archives

o Bertelsmann Buys Napster for $8 Million; Fanning, Hilbers to Rejoin
o Newsbytes to Shut Down; Washingtonpost.com to Launch TechNews.com
o Appeals Court Rejects 2600 Appeal in DVD Security-Cracking Case
o Vivendi Games Unit, Interscope Artists No Doubt Collaborate on "Malice"
o Academics Launch Creative Commons, Offering Copyright Distribution Tools
o French ISP Wanadoo to Offer Peter Gabriel's OD2 Subscription Service
> Featured Event/Company: Jupiter Plug.IN
o Briefly Noted: Thomson multimedia - Gemstar-TV Guide, Motorola - IFone -
Atari, Activision - "XXX," Vivendi Universal Games - Conspiracy
Entertainment, "Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project"
_____________________________________________

> Jobs: VP Production & Programming, Sr. Graphic Designer, Sales Director,
Account Executive, Dir. of Product Management, Online Marketing
Coordinator, Business Development Manager, District Sales Manager, VP
Marketing, Online Research Analyst, Bus. Development and Sales

> Events: AIM's Dinner Series

> Marketplace: Free Wine Tastings, Bender/Helper Impact, Digital PCS Phone
System, Digital Copying Machine

Full text of ads located beneath "Briefly Noted" section below.
To post a Classified Ad, contact David Peebler at
david@digitalmediawire.com
_____________________________________________

o Bertelsmann Buys Napster for $8 Million; Fanning, Hilbers to Rejoin

Redwood City, Calif. -- Despite announcements earlier this week that CEO
Konrad Hilbers and founder Shawn Fanning had resigned from the company
over a failed buyout bid from the company, Bertelsmann announced on Friday
that it will acquire the assets of the beleaguered file-sharing service
Napster for $8 million. Bertelsmann will pay the $8 million to Napster's
creditors; CNET News.com reported that the deal is somewhat of a bargain,
since the company's $16 million bid was rejected just days ago, and will
enable the company to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. "We are
very pleased to have reached an agreement with Napster's board of
directors," said Bertelsmann chairman and CEO Joel Klein. The company will
move forward with former Bertelsmann executive Konrad Hilbers as CEO and
chairman, and founder Shawn Fanning as chief technology officer. A number
of other executives that also resigned this week will return as well.
"We're happy to see Napster move forward with Konrad Hilbers at the helm,"
Klein added.
http://www.napster.com
http://www.bertelsmann.com
http://news.com.com/2100-1023-916774.html?tag=fd_top
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o Newsbytes to Shut Down; Washingtonpost.com to Launch TechNews.com

Arlington, Va. -- Newsbytes, a daily wire service that has been in
existence covering technology stories since 1983, will shut down at the
end of the month. Acquired by The Washington Post Company several years
ago, the publication's closure is part of a consolidation of The Post's
WashTech.com, which covers DC-area technology stories, and Newsbytes into
a new, national technology news site, TechNews.com. Washingtonpost.com
spokesman Don Marshall said that of Virginia-based Newsbytes' eight
full-time employees, three DC bureau reporters will be brought along for
the transition and the rest will be laid off at the end of the month.
TechNews.com -- which will also feature content from The Washington Post
and Post Newsweek publications -- is slated to launch officially on June
3. "The site will combine an unmatched ability to report on the critical
intersection of technology and government, a history of covering the major
national technology stories of the day, and deep knowledge of D.C.'s tech
industry," said Washingtonpost.com CEO and publisher Christopher M.
Schroeder.
http://www.newsbytes.com
http://www.washingtonpost.com
_____________________________________________

o Appeals Court Rejects 2600 Appeal in DVD Security-Cracking Case

New York -- The U.S. Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York has
rejected an appeal from hacker publication 2600 to review an earlier
ruling against the company, which was found guilty of violating the
Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA). Several movie studios sued 2600
for posting and linking to computer code (DeCSS) that can circumvent the
copy-protection technology on DVDs. The Electronic Frontier Foundation, a
digital civil liberties group handling 2600's defense, said in a statement
that it is currently considering an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court,
2600's last resort to possibly obtain a reversal of the ruling.
http://www.newsbytes.com/news/02/176643.html
http://www.eff.org
http://www.tourolaw.edu/2ndCircuit/
http://www.2600.com
_____________________________________________

o Vivendi Games Unit, Interscope Artists No Doubt Collaborate on "Malice"

Los Angeles -- Vivendi Universal Games, a division of the same French
media conglomerate that owns Interscope Records, announced on Friday that
Interscope recording artists No Doubt will be featured in a new video game
for PlayStation 2 and Xbox called "Malice." In addition to the inclusion
of No Doubt songs and song remixes in the game, singer Gwen Stefani will
appear as the voice of the game's heroine, Malice; other band members will
also provide voices for the game. "Malice," due for release this fall, is
being developed by London-based Argonaut Games and published by Bellevue,
Wash.-based Sierra Entertainment.
http://www.vugames.com
http://www.argonaut.com
http://www.sierra.com
_____________________________________________

o Academics Launch Creative Commons, Offering Copyright Distribution Tools

Stanford, Calif. -- A group of academics headed by Stanford professor and
intellectual property law expert Lawrence Lessig have teamed to create
Creative Commons, an organization that will offer copyright owners
information on protecting their works and software tools that can be
embedded in their works to stipulate how they may be used. "Our tools will
make it easier for artists and authors to make some or all of their rights
available to the public for free," said Lessig. The software, expected to
be available for general public use in the fall, will provide copyright
information in a "machine-readable" format, allowing computers to identify
and understand the terms of an author's license, making it easier for
people to search for and share creative works. Stanford, Calif.-based
Creative Commons was formed by a coalition of academics from institutions
including Duke, Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Villanova.
http://www.creativecommons.org
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,52556,00.html
http://www.newsbytes.com/news/02/176634.html
_____________________________________________

o French ISP Wanadoo to Offer Peter Gabriel's OD2 Subscription Service

Paris -- Wanadoo, a French Internet service provider with 5.75 million
customers in France and the U.K., announced that it will offer its
subscribers OD2 (On Demand Distribution), a digital music subscription
service co-founded by musician Peter Gabriel. OD2 offers tracks from
labels including BMG, Warner Music, Mushroom, Telstar, V2 and Ministry of
Sound, as well as from a number of independents, in packages that start at
about $7 per month. Tracks are encoded in the Microsoft Windows Media
Audio format and secured with Microsoft's digital rights management
technology. London-based OD2 was launched in response to the lack of
availability of other legitimate online music services -- such as MusicNet
and Pressplay -- outside of North America.
http://www.wanadoo.com/en/profil.htm?3_actualites/31_presse/311.htm
http://www.od2.com
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DIGITAL MEDIA WIRE PRESENTS:
"Wired and Mobile: How Far Ahead is Asia?"
http://www.digitalmediawire.com/LAasia2.html

Asia has embraced mobile phones and broadband services with an enthusiasm
that perhaps no other region can match. With so many wired and mobile
consumers in Asia, there are tremendous opportunities for distribution of
digital entertainment. This panel, lead by tech-entertainment personality,
Ken Rutkowski, and composed of executives and professionals from
Microsoft, E! Networks, Moviso, UCLA and Jones Day will examine recent
developments in Asia and discuss, among other things, opportunities for
U.S.-based companies to distribute content through mobile and broadband
services in Asia. For more information, contact Ned Sherman at
ned@digitalmediawire.com.

Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2002
Time: 8:30 am - 10:30 am
Location: Four Seasons, Beverly Hills (Doheny and Burton Way)
Sponsored by: Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue and Bender/Helper Impact
To register: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/LAasia2.html

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=================
FEATURED SECTION
=================

30 Reasons to Attend Jupiter Plug.IN -- July 8-9 - NYC

Reason #26: Artists are brands; Labels are not.
Through the Internet and digital distribution, music consumers have
unprecedented access to the artists and music they love. Labels and
retailers must learn to harness this brand energy to boost music sales --
because if sales continue to slide the artists' case for eschewing the
majors strengthens.
**To register or for more info: http://www.jmm.com/plugin
**For all the 30 reasons so far, email PluginReasons@jmm.com

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o Briefly Noted:

(Paris) Interactive television developer Thomson multimedia announced on
Friday that it will re-launch and broaden its relationship with Pasadena,
Calif.-based Gemstar-TV Guide International, a provider of electronic
program guides for digital television. Under the terms of the new
agreement, Thomson will further incorporate Gemstar's program guides into
Thomson devices such as digital televisions, personal video recorders and
cable and satellite set-top boxes. The company will also share in
Gemstar's guide advertising revenues. "Six years ago, Gemstar and Thomson
were natural partners on the IPG; today, Gemstar and Thomson are once
again natural partners to accelerate the opportunities associated with
digital technologies and interactive television," said Gemstar chairman
and CEO Henry Yuen.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/020517/160448_1.html
http://www.gemstartvguide.com
http://www.thomson-multimedia.com

(London) Motorola announced on Friday that it has signed an agreement with
wireless entertainment provider IFone, to deliver classic Atari games to
cell phone users. Through IFone's agreement with Atari rightsholder
Infogrames, Motorola will offer its network operators, wireless portals
and retail partners classic Atari games like "Pong," "Centipede" and
"Asteroids." Motorola will also embed the games on a number of the
handsets it manufactures.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020517/cgf001_1.html
http://www.ifone.com

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Game developer Activison said on Friday that it has
acquired the exclusive worldwide rights to develop and publish games for
the PC and all consoles based on Revolution Studios' upcoming feature film
"XXX," starring Vin Diesel. The deal includes the current film as well as
any sequels, television series or new comic books based on the movie.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/020517/laf023_1.html
http://www.activision.com
http://www.spe.sony.com/movies/triplex

(Los Angeles) Video game publisher Vivendi Universal Games said on Friday
that it has signed a three-year North American distribution agreement with
Santa Monica-based video game publisher Conspiracy Entertainment. The deal
covers a number of Conspiracy titles, including "Enclave," an action
roleplaying game currently in development with Sweden-based Starbreeze
Studios that is slated to be released later this year.
http://www.vugames.com
http://www.conspiracygames.com
http://www.starbreeze.com

(Scottsdale, Ariz.) Game publisher Arush Entertainment announced on Friday
that "Duke Nukem: Manhattan Project," a PC game sequel in the successful
video game line, has been shipped to North American retailers. The game
was developed by Indiana-based Sunstorm Interactive and produced by
Texas-based 3D Realms, which created the Duke Nukem franchise.
http://www.arushgames.com
http://www.sunstorm.net
http://www.3drealms.com
http://www.dukenukemmp.com
______________________

===================
CLASSIFIEDS - JOBS
===================

VP Production and Programming -- IFILM Network - Los Angeles, CA

Reporting to the EVP, Sales & Marketing, this person is an integral part
of building IFILM Network into the premiere provider of broadband
entertainment. Individual must be on the cutting edge of emerging
technologies and content delivery platforms -- producing original
programming that appeals to both consumers and marketers. A keen
content-programming sensibility - knowing what content will be popular,
while still being consistent with the IFILM brand (irreverent, humorous,
fun). Film and/or TV Production budget experience. Please send resume and
cover letter to programming@ifilm.com
_____________________________________________

Senior Graphic Designer - O'Melveny & Myers LLP - Los Angeles, CA

O'Melveny & Myers LLP, an international law firm located in downtown Los
Angeles, has an immediate opening for a Senior Graphic Designer. Qualified
candidate is responsible for maintaining firm's existing brand and
supporting and enhancing firm's brand equity. Handle concept, design and
pre-press for all marketing materials. Excellent salary and benefits
package. Resume to: O'Melveny & Myers LLP, 400 S. Hope Street, Suite 248,
Los Angeles, CA 90071. FAX: (213) 430-7857. Email resume to: HR@omm.com.
Visit us at: http://www.omm.com
_____________________________________________

Sales Director, Walt Disney Consumer Products, Los Angeles, CA

Support VP to attain fiscal year revenue and profitability goals. Develop
account and channel differentiated distribution plans, seasonal business
plans and budget. Grow softlines (apparel and accessories) revenue and
profitability. A minimum of 10 years specific apparel/accessories/footwear
brand management experience. Please email cp.careers@Disney.com, including
your resume, contact details, and Job Code 02-0001680-02 in the body of
your email. Do not send your resume as an attachment.
_____________________________________________

Account Executive, Interactive -- Avenue-e - New York, NY

Avenue-e is seeking an Account Executive to work with the managing
director, assisting with the development of interactive programs and
online initiatives. Candidates should have 2 or more years experience in
the interactive field, along with some ad agency experience. Please send
resume as Word attachment to roger_gilmore@nyc.sudler.com OR by FAX to
212-598-5477 OR by mail to: Sudler & Hennessey, 230 Park Avenue South, New
York 10003
_____________________________________________

Director of Product Management -- Sony Music Entertainment - New York, NY

Responsible For Development and Implementation of Marketing Campaigns for
Selected Artists; All Marketing Expenditures; Supervision of Package
Development and Management of the Production Process. Also Responsible For
Long-Term Artist Development & Marketing Strategies and For Development of
Artist And Product Promotion Campaigns. Must Have 3-5 Years of Hands-On
Record Business Experience, Including Pop Marketing and Sales & Promotion.
Writing Skills Very Important. Please submit cover letter, resume and
salary requirement to: elena_avila@sonymusic.com
_____________________________________________

Online Marketing Coordinator -- 20th Century Fox Domestic Home
Entertainment - Los Angeles, CA

Twentieth Century Fox's Domestic Home Entertainment has an opportunity for
a highly organized, detail-oriented, and proactive individual to provide
administrative support as the Coordinator, Online Marketing. This position
offers the opportunity to develop and use your marketing ability to
advance home video Internet marketing initiatives. In this position you
will be responsible for providing general clerical and administrative
support the Business Development department, including making travel
arrangements & scheduling. Forward resume & cover letter to:
HJC946RP@foxresumes.com
_____________________________________________

Business Development Manager -- AtmosphereBBDO - New York, NY

AtmosphereBBDO is looking to add to our growing and dynamic team. We are
seeking a motivated and proven Business Development Manager to support our
Managing Director of Business Development in pursuing key New Business
initiatives. Job entails managing/coordinating internal resources in
preparation for new business pitches, contributing to the
writing/development of new business presentations, and participating in
new business pitches/presentations. Send qualified responses (resume with
cover letter) to Ken Seligman, Operations Manager, via e-mail to
ken@atmosphere.net
_____________________________________________

District Sales Manager -- 101communications - Los Angeles

Award-winning IT publisher seeks a high-energy advertising sales
professional. We are looking for an ambitious, self-motivated individual
to sell advertising pages for one of our print publications, Federal
Computer Week. The person in this position will strive to achieve sales
goals through prospecting, cold-calling, calling on and making
presentations to clients and advertising agencies, preparing proposals,
and closing sales. Based in the Los Angeles/OrangeCounty area, this
position will maintain current accounts and develop new business in the
south-west territory. Submit resume and a cover letter via fax to (703)
876-5089.
_____________________________________________

Vice President, Marketing -- Genealogy.com - Fremont, CA

Manage the Direct Marketing and Product Management activities of A&E
Television Network's Genealogy.com division, including software
applications, online subscriptions, and data CDs. We are looking for
someone who can deliver revenue and profit goals of the business, drive
the promotional marketing activities for the business, and perform
competitive intelligence, customer research and trend analysis. Manage
staff of 5. BA/BS, MBA strongly preferred with a minimum of 12 years
marketing experience, with previous experience at the VP level. Please
send resumes to: jobs@genealogy.com or by
Fax: 510-494-2822.
_____________________________________________

Online Research Analyst -- Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment - Culver
City, CA

This position will be required to analyze weekly website activity for
Screenblast.com, online marketing campaigns and effectively present
results. Assist in providing recommendations for future actions for
"Screenblast" the company's online product. Bachelor's and at least 1 year
of experience preferred. SPDE is an operating unit of Sony Pictures
Entertainment that oversees online assets including Sony Pictures
Imageworks, Sony Online Entertainment, the Digital Networks Division, and
Sony Pictures Integrated Network. Please forward your resume via our
career website: www.sonypicturesjobs.com under Sony Pictures Digital
Entertainment - Research Analyst.
_____________________________________________

Business Development and Sales -- RampRate - Santa Monica, CA

Imagine selling trust and over 100 vendors in an objective, integrity
driven environment. RampRate an upbeat, profitable, technology brokerseeks
a smart, strategic person to oversee Bus. Dev. and Sales. Your talents:
extensive Rolodex and direct client/var/vc relationships; managed a top
post in sales; strong ability to handle deals throughout the negotiating
process with Fortune 2500 companies; skilled consultative selling
emphasizing value proposition; Experience in managing large
channel/reseller programs. For immediate consideration, email your cover
letter ("VP Bus. Dev. & Sales" in the subject line), resume and salary
history to hr@ramprate.com
_____________________________________________

===================
CLASSIFIEDS - EVENTS
===================

AIM's Dinner & A Deal Spring Series - LA, May 21 and SF, May 22

Pre-dinner discussion panel: "Permission Marketing: Has It Lost Its Edge?"
Come meet with colleagues from the interactive community for tasty dinner,
intense discussions, and even better networking opportunities! Los
Angeles, Tues., May 21, 5:00pm. Speakers: Alexis Bonnell, CEO,
Wordsuccess; Josh Rose, SVP, iDeutsch; David Karnstedt, SVP, Overture. San
Francisco, Wed., May 22, 5:00pm. Speakers: Mark Evans, CEO, MarketItRight;
Lyn Chitow Oakes, CEO, Respond.com; Jon Brodeur, EVP Media & Acquisition
Services, @Once; Chris Bolte, VP, Overture. Upcoming: Boston on 6/5, New
York on 6/12. For more info and to register: www.interactivemarketing.org
(or call 212-790-1408).
_____________________________________________

==========================
CLASSIFIEDS - MARKETPLACE
==========================

Free Beaulieu Vinyard Wine Tasting & Educational Seminars - LA & Orange
County

BV offers groups of 35 or more an easy and enjoyable way to enhance your
meeting and entertain your group. The seminar is available at No Cost to
your organization or anyone who attends. It provides a unique opportunity
to learn about the history, heritage and character of a true American
classic. For more information, please contact Suzanne Bultmeyer, BV Event
Coordinator, at sebult@onebox.com
_____________________________________________

Bender/Helper Impact - Public Relations Agency

Bender/Helper Impact is a full-service, mid-sized public relations agency
with offices in Los Angeles and New York. The agency, which was founded in
1986, offers strong expertise in the areas of digital entertainment and
convergence, new media, electronic gaming, technology and consumer
electronics. Current clients include: Dolby, 20th Century Fox, Konami,
DreamWorks, Marvel Enterprises, MGM and Warner Bros., among many others.
To find out how Bender/Helper can impact your business, contact Steve
Honig at: 310-473-4147 or steve_honig@bhimpact.com
_____________________________________________

Samsung DCS Digital Phone System - $5250

No office telephone system offers more for less. This system was
originally purchased new for $16,358.00 at the beginning of 2000. The
system comes complete with everything required to get your office
communications up and running immediately. The DCS is a modular,
future-proof telephone system, which gives unrivalled flexibility and
functionality and can be configured as a PABX, key system or any
combination of these, according to your specific requirements. For further
details go to
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1729532922&r=0&t=0&
showTutorial=0&ed=1021650149&indexURL=0&rd=1
or contact djpeebs@aol.com
_____________________________________________

Sharp AR-5132 Digital Copier -- Excellent working condition - $999.95

Used for a year, this copier is in great shape and priced to sell. Its
parts work fine - including all internal mechanisms, paper feeders,
trays, and the optional 20-bin sorter - and it produces clean,
professional copies. It is only in need of a new drum, which requires
periodic replacement, to be fully operational. Instructions Manuals are
included. This workhorse of a copying machine was originally purchased for
$4800 and is offered for far less than you are likely to find it anywhere
else, especially when compared to used models selling for over $2200 on
the web. Must pick-up or arrange delivery (in LA). Contact djpeebs@aol.com
______________________

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