
 

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> Featured Advertisement: 

> Streaming Media East 2004 Conference & Exhibition, May 10-12, 2004

Streaming Media East is the premier learning, networking, and problem-solving event for streaming and digital media professionals, technology experts, and business executives. In conference sessions and on the exhibit floor attendees will explore how a broad range of digital media technologies can be integrated with streaming media services to provide innovative solutions to business problems.  http://www.streamingmedia.com/east/ 
___________________

> PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook

Purchase the book every entertainment and media executive must have. The PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2003-2007 analyzes key trends and forecasts spending in the U.S. and Canada across 14 industry segments, including a Global Overview that forecasts spending and analyzes trends worldwide (also sold separately). More Information
 
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Indian Wells, Calif.) Musicmatch, a developer of music jukebox software and provider of digital music subscription services, announced on Wednesday that it will begin selling prepaid download cards at retailers in June. Cards will be sold in units of 10 music tracks for $9.90, 15 tracks for $14.85 and 20 tracks for $19.80. San Diego-based Musicmatch partnered with Portland, Ore.-based Vesta to develop the cards, which will be sold through AT&T's Prepaid Web Cents service.
http://www.trustvesta.com 
http://www.webcents.att.com 
http://www.musicmatch.com

(Memphis, Tenn.) Chilmark Media announced on Wednesday that it has raised $1 million through a private placement of its stock with venture capital firm Berganstone International. Tennessee-based Chilmark said the funds will be used exclusively to fund the launch of the company's mobile games, ringtones and music content in the Chinese market.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040428/nyw023_1.html
http://www.thechilmarkgroup.com

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) Consumer electronics firm GoVideo, known for its "combo" devices including DVD+VCR, Dual-Deck VCR and DVD Recorder+VCR, announced on Wednesday that it has promoted president and COO Ed Brachocki to the position of CEO.
http://www.govideo.com

(Los Angeles) Square Enix U.S.A., the U.S. distribution arm of the Japanese game developer, announced on Wednesday that it will release an expansion pack for its "Final Fantasy XI" massively multiplayer online roleplaying game simultaneously in Japan and North America in the fall. "Chains of Promathia" will be released to the game's 500,000 current active players in both PC and PlayStation 2 editions.
http://www.square-enix-usa.com/seui/index.htm

(Austin) Korean online game developer NCSoft on Wednesday announced the North American commercial launch of "Lineage II: The Chaotic Chronicle" as well as Cryptic Studios' "City of Heroes." Both massively multiplayer online titles will sell for $50, plus a monthly subscription fee of $14.95.
http://www.lineage2.com 
http://www.cityofheroes.com 
http://www.ncsoft.net

(Sunnyvale, Calif.) Japanese game developer Capcom announced that its "Onimusha 3: Demon Siege" title for PlayStation 2 has shipped to North American retailers.
http://www.capcom.com/news/news.xpml?prid=450137

(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer Electronic Arts on Wednesday released "Top Down Baseball Challenge," a free two-player, Web-based baseball game. Players can win tokens and potentially a cash jackpot for hitting homeruns, getting consecutive hits, stealing bases or striking out batters.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040428/285718_1.html
http://www.easports.com/free/home.jsp

(Bordeaux Cedex, France) French mobile game publisher In-Fusio announced that it has recently opened an office in Los Angeles that will target the U.S. market. The company says it has the largest share of the mobile games market in Europe, and offers a roster of 65 titles to carriers including Verizon, Sprint, AT&T, Vodafone, Orange, SFR, Telefonica Moviles and China Mobile.
http://www.infusio.com 
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Q15332728

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Video game publisher THQ said on Wednesday that its THQ Wireless unit has reached an agreement with the National Football League (NFL) to develop a line of officially licensed mobile content. The deal includes the creation of an 11-on-11 football simulation title featuring all 32 NFL and 900 actual players modeled to perform as they do on the field.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040428/285143_1.html 
http://www.thqwireless.com

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> Classifieds:

> Digital Media Content Manager

Manage content acquisition and launch for various Digital Media products. Coordinate with partners and Nextel Business Development to obtain Digital Media Content for catalog· Manage relationships with publishers and aggregators of Digital Media content · Manage operational processes for posting of products Coordinate with marketing and partners for promotion of Digital Media products· Send resume and cover letter to chris.allison@nextel.com.   Support field and marketing on application questions www.nexteljobs.com  60461.
_________________

> Inside and Outside Sales Representatives

OpenAir Technonolgies, Inc. has several sales positions open for account executives that will be responsible for cold-calling, proposal preparation, gathering requirements, and closing the sale. OpenAir Technologies, Inc. sells and maintains Next Generation IP-PBX Phone Systems to commercial customers. Prefers: 2 plus yrs exp. in phone system (PBX), voice, and/or data sales. Please send resume and salary requirements to: sales@openairtech.com
_________________

> HireStrategy - Treasury Manager

Candidate will oversee a staff of two and will perform servicing reports for 3 Lines of Credit, Cash allocations for the lines of credit, forecast using a cash mgmt model, oversee wire transfers/cash transfers, work with investment bankers and deal teams, and handle business loan trusts. Qualified candidates will have 4-7 years of exp. with an accounting foundation. Financial services experience is preferred. Please send resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire185.asp
_________________

> Account Executive

Account Executive and Inside Sales position available for highly motivated individuals with success selling software development services to private sector customers. Since 1982, Information Concepts (http://www.InfoConcepts.com) develops fixed-price, custom web-based, mission critical, database applications. Commissions based on gross sales with no limit on commission earnings. Send resumes to Resumes@InfoConcepts.com
_________________

> Regional Manager, Business Development

New Business Sales Executive needed by a Web training company located in Washington, DC. Successful candidate will have the ability to prospect, propose and close training and consulting solutions with Fortune 1000 and technology companies. Requirements include professionalism, strong communications skills, knowledge of the internet, and a successful track record of exceeding sales objectives. Competitive base plus incentives and benefits. Send resumes to lgant@westlake.com
____________________

> Director Business Development (DBD)

Major, Hagen & Africa is the world's largest attorney recruiting firm with the top in-house and law firm placement record globally. The DBD will be responsible for client sourcing strategies and the relationship development process with C-level executives, General Counsels, CFO's and VP's of HR. Minimum of two years' consultative selling experience including knowledge of the Bay Area business sectors, preferably within the bio-tech/pharma industry; JD or advanced degree is a plus. Submit resume and salary requirements. Send resumes to jmckinlay@mhaglobal.com
____________________

> Infrastructure Sales Executive

Systems Alliance is a Baltimore-based technology co. Position reports to V P Sales and proactively markets tech infrastructure incl. servers and storage. Responsibilities incl. dev. pipeline of infrastructure opportunities & participating in dev. of configs. Tech skills req'd are knowledge of various network environments & architectures. 5+ yrs selling complex tech solutions ideal. See sysalli.com/Careers/JobPostings.html for more information. Send resumes to pchapman@systemsalliance.com
____________________

> IT Perm and Contract Placement Services

Technical Staffing Solutions specializes in recruiting the hard to find candidates with or without high level DoD security clearances. We can provide your firm with solutions ranging from 1 permanent employee to a team of technical consultants for the duration of your short or long term engagement. Send inquiries to Skip Kearnes at skearnes@techstaffsolutions.com  or call 703-451-3882 for more information.
___________________

> Advanced Selling for High Tech Professionals

Are Sales Cycles getting longer?  Are your discounts getting larger? Do prospects keep you at arms length? The Sandler Sales Institute of VA has a GUARANTEED program for High Tech Professionals that will help you to solve these problems. Held at Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology, May 13th and 14th, 8:30am- 4:30pm. Admission is $995.00. For more information visit: http://www.sandlersalesguru.com or call 866-904-0600. Send inquiries to kevin@sandlersalesguru.com
___________________

> 2nd Annual BNA Contracting and Homeland Security Forum -- May 10-12

Homeland security forum speakers from the Department of Homeland Security:
include Steven Cooper, CIO; Josh Filler, Director of the Office of State
and Local Government Coordination; David Bolka, Director of HSARPA;
Gregory Rothwell, Chief Procurement Officer; Kevin Boshears, Director,
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization; Hugo Teufel,
Associate General Counsel for General Law; and Patrick Schambach, CIO,
Transportation Security Administration. Info/Registration:
http://www.homeland-conference.com/
___________________

> AeA Micro Cap Financial Conference for Public Tech Companies, May 16-18

Find your next investment opportunity at the AeA Micro Cap Financial Conference, May 16-18 in Monterey, California. Access executives from 120 high-tech companies, gather information and network with peers in just two days. If you are an investor interested in growing public technology companies with up to $200 million market cap or revenues, then this is the conference to attend. For more information visit, http://www.aeanet.org/MC04
___________________

> Supplier Diversity Summit at SUPERCOMM 2004, June 21, Chicago, IL

The Supplier Diversity Summit at SUPERCOMM 2004 in Chicago is a forum for MWDVBEs and corporate supplier diversity teams to stay current on the latest business, political, regulatory and technical activities in the telecommunications industry. For more information on the summit, visit http://www.tiaonline.org/events/supplierdiv2004.cfm Send inquiries to lream@tiaonline.org
___________________

> Customized Your Corporate Logo With Quality Products!

Pacific West Marketing offers quality, innovative, uniquely designed products and concepts with a creative flair, for all of your Special Events, Promotional Programs, Corporate Identity Programs, Recognition & Awards, etc.

All of our quality products can be Customized with your Corporate Logo! Please visit our website: www.pacificwestmarketing.com

Make your next Promotion a Special Event!! Contact Pacific West Marketing today: 949-489-2110 Email: Ed@pacificwestmarketing.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.

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

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