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May 12, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Vivendi Completes $3.65 Billion Sale of Entertainment Assets to NBC
o Nintendo Details New DS Handheld Game System
o Report: Avid U.S. Video Gamers Viewing Less TV, Movies
o Napster Licenses AIM U.K. Indie Labels for Download Store
o U.K. Digital Music Service Wippit Licenses Sony Music Tracks
o Report: U.K. to Become World Broadband Roll-Out Leader
o Sirius Satellite Radio Hits 400,000 Subscribers

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Washington Digital Media Conference - June 18, 2004
 
 > Featured Advertisement:
 --PricewaterhouseCoopers' Entertainment and Media Outlook
 --Digital Media Law Report - Volume 3 - March/April
 

o Briefly Noted: MusicNow, Corporation for Public Broadcasting - digital transition grants, Navarre - Mix & Burn, Massive Incorporated - video game ad network, Samsung - World Cyber Games, NCsoft, Climax, Activision, Vivendi Universal Games, Nokia - N-Gage E3 titles, Sprint PCS - Konami - Square Enix, Mforma Group, Airborne Entertainment - "Left Behind," Nyko Technologies, GameSpy Arena, Nintendo - new "Zelda" in 2005

 
> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Internet Marketing Manager
--2-Day Workshop:"Developing Successful Products" Philadelphia-May 26-27
--Account Manager: Technology Communications
--Director of Marketing & Communications - D.C.
--Communications and Writing Services for Early-Stage Cos.
--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
--Supplier Diversity Summit at SUPERCOMM 2004, June 21, Chicago, IL
 


o Vivendi Completes $3.65 Billion Sale of Entertainment Assets to NBC

New York -- French media conglomerate Vivendi Universal announced on Wednesday that it has completed its $3.65 billion sale of Vivendi Universal Entertainment, which includes its motion picture studio, TV production operations and theme parks but not the record label group, to U.S. TV network NBC. The resulting company will be called NBC Universal, and will be 80%-owned by NBC parent GE with the remaining stake controlled by Vivendi Universal. Bob Wright, vice chairman of General Electric, will become chairman and CEO of NBC Universal. The company expects to generate revenues of $15 billion in 2005. "This transaction gives Vivendi Universal a 20 percent ownership interest in NBC Universal and at the same time enables us to record a total net debt reduction of approximately $6 billion," said Vivendi Universal chairman and CEO Jean-Rene Fourtou.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040512/nyw119_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/rc/040512/media_vivendi_nbc_2.html 
_____________________________________________

o Nintendo Details New DS Handheld Game System

Los Angeles -- Nintendo has announced some of the details of its Nintendo DS portable gaming system, which it plans to launch in Japan and North America by the end of the year, and in Europe during the first quarter of 2005. One of the device's dual 3D screens features touch-screen input; the DS also features voice recognition, 16-channel sound and both short- and long-range wireless multiplayer capabilities. The DS will sport two processors, and play both legacy Game Boy Advance titles and the new gigabit-capacity DS cartridges. Nintendo said game titles in the works for the DS include a new Super Mario game, a Metroid game, a WarioWare game and PictoChat, which lets players send instant text and picture messages to one another. In addition, Nintendo said it has distributed over 100 development kits to companies that will create games for the DS.
http://www.nintendo.com/e3_2004/ds/index.jsp  ____________________________________________

o Report: Avid U.S. Video Gamers Viewing Less TV, Movies

Los Angeles -- A recent survey of Americans who play video games found that 52% of gamers who say they are spending more time playing games report watching less television as a result, with 47% adding that they go to movies less. The survey was conducted by the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), the U.S. video game trade group. "What we're seeing is that consumers are choosing video and computer games as their choice of entertainment for the 21st century," said ESA president Douglas Lowenstein. "Computer and video games have made tremendous advances over the past decade, both creatively and technologically, drawing more people into immersive and complex virtual worlds." The survey also examined gamer demographics, finding that 75% of console gamers are male and 46% are under 18 years old, while 61% of computer gamers are male and 36% are under 18; 25% of PC gamers are over 46. In the online game market, 40% of gamers are female, and 43% say they play online one or more hours per week, up from 37% in 2003 and 31% in 2002.
http://www.theesa.com/5_12_2004.html  
____________________________________________

o Napster Licenses AIM U.K. Indie Labels for Download Store

Los Angeles -- Napster, the digital music service unit of Roxio, announced on Wednesday that it has signed a worldwide distribution agreement with the Association of Independent Music (AIM), a consortium of U.K. independent record labels. Initially, 50,000 tracks from 50 of AIM's 800 member labels will be available on Napster, when it launches in the U.K. this summer. Rival Apple also plans to launch a U.K. version of its iTunes Store in the coming months.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040512/law064_1.html 
http://www.musicindie.org 
http://www.napster.com 
____________________________________________

o U.K. Digital Music Service Wippit Licenses Sony Music Tracks

London -- Wippit, a U.K.-based legitimate file-sharing service and song download store, announced on Wednesday that it has licensed tracks from major label Sony Music for its service. The company has already secured deals with fellow majors BMG and EMI, as well as with 200 independent labels. Along with Wippit, rival OD2 also currently offers legal song downloads to U.K. customers -- although the market will soon expand as Apple, Napster and Sony launch their own respective services in the region later this year.
http://www.wippit.co.uk 
____________________________________________

o Report: U.K. to Become World Broadband Roll-Out Leader

London -- A new report conducted by the U.K.'s Organization of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) shows that the U.K. is set to become one of the world leaders in the roll out of broadband Internet services. The report found that DSL would be available on about 95% of U.K. telephone lines by year's end, a percentage surpassed only by Belgium, Denmark and Switzerland. In terms of ADSL availability, the U.K. fares even better, boasting nearly 90% availability, a percentage that is set to reach 99% by the end of next year if dominant local telecommunications group BT meets its targets. If BT does in fact achieve 99% availability by 2005, the U.K. will become the world leader in that category, the OECD said. The report is certain to give a boost to the British government, which has made no secret of its desire to make the U.K. the most "extensive and competitive" broadband market among industrialized nations by next year.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?B24B25748 
____________________________________________

o Sirius Satellite Radio Hits 400,000 Subscribers

New York -- Sirius Satellite Radio announced on Wednesday that it has reached 400,000 subscribers for its nationwide, satellite-delivered digital radio service. The company added that it is still on track to reach its goal of one million subscribers by year's end. Rival XM Satellite Radio recently said it expects to reach 2 million subscribers within its current financial quarter.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040511/nytu219_1.html 
http://www.siriusradio.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.

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
 

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
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Chicago) MusicNow, a provider of branded digital music subscription services, on Wednesday launched its Digital Music Clubs for artists, which lets musicians create their own branded digital music services with song sales, ticketing and touring info. Chicago-based MusicNow will provide design and infrastructure for the sites, as well as licenses necessary to distribute music online. The company also said it partnered with Internet music marketer UltraStar Entertainment, which will offer the service to clients including David Bowie and the Rolling Stones.
http://www.ultrastar.com 
http://www.musicnow.com

(Washington) The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) announced on Wednesday that it has received $2.3 million in new grants, earmarked to help 29 additional public radio stations, including 19 serving rural and minority audiences, transition to digital broadcasting. Last month, CPB announced grants that helped 76 stations transition to digital. To date, CPB has provided grants to over 170 public TV stations and 147 public radio stations to update their equipment for digital broadcasting.
http://www.cpb.org/programs/pr.php?prn=355

(Minneapolis) Navarre Corporation, a publisher and distributor of entertainment and multimedia software, announced on Wednesday that it has purchased a 45% stake in Minnesota-based Mix & Burn, a start-up developing a retail CD listening and burning kiosk. The company plans to begin testing its Music Tablet product in retail stores by this summer.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040511/cgtu081_1.html 
http://www.navarre.com 
http://www.mixandburn.com

(New York) Video game advertising firm Massive Incorporated announced on Wednesday it is developing a video game channel for advertisers, adding that publishers Ubisoft and Atari will participate in the program. Traditionally, game ads have been coded into the game during development, meaning advertisers had to commit to an ad sometimes a year in advance. "Massive has created a video game channel with inventory from multiple titles. A channel that delivers campaign advertising, the ability to change creative in real-time, buy guaranteed Gross Rating Points (GRPs) and measure campaign effectiveness," said Massive CEO Mitch Davis.
http://www.massiveincorporated.com

(Los Angeles) Consumer electronics firm Samsung announced on Wednesday that it will sponsor the first Grand Final of the World Cyber Games in the U.S. in San Francisco in October. For the first time, WCG qualifying events will be held in the U.S. and Canada through August for titles including "Counter-Strike" and "Unreal Tournament 2004." Samsung has sponsored the event since its inception in 2000.
http://www.worldcybergames.com

(Austin) Korean online game developer NCsoft announced on Wednesday that, since the launch of two new online titles less than two weeks ago, the games have together amassed more than 160,000 subscribers. NCsoft said that its "City of Heroes" title now counts 100,000 subscribers, while its "Lineage" title boasts 60,000. Both titles, which carry a monthly subscription fee of $14.95, were released on April 28.
http://www.ncsoft.net

(Los Angeles) U.K. game developer Climax on Wednesday announced the games it is previewing at this week's E3 Expo. On display will be titles including "Warhammer Online," "Crash 'n' Burn," "Disney's Lilo & Stitch: Hamsterviel's Revenge," "ATV Offroad Fury 3" and "Sudeki."
http://www.climaxgroup.com

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Game developer Activision on Wednesday shipped the PC version of its "True Crime: Streets of L.A." title to retailers. The game features voice talent from actors including Christopher Walken and Gary Oldman, and a soundtrack that includes tracks from Snoop Dogg.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040512/law053_1.html 
http://www.activision.com

(Los Angeles) Vivendi Universal Games on Wednesday announced that developer Monolith Productions -- which also created "The Matrix Online" and "TRON 2.0" -- is currently at work on "F.E.A.R.," a new PC title that will be published in 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040512/law064_1.html 
http://www.vugames.com 
http://www.lith.com

(Los Angeles) Cell phone maker Nokia announced that it will display eight new titles for its N-Gage hybrid phone/game deck at this week's Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. Both third-party and in-house developed titles will be showcased, including "Civilization," "DRIV3R," "FIFA 2005," "King of Fighters," "Glimmerati," "Rifts," "SSX Out of Bounds" and "Xanadu Next." Publishers committed to developing for N-Gage include Electronic Arts, Atari, Capcom and Hudson Soft.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040511/datu059_1.html 
http://www.n-gage.com

(Los Angeles) Wireless network operator Sprint PCS on Wednesday announced the launch of mobile games from Konami and Square Enix. The company launched a version of Konami's classic "Frogger," developed by Dublin-based Upstart Games, and said details of new mobile titles from "Final Fantasy" and "Dragon Quest" developer Square Enix will be forthcoming.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040512/cgw030_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040512/law007_1.html 
http://www.konami.com/usa 
http://www.upstartgames.com 
http://www.square-enix-usa.com

(Los Angeles) Mobile game publisher Mforma Group announced on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with Atari to develop wireless versions of classic Milton Bradley and Parker Brothers board and card games, such as "Connect Four," "Parcheesi," "Free Parking" and "Chess." Mforma also separately announced the release of "Poker Multiplayer," which it says is the first mobile game where four players can play simultaneously in the same game. The title is available for Sprint PCS Vision subscribers.
http://www.atari.com 
http://www.mforma.com

(Montreal) Wireless entertainment publisher Airborne Entertainment said on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement to bring the 60 million book-selling religious fiction series "Left Behind" to cell phones. The "Left Behind Mobile Prophecies" service will offer daily text content; Montreal-based Airborne said it will also add wallpapers and other features in the future.
http://www.leftbehind.com 
http://www.airborne-e.com/leftbehind

(Los Angeles) Video game accessories maker Nyko Technologies on Wednesday announced a new product designed to make it easier to operate a Sony PlayStation 2 while traveling in the car, without the need for a custom installation. The Mobile Game Carrier backpack includes a console carrying case, power inverter, wireless controller and space to hold several game titles.
http://www.nyko.com

(Brisbane, Calif.) IGN/GameSpy, a provider of video gaming technology and information, announced on Wednesday the launch of its GameSpy Arena, a ladder and competition site for gamers to test their skills against other gamers on all online platforms, as well as a means for publishers to promote their titles. An open beta test of the service will launch on June 1.
http://www.gamespyarena.com

(Los Angeles) Japanese game developer Nintendo has announced that it is currently developing a new title for GameCube based on its popular "The Legend of Zelda" series, which will abandon the traditional cel-shaded design of all of its predecessors in favor of a more realistic look. The game is scheduled for release in 2005.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z1AF24848 

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> Classifieds:

> Internet Marketing Manager

You will be responsible for assisting the Web Strategy Department monitor industry trends with focus on search engines, evaluating new technologies, improving client performance, collecting and analyzing data, testing and implementing new internet strategies. Require 2-5 yrs exp. and ability to resolve challenges in a timely manner. Candidate should have strong knowledge of: html, web Analytical Software, Microsoft Office and Dreamweaver. Familiarity with: Search engine algorithms, Paid Search Engine Marketing. Send resume and cover letter detailing salary history to bbrown@thayerinteractive.com
_________________

> 2-Day Workshop:"Developing Successful Products" Philadelphia-May 26-27

Learn unique approach to creating, developing, & launching products. Includes: Market research, segmentation, value proposition, positioning, requirements writing, business case, working with development, leading a cross-functional product team, devising business cases, & orchestrating a successful product launch, & post-launch audit. CALL Sequent Learning Networks to register $995. Go to sequentlearning.com for FREE prod mgmt/mktg/templates. Send inquiries to sjhaines@sequentlearning.com
_________________

> 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
_________________

> Communications and Writing Services for Early-Stage Cos. - DC Area

Exact Words provides experienced, affordable writing and strategic PR services to growing tech companies and nonprofits - Web site copy, press releases, case studies, bylined articles, media/analyst relations and PR planning. Exact Words specializes in helping organizations that are at critical stages in their development and need reliable communications guidance to reach target audiences effectively. Visit http://www.exactwordsinc.com  for more information. Send inquiries to sbeller@exactwordsinc.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
___________________

> 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
 
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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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