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July 20, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o WorldSpace Lands $25 Million from XM, Boosts IPO Price
o Report: 200 Million New Video Game Consoles to be Sold Through 2012
o Majesco Faces Shareholder Class Actions Over Sales Projections
o Television Academy Announces Interactive TV Emmy Nominees
o EU: ITV and BSkyB Must Show Champions League Soccer on Internet
o Media General Acquires Advergames Developer Blockdot
o Jupitermedia Acquires PictureArts for $63.2 Million


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

o Briefly Noted: Blinkx - RSS feeds, Loudeye - MyCokeMusic, Ruckus - Seton Hall, Limelight Networks - Flash video, Empire Interactive - "FlatOut," Majesco - "Nanostray," Aspyr - "Star Wars Battlefront," Unheard Beethoven
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Marketing Manager
--Integrated Marketing Account Manager
--Business Strategy Consultant - Telecom, Energy, Utilities
--eBay Marketing Executive
--Advertising And Marketing Position
--Marketing Communications Manager
--Director of Marketing Analytics
--Project Manager
--Database Warehouse Architect
--Senior SAP Application Architect
--Online Advertising Manager
--Director of Marketing
--Senior Software Engineer - ASP.Net, VB.Net, Web Services
--Media Supervisor
--Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel
 


o WorldSpace Lands $25 Million from XM, Boosts IPO Price

Washington, DC -- WorldSpace, a provider of satellite radio services in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said on Tuesday that it has landed a $25 million investment from DC-based XM Satellite Radio, which has more than 4.4 million subscribers. In connection with the investment, XM will cooperate with WorldSpace to develop satellite radio products and technology, as well as distribution and supplier networks. WorldSpace also increased the price range of its upcoming initial public offering (IPO) from $16-$18 to $18-$20 a share. The company is planning to offer 8.8 million shares, making the IPO worth as much as $176 million. Through its subscription-based service, WorldSpace broadcasts news, music and educational programming, utilizing its two geo-stationary satellites. The company owns spectrum licenses to deliver more than 100 digital quality audio channels per satellite as well as multimedia content directly to special receivers.
http://www.xmradio.com/newsroom/screen/pr_2005_07_19.html 
http://tinyurl.com/9ang2
http://www.worldspace.com
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o Report: 200 Million New Video Game Consoles to be Sold Through 2012

London -- Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are projected to sell nearly 200 million next-generation video game consoles by 2012, with Microsoft's Xbox 360 outselling the PlayStation 3 early on before an expected Sony comeback, according to a report from market research firm Strategy Analytics. The firm predicts the three companies will generate $47 billion in cumulative retail console sales through 2012, with Sony selling 121.8 million PlayStation 3 consoles, Microsoft 58.8 million Xbox 360s and Nintendo 18 million Revolution consoles over the next seven years. The Xbox 360 is expected to lead North American and European markets until 2007, when -- provided the PlayStation 3's online gameplay matches Xbox Live -- Sony will regain its top spot in console sales. "The 2005 holiday season will be a make-or-break time not only for the Xbox 360, but also for Microsoft's wider digital home strategy," said Strategy Analytics principal analyst David Mercer.
http://www.strategyanalytics.com
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o Majesco Faces Shareholder Class Actions Over Sales Projections

Hartford, Conn. -- Shareholders in video game publisher Majesco Entertainment have initiated a number of class action lawsuits against the company, alleging that Majesco issued misleading information about game sales that artificially inflated the company's stock price. Last week, Majesco announced the resignation of chairman and CEO Carl Yankowski, and also substantially reduced its expected 2005 earnings, citing weaker demand for its games and excess inventory on retailers' shelves. Majesco's shares plummeted 48% on the news. Filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey, one of the shareholder class action lawsuits alleges that, "Unbeknownst to investors, Majesco's strong reported growth resulted from the company having inundated its retailers with product in excess of demand."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050719/netu033.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/050719/091151.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050719/196031.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050718/185968.html 
http://www.majescoentertainment.com
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o Television Academy Announces Interactive TV Emmy Nominees

New York -- The National Television Academy on Tuesday announced the nominees for its Advanced Media Technology Emmy Awards, which recognize outstanding achievements in three categories of interactive television technology over the past year. Nominees in the category of Advanced Media Technology for the Enhancement of Original Television Content include DirecTV's Sports Mix; PGATour.com's TOURCast; and Nickelodeon's 2005 TV Land Awards All Access Pass. Those nominated for Non-Synchronous Enhancement of Original Television Content were Cartoon Network's Operation B.E.S.T.; DirecTV's interactive service; EAT.tv's ImageGuide; and Comcast's Free On Demand. The nominees in the category for Non-Traditional Programs or Platforms included Digeo's Moxi Media Center; NewTek's TriCaster; and DISH Network's Election 2004 Coverage. The Academy will also bestow its first-ever lifetime achievement award in TV Technology and Engineering, to the original inventors of the videotape recorder, who created the device in 1956 while working for Ampex Corporation.
http://tinyurl.com/b6cq5 
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o EU: ITV and BSkyB Must Show Champions League Soccer on Internet

Paris -- As of next season, U.K. broadcasters ITV and BSkyB will have to broadcast Champions League soccer games on the Internet under the terms of a new directive released on Tuesday by UEFA, the European football association. If, as expected, the broadcasters renew their contracts to share live rights to the games, they will be "obliged" by UEFA to broadcast all matches simultaneously on the Internet, football officials said. The unprecedented announcement is seen as a response to pressure from the European Commission, which wants to see rights owners encouraging mobile phone and Internet usage. Although UEFA has allowed online highlights and delayed broadcasts in the past, it has never permitted full live coverage of games on the Internet.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?V4ED2347B
http://makeashorterlink.com/?C3FD2647B
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o Media General Acquires Advergames Developer Blockdot

Richmond, Va. -- Media General, an owner of newspapers, TV stations and interactive media primarily in the Southeast, announced on Tuesday that it has acquired Dallas-based Blockdot, a developer of video games and advergaming products for companies. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2001, Blockdot has created advergames for clients including HP, Nokia, Sony and Volkswagen, in addition to casual games for a network of sites, including its Kewlbox.com. "Blockdot will play an important role in Media General's commitment to build successful interactive enterprises that are innovative, entertaining, informative and profitable," said Neal F. Fondren, president of Media General's Interactive Media Division. The Virginia-based company said sales at its Interactive Media Division were up 44% in 2004, to $13.9 million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050718/dcm053.html
http://www.mediageneral.com
http://www.blockdot.com
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o Jupitermedia Acquires PictureArts for $63.2 Million

Darien, Conn. -- Jupitermedia, a provider of information, images, research and events for the IT, business and creative sectors, has acquired PictureArts, a California-based producer and distributor of specialized image collections. The acquisition was priced at $63.2 million in cash. Founded in 1984 by husband and wife team Jeffrey Burke and Lorraine Triolo, PictureArts offers a variety of resources to advertisers, designers, publishers and other communications professionals. Jupitermedia said that it financed the purchase price with cash on hand and borrowings under a $90 million senior credit facility with JPMorgan Chase Bank, which was obtained in connection with the PictureArts acquisition.
http://JupiterPictureArts.notlong.com

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> Featured Advertisement:

> PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 

PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008 is the leading global entertainment and media industry forecast, including in-depth global analyses and five-year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major global region. The complete 550-page book, is available in print or electronic format. The 50 page "Global Overview" (available in print or electronic format)or any of the 14 individual industry segment chapters (electronic format only) can be purchased separately for $95. For sample content and to order, click here.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(San Francisco) Blinkx, a searchable index of web video, announced on Tuesday that it has added support for RSS feeds to its service, allowing users to subscribe to 30 content feeds from radio, TV and other broadcasters. The "SmartFeed" service will additionally alert users when a specific search term or topic is mentioned in any of the feeds to which they are subscribed.
http://www.blinkx.tv 

(London) Loudeye, a provider of branded digital music stores, announced on Tuesday that it has expanded its branded music store partnership with Coca-Cola, launching new MyCokeMusic stores in Ireland and Italy. Seattle-based Loudeye is already powering similar Coke-branded music download stores in the U.K., Austria and Switzerland.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050719/sftu016.html
http://www.loudeye.com
http://www.mycokemusic.com 

(Herndon, Va.) Ruckus, a provider of legal campus music and video download services, announced on Tuesday that it has signed an agreement with New Jersey's Seton Hall University. Beginning this fall, students will have access to 1.2 million songs, as well as major studio movies and TV shows. Virginia-based Ruckus said it has signed four new schools to its service over the past 2 months.
http://www.ruckus.com 

(Tempe, Ariz.) Limelight Networks, a provider of content delivery network services that speed the delivery of multimedia content across the Internet, announced that it has added a Flash video streaming service to its offering. Using technology licensed from Flash creator Macromedia, the service will help companies more efficiently stream Flash video of movies and trailers, TV shows, advertising and other video.
http://www.limelightnetworks.com 

(San Francisco) U.K.-based video game publisher Empire Interactive on Tuesday shipped its "FlatOut" title for PlayStation 2, Xbox and the PC to retailers. The racing game was developed by Finland-based Bugbear Entertainment, and is being distributed by Vivendi Universal Games.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050719/latu012.html
http://www.empireinteractive.com
http://www.bugbear.fi
http://www.flatoutgame.com

(Edison, N.J.) Video game publisher Majesco Entertainment on Tuesday shipped its "Nanostray" title for the Nintendo DS to retailers. The 3D shooter title was created by German developer Shin'en.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050719/nytu046.html
http://www.majescoentertainment.com
http://www.shinen.com 

(Austin, Texas) Video game publisher Aspyr Media said on Tuesday that it has released its Mac version of developer LucasArts' "Star Wars Battlefront". The title was developed for the Mac by Beenox Studios.
http://www.aspyr.com
http://www.lucasarts.com/games/swbattlefront 

(San Francisco) CNET News.com on Tuesday reported on Unheard Beethoven, a website set up by classical music enthusiasts to post MIDI versions of the composer's works that remained unfinished, have not been published widely, and often never before recorded. The site culls scores, fragments and notebook scribbles from archives in Germany, California and elsewhere and transcribes them into works that may then be played on the website through a software-based MIDI synthesizer. "My hope is to kick-start a (classical music) revival through new masterpieces," Unheard Beethoven co-founder and Dutch composer Willem Holsbergen told News.com. "Isn't it amazing that this may be possible through the sketches left by Beethoven?"
http://tinyurl.com/ctdeo
http://www.unheardbeethoven.org

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Marketing Manager - San Diego or Los Angeles

Nine Systems seeks Marketing Manager with minimum of 3 years of Internet infrastructure or Web-based marketing experience. Applicant will execute and manage lead generations campaigns and help create marketing materials. Applicant should be experienced with list management, lead capture, direct marketing, search keywords, online advertising, special customer events, customer co-marketing and other lead generation tactics. If interested, please submit resume to opportunities@ninesystems.com and include job title in the subject line or visit http://ninesystems.com/company/careers.html#job6.
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> Integrated Marketing Account Manager

Avenue A Razorfish has an immediate opening for an Integrated Marketing Analyst in our Atlanta or Fort Lauderdale office. Require: 4 plus years exp. working in the areas of marketing or analytics for a professional services company. At least 2 years exp. with online marketing analytics related to web site and media-based performance. Email marketing exp. a plus. Detail-oriented, with excellent writing and analysis skills. Familiarity with online analytics measures, terminology, benchmarks and tracking technology (Atlas desired), Proven skills with Access and Excel with strong presentation skills. Submit a resume, cover letter via email to: se.recruiting@avenuea-razorfish.com
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> Business Strategy Consultant - Telecom, Energy, Utilities

Fortune 1000 Firm/Qualified candidates must have experience and a prior background in Operations Strategy consulting to clients in the Energy or Utilities industry. Must have ability to work in a team environment. Salary 110,000 - 140,000 with Bonus Consulting experience to the Energy and Utilities industries (3-5 yrs for Consultant, 5-10 yrs for SR. Consultant) Tier 1 or top tier consulting firm experience highly preferred MBA. Send resumes to mark@allandavidrecruiters.com
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> eBay Marketing Executive

Entry level position in a growing e-commerce company. We are seeking a dynamic individual who can manage over 500 auctions per day on eBay. You will be provided with our customized software to manage the auctions. The software empowers you to run reports and analyze auction success. You will be trained well and work closely with our Marketing Manager for a month before you take complete responsibility on the project. Require good problem-solving skills, communications skills. Excellent time-management skills. Great team worker. Successful experience selling on eBay is a plus. Send resumes to jobscss@comcast.net
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> Advertising And Marketing Position

Morristown Agency Seeking Part-time/Full-time Employees in Advertising/Marketing Industry, Web Developer and Client Services Position with 1 to 2 years experience. Contact 201-486-7167 or send resumes to michelle.nelson@iideagroup.com
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> Marketing Communications Manager

Network World has a great opportunity for a creative project manager with a marketing background (including online marketing) to lead the Marketing Communications department producing innovative and effective ways to further promote the Network World brand. Great people and project management skills; effectively lead a quality team juggling many priorities in a fast paced, dynamic environment. Excellent communication (oral and written), copywriting, proofing and editing skills; a solid understanding of design processes and software applications. Must be competent with financial administration to manage a budget. Send resumes to hotjobs@nww.com
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> Director of Marketing Analytics

In this position, the Director will support the Marketing department by providing analytical reports, interpretations, and recommendations. The ideal candidate should have a fluent knowledge of SAS foundation products and some experience in Hyperion, ESRI or VB.NET. A min. of 10 yrs exp. in an analytics role with a background in direct marketing. Degree in Statistics or Mathematics, Base SAS, ODS, SAS/STAT, SAS/Graph, SAS/Access to ODBC, Basic knowledge of marketing terminology and concepts. Exp. in marketing analytics: ROI, LTV, Segmentation, etc. Send resumes to: bvklbell@comcast.net. Visit http://www.investools.com
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> Project Manager

Cauldron Solutions, a leading provider of technology solutions that manage the production, distribution and transaction exchange of on-demand content, is seeking an experienced Project Manager. The right candidate will possess a strong track record of delivering large-scale media or technology projects on time and on budget. Excellent communication skills, attention to detail, PLC discipline, and strong client-relationship management skills are essential. Visit www.cauldronsolutions.com and send resumes to jobs@cauldronsolutions.com.
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> Database Warehouse Architect

This individual will lead in the design, modification, development and implementation of the company's database warehouse products and associated embedded and third party reports. He/she will lead in the testing process through test review and analysis, test witnessing and certification of software, research & employ commonly used concepts, procedures and best practices software development. Four plus years of overall software development experience is required as well as one plus years in Java. If interested, please submit your resume to vbhatia@hirestrategy.com, or visit, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire275.asp
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> Senior SAP Application Architect

2-3 Years SAP BW Implementation and Development Exp. 5 Years of total exp in full life cycle SAP Implementations, with focus on Basis installation and configuration. 3-4 Years exp with a 3rd Party BI tool such as Business Objects, Cognos focusing on Architecture, Implementation and Configuration. Ability to work with minimal direction yet keep all parties well informed Communication and writing skills. Send resumes to kathe.yamagata@claraview.com
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> Online Advertising Manager

Proffiliates, Inc is seeking a highly motivated individual to help grow a successful and profitable email marketing company. Reporting to the co- founders of the company, the Online Advertising Manager will assist in all day to day operations of the business. This is a tele-commuting position. Proficient with Excel and other Office applications, Working knowledge of HTML 2.0, Past experience in the email advertising and/or direct marketing space, Good overall business experience, Strong problem solving, organizational, interpersonal and motivational skills. Deadline oriented. Send resumes to general@proffiliates.com
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> Director of Marketing

Hartley Hickey Executive Search works with small to mid-sized companies to help find talented marketing executives. Our client, a software provider of healthcare billing services, is looking for a seasoned direct marketer. Define marketing strategy for the customer experience. Define and manage marketing budget and oversee implementation of marketing components. Coordinate with product development and operations to ensure the success of the product. Send resumes to chris@hartleyhickey.com
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> Senior Software Engineer - ASP.Net, VB.Net, Web Services

Build Web Services for commercial CRM. Must have experience building Web Services and related technologies in a .NET environment: XML, XSL, SOAP, UDDI, WSDL ,WSE (.NET), security methods and standards, JavaScript, CSS, DHTML, ASP .NET, ADO.NET, MS SQL Server, T-SQL, stored procedures, triggers and data access optimization techniques. SharePoint 2003 Web Part Development, SharePoint Portal Server 2003 and Windows SharePoint Services configuration. Send resumes to recruiter@tmaresources.com
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> Media Supervisor - Manhattan, NY

In this management position, the Supervisor oversees all aspects of online media campaigns, including planning, implementing and tracking for one of the top 10 advertisers in the country. Require: Five to seven years of exp. in media, marketing or strategic planning, Exp. in online marketing and current knowledge of trends and innovations in interactive media, Proven leadership skills and mgmt exp., Excellent written and verbal communications skills, Detail-oriented approach. Please email cover letter and resume to Arela Simerson arela@cm-recruiting.com
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> Strategic Communications Group Offers Blog Relations Counsel

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

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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.

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