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May 5, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Vivendi Universal Revenues Drop 4% on Poor Music Sales
o Apple Sells 3.3 Million iTunes Song Downloads in One Week
o Group Led by Al Gore Buys Cable News Channel
o AOL Launches Video Games Site for Broadband Users
o Game Publisher Acclaim to Restate Earnings; Secures New Credit Facility
o THQ Wireless Buys Controlling Stake in Swiss Mobile Firm Minick
o Mobile Game Publisher Mforma Acquires MobileGame Korea

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

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
 --Pacific West Marketing
 

o Briefly Noted: ABC - Pepsi - $1 billion sweepstakes, Motown Records - iTunes Store, Majesco - Game Boy Advance Video, LucasArts - president - "Knights of the Old Republic: The Sith Lords," Myelin Media, Electronic Arts - "GoldenEye: Rogue Agent," "Magic: The Gathering" - E3 tournament

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Digital Media Content Manager
--Free Microsoft Security Strategies Roadshow - Nashua, NH, May 12
--Account Manager: Technology Communications
--Director of Marketing & Communications - D.C.
--IT Perm and Contract Placement Services
--HireStrategy - Treasury Manager
--Account Executive
--Regional Manager, Business Development
--Director Business Development (DBD)
--Advanced Selling for High Tech Professionals
--2nd Annual BNA Contracting and Homeland Security Forum -- May 10-12
--Supplier Diversity Summit at SUPERCOMM 2004, June 21, Chicago, IL
--Customize Your Corporate Logo With Quality Products!
 


o Vivendi Universal Revenues Drop 4% on Poor Music Sales

Paris -- French media and entertainment conglomerate Vivendi Universal this week reported a 4% drop in first-quarter sales, a performance that slightly exceeded most analysts' expectations. The company attributed the results to the stronger-than-expected performance of its telecommunications subsidiary, which offset a poor showing by its entertainment unit. Revenues dropped from $7.55 billion in the first quarter of last year to $7.24 billion for the three months ended March 31. SFR, the company's telecommunications business and currently the No. 2 mobile operator in France, reported a 14% increase in revenues to more than $2.4 billion, largely beating analysts' expectations. The company said the relative weakness of the U.S. dollar and changes in its corporate structure impacted overall sales as well.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?W24853738
_____________________________________________

o Apple Sells 3.3 Million iTunes Song Downloads in One Week

Cupertino, Calif. -- Apple announced on Wednesday that users have purchased and downloaded 3.3 million songs from the third generation of its iTunes Music Store since its launch a week ago. The company said that an additional 500,000 free tracks were downloaded in the past week as part of Apple's "Free Song of the Day" promotion for iTunes' one-year anniversary. Apple said that over 70 million songs were purchased in the first year of the online store's operation.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040505/sfw069_1.html
http://www.apple.com/itunes/store  ____________________________________________

o Group Led by Al Gore Buys Cable News Channel

Washington, D.C. -- Vivendi Universal Entertainment announced that it has sold its cable news channel, Newsworld International, to an investment group led by former Vice President Al Gore. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Newsworld currently is produced by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. and accessible by about 17 million North American households. The TV network will be renamed IndTV and target an audience in the 18-35 age group. Gore will serve as chairman of the board and reportedly plans to devote most of his time to the network. Joel Hyatt, an entrepreneur and former finance chairman for the Democratic National Committee, will serve as the network's CEO.
http://www.macworld.co.uk/news/main_news.cfm?NewsID=8591
____________________________________________

o AOL Launches Video Games Site for Broadband Users

Dulles, Va. -- America Online on Wednesday launched a new broadband games service for its AOL for Broadband subscribers, which will offer titles from publishers including TryMedia, GameHouse and Funkitron. The site will also offer video game news and reviews from GameSpot, and discounts on titles purchased through retailer Electronics Boutique. AOL said the new titles being offered -- such as "Scrabble" and "Daily Jigsaw" -- appeal to women, who represent the largest share of online gamers. "It's vitally important strategically that we continue to grow the AOL for Broadband service," Matthew Bromberg, vice president and general manager of AOL Games, told Reuters. "Nothing is more popular with broadband users than games."
http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040505/media_aol_games_1.html
____________________________________________

o Game Publisher Acclaim to Restate Earnings; Secures New Credit Facility

Glen Cove, N.Y. -- Video game publisher Acclaim Entertainment announced on Wednesday that it will restate its financial results for 2001-2003 after discovering a $9.5 million error in its books. The company also said that its primary lender, GMAC, will provide an additional $3 million to Acclaim, and announced that it is securing a $22.8 million asset-based credit facility with a new primary lender to replace the GMAC facility, which will terminate in June. Recently, New York-based Acclaim was sued by child actors turned media and fashion moguls Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, over a series of games that uses the twins' names and likenesses.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040505/nyw067_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040505/nyw068_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rf/040505/leisure_acclaim_4.html 
http://www.acclaim.com
____________________________________________

o THQ Wireless Buys Controlling Stake in Swiss Mobile Firm Minick

Calabasas Hills, Calif. -- THQ Wireless, the mobile games unit of the video game publisher, announced on Wednesday that it has acquired a controlling interest in Swiss mobile games, applications and billing software provider Minick. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed, although the companies have been partners for two years and THQ already held a 25% stake in the company. Minick has created SMS, EMS and MMS messaging, information, multimedia and voting applications for customers including T-Mobile, Telefonica, MTV, Channel 4 and Universal Music.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040505/55302_1.html 
http://www.thqwireless.com 
http://www.minick.net
____________________________________________

o Mobile Game Publisher Mforma Acquires MobileGame Korea

Kirkland, Wash. -- Mobile entertainment publisher Mforma Group announced on Wednesday that it has acquired MobileGame Korea (MoGame), a developer and publisher of mobile games in Korea. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The deal follows a two-year collaboration between Kirkland, Wash.-based Mforma and MobileGame Korea, which will now be known as Mforma Korea. The division will aggregate content from hundreds of developers in Korea for Mforma to distribute to wireless carriers in China, Europe, and the U.S., as well as continue to distribute Mforma titles from around the world in the Korean marketplace.
http://www.mogame.com 
http://www.mforma.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: 

> 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
___________________

> Pacific West Marketing

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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o Briefly Noted:

(New York) ABC and Pepsi announced that they have partnered on a promotion called "Play for a Billion" that will give one finalist the chance to become a billionaire. Consumers can purchase specially marked Pepsi products and then enter the promotional code located under caps on a Yahoo-powered website. Another component will ask ABC viewers to watch for certain "buzzwords," and then enter them on the network's website for the opportunity to be entered into the contest, which will guarantee one finalist at least $1 million and an additional shot at the $1 billion prize.
http://www.billionsweeps.com

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Universal Music Enterprises announced on Wednesday that it will mark the 45th anniversary of Motown Records by offering the first 45 singles ever released on Motown, as well as 45 hard-to-find albums from the Motown archive, as downloads from Apple's iTunes Store. The legendary label's first singles include Barry Strong's "Money (That's What I Want)" and The Miracles' "Shop Around."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040505/law077_1.html 
http://www.motownselect.com

(Edison, N.J.) Video game publisher Majesco announced on Wednesday that it has begun shipping its first Game Boy Advance Video units in North America. The $19.99 standard game cartridges hold up to 45 minutes of video that can be played on Nintendo's handheld gaming device. The first available video cartridges contain episodes of Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network programs like "SpongeBob SquarePants," "The Fairly OddParents" and "Dora the Explorer;" upcoming releases include episodes of "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" and "Yu Gi Oh."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040505/55145_1.html 
http://www.gba-video.com

(San Rafael, Calif.) Video game publisher LucasArts, a division of director George Lucas' Lucasfilm, announced on Wednesday that it has appointed Lucasfilm marketing head Jim Ward as its new president. The company also announced that it plans to release "Knights of the Old Republic: The Sith Lords," a sequel to its critically acclaimed roleplaying game for PC and Xbox, in February 2005. Although the first installment was developed by Canada's Bioware, LucasArts said the sequel will be created by Santa Ana, Calif.-based Obsidian Entertainment.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?section_name=pub&aid=3387
http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swkotor_sithlords 
http://www.obsidianent.com

(New York) Myelin Media, a privately funded interactive entertainment company, announced on Wednesday its plans to provide independent video game developers with an alternative to the traditional publisher model, providing financial, marketing and logistics support. "We believe our business model is hitting the right need at the right time and will appeal to those developers that have grown frustrated with the current system and its reliance on sequels and licenses," said Myelin CEO Gene Mauro. The first Myelin-published game will be Boston-based developer Tilted Mill Entertainment's PC title, "Immortal Cities: Children of the Nile."
http://www.myelinmedia.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer Electronic Arts said on Wednesday that it plans to release "GoldenEye: Rogue Agent," the latest installment in its popular "James Bond" franchise, in the fall of 2004. The game is being developed under a license from MGM Interactive for PlayStation 2, Xbox and GameCube at EA's Los Angeles studio.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040505/55282_1.html 
http://www.ea.com

(Renton, Wash.) Game developer Wizards of the Coast said on Wednesday that it will host a $500,000 "Magic: The Gathering" tournament at next week's E3 Expo video game industry convention in Los Angeles. Sixteen finalists are being flown in to duel on "Magic Online" terminals at the Wizards of the Coast booth. The company said that "Magic Online" currently claims 150,000 registered players.
http://www.magicthegathering.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.
_________________

> Free Microsoft Security Strategies Roadshow - Nashua, NH, May 12

Windows & .NET Magazine has teamed with Microsoft, Avanade, and Network Associates to help you better protect your infrastructure and applications against security threats. Learn how to implement a patch management strategy; lockdown servers, workstations, and network infrastructure; and implement security policy management. Learn new tips from Mark Minasi that will make it tougher for hackers to get to your data, your network, or your servers. Register now for this free event. http://www.winnetmag.com/roadshows/ComputerSecurity2004
___________________

> Account Manager: Technology Communications

Stanton Communications, The Holmes Report's 2003 Best Small Agency, seeks a professional with a proven ability to develop and retain media relationships, and can demonstrate success preparing written materials such as by-lined articles and speeches, and utilizing electronic tools for reaching the media. A minimum of 3-5 years experience communicating about technology products and services preferred. Agency experience a plus. Visit http://www.stantoncomm.com  Send resumes to pstanton@stantoncomm.com 
_________________

> Director of Marketing & Communications - Washington, DC

This emerging homeland security company that provides products and services to first responders is looking for an experienced professional to build its marketing and communications capabilities. The position entails building the brand of the corporate parent and working with its subsidiaries to organize trade shows, advertising campaigns, public relations, marketing materials, and events. A min. of 10 years experience required with a strong background in developing, executing, and managing marketing strategies. Send resumes to: ldorrow@globalsecureholdings.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.
___________________

> 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
____________________

> 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/
___________________

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

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