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July 21, 2006 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Directory | Subscribe | Unsubscribe | Archives

Top Stories
o Microsoft Confirms Development of "Zune" iPod Rival Device
o FTC Settles Charges Against Take-Two Over "Grand Theft Auto"
o Report: 6% of U.S Adults Download Podcasts
o Microsoft: Over 5 Million Xbox 360s Shipped

o Activision Sued Over Stock Option Grants
o Conde Nast Acquires Health Website NutritionData.com
o Search Marketing Firm Inceptor Acquired by Verizon Directories Corp.

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DMW Announcements
  Digital Music Forum
- October 4-5, 2006 - West Hollywood, CA
  Join the DMW Online Community - Signup Today and Get Connected!

Featured Advertisements
  Enterprise Search Powering Video Guidance: TVGuide.com - A Case Study
 

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Briefly Noted

o Toshiba to Mass-Produce 1GB, 2GB MicroSD Memory Cards
o Developers Reduce License Fee for HDMI Specification
o NBC to "Guarantee" Viewer Engagement for Toyota Ads

o Weekly Motor Trend Radio Show to Air on XM Satellite Radio
o Slingo Launches Social Networking Features on Casual Games Site
o
Legacy, NBC to Sell Downloadable Episodes of "Law & Order" PC Game  

For updates visit: www.dmwmedia.com
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Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds
  Webcast: TVGuide.com - A Case Study - July 25th, 2006 at 3:00PM EDT
  IME Executive Education Programs - Fall 2006 - New York, NY
  Account Manager - Amazon Digital Media Group - Seattle, WA
  Sponsorship Operations Manager - NPR Digital Media - Washington, DC

  VP of Marketing - K2 Network - Irvine, CA
  Director, Web Production Management - Live Nation – Beverly Hills, CA
  Business Development Manager, Digital Content - Amazon.com - Seattle, WA
  Senior Project Manager
- NPR Digital Media - Washington, DC
 
Senior Product Marketing Manager, EdgeSuite - Akamai - Cambridge, MA
  Director of Publisher Sales
- AdBrite - San Francisco, CA
  Corporate Counsel
- YouTube, Inc. - San Mateo, CA
  Account Executive
- Google Audio - Irvine or Santa Monica
  Mobile Media Sales - Enpocket -
Boston, New York, Chicago, LA, and San Francisco
  2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - 1,000+ Company Profiles
 
PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2005-2009
 


Top Stories

o Microsoft Confirms Development of "Zune" iPod Rival Device

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft on Friday confirmed reports that the company is developing a portable music player and corresponding service, for release later this year, that will compete with market leader Apple's iPod and iTunes Store. "Today we confirmed a new music and entertainment project called Zune," Chris Stephenson, Microsoft's general manager of marketing, told Billboard. "Under the Zune brand, we will deliver a family of hardware and software products, the first of which will be available this year. We see a great opportunity to bring together technology and community to allow consumers to explore and discover music together." In addition to the music player -- which Microsoft confirmed will feature a hard drive and Wi-Fi connectivity -- a Zune-branded portable video player and handheld video game device are slated to follow. The company told Billboard it is looking at wireless features such as allowing Zune owners to view one another's song playlists, access songs stored in online lockers, and download music directly to the device.
http://tinyurl.com/qnvqb (Billboard)
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o FTC Settles Charges Against Take-Two Over "Grand Theft Auto"

New York - Video game publisher Take-Two Interactive announced on Friday that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has concluded its inquiry into the company, which centered on the improper rating of its "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas" in light of sexually explicit content found hidden in the game's source code. Take-Two said that, following the 30-day period for public comment after the FTC announced its initial findings, the FTC has settled all pending matters and no penalties or fines will be assessed. The consent order between the FTC and the company stipulates that in the future Take-Two shall not misrepresent a game's ratings or content descriptors; the company must also implement a system to ensure that all game content is reviewed in connection with submissions to ratings authorities. "We are extremely pleased that the FTC has concluded its very thorough investigation, and that the matter has been resolved," said Take-Two president and CEO Paul Eibeler. Despite the FTC's conclusion of its inquiry, the company still faces several class action lawsuits filed by shareholders and consumers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/060721/20060721005277.html?.v=1
http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2006/06/grandtheftauto.htm
http://www.take2games.com
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o Report: 6% of U.S Adults Download Podcasts

Hollywood - More than 6% of U.S. adults, or about 9 million Web users, have downloaded podcasts in the past month, according to a survey of 1,700 participants conducted for a report by Nielsen Analytics. More than 75% of these regular podcast downloaders were male, and 38% said they are now listening to radio less often. The report noted that the most successful podcasts claim as many as two million downloads per month, which has attracted mainstream advertising. However, 60% of respondents said they "always" fast-forward through commercials, prompting advertisers to look to embedded ads and endorsements from podcast hosts. Some 72% of respondents who regularly download podcasts download an average of one to three podcasts per week, while the 10% considered "heavy users" download eight or more per week. "While essentially still in nascent form, podcasts offer free audio and video content that is inexpensive to create, easy to access and on a portable platform that has already reached mass distribution. This exciting new medium has only just begun to stretch its legs," said Larry Gerbrandt, general manager and senior vice president of Nielsen Analytics.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060720/nyth161.html?.v=46
http://www.nielsenmedia.com
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o Microsoft: Over 5 Million Xbox 360s Shipped

Redmond, Wash. - Microsoft announced that it has now shipped over five million Xbox 360 video game consoles worldwide, including 3.3 million in North America, 1.3 million in Europe and 400,000 in Asia. The company met its previously stated goal of selling 5 million consoles by the end of June. Microsoft still plans to sell 10 million by the end of the year, and set a new goal of selling 15 million units by June 2007. Microsoft's Home and Entertainment Division, which includes the Xbox 360, saw revenues of $1.14 billion in profits, and $414 million in losses for the quarter -- which contributed to a decline in the company's overall profits of $2.83 billion for the quarter, down from $3.7 billion last year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060720/sfth062.html?.v=59
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=18475 
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o Activision Sued Over Stock Option Grants

Santa Monica, Calif. - Video game publisher Activision announced this week in an SEC filing that it has been served with a lawsuit over its granting of stock options to employees. The company said it is reviewing the allegations. Activision is among a growing number of companies being scrutinized for a practice called "backdating," whereby a company changes the date on which an option was granted in order to increase the value of the option for employees. Fellow game publisher Electronic Arts recently concluded an internal investigation that found no backdating of its options, but did alter its stock options plan for employees. Meanwhile, the SEC filed criminal charges on Friday against former top executives at Brocade Communications Systems over backdating, adding that it has more than 80 similar investigations underway.
http://biz.yahoo.com/e/060719/atvi8-k.html
http://www.activision.com
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o Conde Nast Acquires Health Website NutritionData.com

New York - Magazine publisher Conde Nast on Friday announced its second website acquisition in as many weeks, with the purchase of health and lifestyle destination NutritionData.com. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Founded in 2003, NutritionData.com offers nutritional data supplied by the USDA to an audience of 600,000 monthly users. Conde Nast said the site's toolset could be integrated into its sites for Gourmet, Bon Apetit, Self and Glamour magazines. The acquisition follows Conde Nast's $25 million purchase of Wired News last week from Lycos, which reunited the print and digital editions of Wired under one owner again after eight years apart.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060720/nyth198.html?.v=24
http://www.condenast.com
http://www.nutritiondata.com
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o Search Marketing Firm Inceptor Acquired by Verizon Directories Corp.

Maynard, Mass. - Inceptor, a privately held provider of search marketing technology, has been acquired by Verizon Directories Corp., a subsidiary of Verizon Communications. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Verizon said that the deal enhances its SuperPages.com service's efforts to maximize exposure for advertisers who want qualified sales leads.
http://newscenter.verizon.com
http://www.inceptor.com

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DMW Announcements

Digital Music Forum West - October 4-5, 2006

www.digitalmusicforum.com/west/
October 4-5, 2006 - Bel Age, West Hollywood, CA

For the past six years, the most influential decision-makers in the music industry have gathered at Digital Media Wire's annual Digital Music Forum in New York to network, do deals and share ideas about the future of the music business. Participants have described the event as a "melting pot of the best of the best in digital music," where ideas are shared and opinions don't go unchallenged. It is with this illustrious background that we are pleased to announce the launch of Digital Music Forum West at the Bel Age Hotel in West Hollywood, October 4-5, 2006.

Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the premier event for music industry decision-makers focused on business models and legal issues impacting music. For sponsor packages and to submit speaker proposals, please contact Tinzar Than Sherman, Vice President of Marketing & Events at 323-822-0936 or by email at tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.

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Join the DMW Community - Signup Today and Get Connected!


www.dmwmedia.com

Introducing the DMW Professional Network

Digital Media Wire is pleased to announce that we have made it easier for you to connect with other members of the digital media industry. We have created a free online community where digital media professionals can connect, communicate, and collaborate.

In two easy steps, you can start reaching out to other members of our community:

  1. Click here to create an online user account, if you have not already done so
  2. Click here to login and complete your user profile
    (a password will be emailed to you prior)
Once logged in, you will be able to do the following:
  • Complete your full profile, including bio, website address, interests, etc.
    (Click on the Online Profile tab of your account settings to fill out your listing)
  • Browse & Search the profiles of other registered users by professional interests
    (Make sure to add keywords to the Professional Interests field of your profile, so that other members can find you, as well)
  • Send private messages to those members you wish to contact
    (Make sure to enable your Personal Contact Form in your profile settings, so that other attendees can contact you, as well)
If you have any questions, please send email to: info@digitalmediawire.com

We hope you find this to be a valuable service and look forward to your joining our new online community!
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Featured Advertisements

Enterprise Search Powering Video Guidance: TVGuide.com - A Case Study

Webcast: July 25th, 2006 at 3:00 p.m. EDT
Topic: TVGuide.com - A Case Study
Sign up Here: www.fastsearch.com/webinars/TVGuide

Join Paul Greenberg, General Manager, TVGuide.com, for a case study on how TVGuide.com has developed a powerful online video guidance experience -- featuring a comprehensive TV and movie database, rich television listings, unique editorial content, and a passionate community. Find out how TVGuide.com is leveraging Enterprise Search to deliver multi-media content, improve customer experience, and drive multiple revenue streams.

Key Topics for Discussion include:

• How TVGuide.com leveraged Enterprise Search to achieve a revenue increase of over 40%, and a 26% increase in page views from Q1, 2005 to Q1, 2006

• Managing the transformation from a traditional print business to a multi-platform (web, mobile, iTV) business

• Building a technology platform for future growth and supporting deeper relationships with content partners and consumers

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Top


Briefly Noted

o Toshiba to Mass-Produce 1GB, 2GB MicroSD Memory Cards

Tokyo - Japanese electronics firm Toshiba plans to begin mass-producing a line of ultra-small 1GB and 2GB memory cards for cell phones and other devices beginning in September, according to a report in Japan's Nihon Keizai. Toshiba will make 3-4 million of the microSD cards per month, which are one-quarter the size of the current industry standard miniSD cards for cell phones.
http://tinyurl.com/r95tf (Reuters)
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o Developers Reduce License Fee for HDMI Specification

Beijing -
HDMI Licensing, which controls licensing of the High-Definition Multimedia Interface specification, announced on Friday that it has reduced the annual administration fee for HDMI adopters from $15,000 to $10,000. The HDMI specification -- a single-cable interface for HD video and multi-channel audio -- was developed by Hitachi, Matsushita, Philips, Silicon Image, Sony, Thomson and Toshiba. The China Video Industry Association, a consumer electronics trade group in China, applauded the reduction and said it would promote and support the specification in China.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060720/sfth111.html?.v=20
http://www.hdmi.org
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o NBC to "Guarantee" Viewer Engagement for Toyota Ads

Torrance, Calif. -
Toyota Motor Sales announced on Friday that it has signed a first-of-its-kind agreement with NBC, whereby NBC will "guarantee" a specific level of viewer engagement for its TV shows. "Viewer engagement" will measure audience recall of elements within TV programs, which studies have shown correlates to viewers' retention of the programs' accompanying commercials. NBC has engaged IAG Research to conduct audience panel surveys to gauge how accurately show details are remembered.
http://tinyurl.com/g4t8s
http://www.iagr.net
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o Weekly Motor Trend Radio Show to Air on XM Satellite Radio

New York -
Primedia's Motor Trend magazine announced on Friday that it has signed an agreement with XM Satellite Radio, to broadcast its weekly "Motor Trend Radio" program to the satellite service's nearly 7 million subscribers. The four-year-old automotive radio show is also broadcast on the Talk Radio Network's 116 terrestrial affiliate stations.
http://tinyurl.com/oum8y
http://www.xmradio.com
http://www.motortrend.com
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o Slingo Launches Social Networking Features on Casual Games Site

Hackensack, N.J. -
Online casual games provider Slingo.com announced on Friday the launch of a social networking component geared towards women, who represent nearly 80% of game players on its site. New Jersey-based Slingo's flagship "Slingo" game has been played over 3 billion times. The new social networking features will allow users to create a profile with pictures, message friends, share recipes and send e-cards to one another.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060721/phf007.html?.v=57
http://www.slingo.com
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o Legacy, NBC to Sell Downloadable Episodes of "Law & Order" PC Game 

Los Angeles -
Video game publisher Legacy Interactive announced this week that it will distribute its upcoming "Law & Order Criminal Intent" title, based on the NBC drama series, as a four-part downloadable PC video game through sites including NBC.com. The game, which features celebrity voice work from actors from the show including Vincent D'Onofrio and Jamey Sheridan, will be available in a try-before-you-buy format from NBC.com, Legacy's game portal, Yahoo and Big Fish Games. The four-part downloadable version will cost $20, while all four episodes packaged on a CD-ROM will sell for $30 at retail.
http://tinyurl.com/m8fy7
http://www.legacygames.com
http://www.cigame.com

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Classifieds -- Advertise | Archives

Webcast: TVGuide.com - A Case Study - July 25th, 2006 at 3:00PM EDT

Join Paul Greenberg, General Manager, TVGuide.com, for a case study on how TVGuide.com has developed a powerful online video guidance experience - featuring a comprehensive TV and movie database, rich television listings, unique editorial content, and a passionate community. Find out how TVGuide.com is leveraging Enterprise Search to deliver multi-media content, improve customer experience, and drive multiple revenue streams. To register for this free event, visit: www.fastsearch.com/webinars/TVGuide.
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IME Executive Education Programs - Fall 2006 - New York, NY

Maximize your success through the only executive education program devoted exclusively to media and entertainment. Apply now for one of our three Fall programs in NYC. Institute for Media and Entertainment (IME) is partnered with Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management (ranked #1 in U.S. by Business Week) and IESE Business School (ranked #2 in the world by the Financial Times for its executive programs). Call 212-421-9600 or visit us at www.instme.org.
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Account Manager – Amazon Digital Media Group - Seattle, WA

Amazon.com is seeking an Account Manager for our digital media services. This position requires someone with strong account management competencies (including negotiation experience, vendor interactions and outstanding phone skills), analysis and data mining skills and excellent teamwork skills. Requirements include: Knowledge and passion for technology, an ability to work in a fast-paced environment and preferably some experience in the home video or television business. To learn more go to Amazon.com/careers and look for job #020242.
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Sponsorship Operations Manager - NPR Digital Media - Washington, DC

This is an exciting chance to work for a major brand and important cultural institution, NPR, as we work to build revenue through corporate sponsorship on the Web and mobile platforms. You will manage trafficking operations and work closely with the NPR Corporate Sponsorship team to develop strategic sponsorship opportunities. Please visit our site www.npr.org/about/jobs/positions.html for more information, including detailed requirements. You may also send resumes to employment@npr.org
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VP of Marketing - K2 Network - Irvine, CA

K2 Network was founded in 2001 on the belief that the community experience of MMOGs will become one of the most significant forms of online entertainment in the 21st Century. We have an immediate need for a VP of Marketing to manage all corporate and game marketing for K2. Position is responsible for: marketing budget; building and leading the marketing team; full product lifecycle support; coordination with all functional business units; marketing business partners, and market intelligence on the MMOG market. For more information and to apply click here.
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Director, Web Production Management - Live Nation – Beverly Hills, CA

Live Nation is one of the world's largest concert promoters/producers/venue owners.  We are looking for a talented and experienced mid-level web professional to help manage the development and production of new web sites, our corporate intranet, and interactive products/services for our internal and online audiences.  The goal of this production management role is to help our team leverage Live Nation's relationships, technology, and human resources to create cutting-edge and cool interactive entertainment and information products that connect our employees, music fans, and artists. For more information and to apply, click here.
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Business Development Manager, Digital Content - Amazon.com - Seattle, WA

Amazon.com is seeking a Biz Dev Manager for our digital media services. You will work to identify new business opportunities, establish relationships with digital content providers; structure, negotiate and close licensing agreements for content, and insure the success of long-term relationships. Requirements: proven track record of media licensing, experience working with major entertainment companies and will understand the dynamic digital landscape. 5+ Years Biz Dev Exp. To learn more, go to www.amazon.com/careers and look for job# 020207
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Senior Project Manager - NPR Digital Media - Washington, DC

Responsible for leading the process with NPR Digital Media for multi-disciplinary projects that include technology, user experience, business, and editorial components; oversees the implementation of established project methodologies in accordance with best industry practices, managing schedule/budget/resource needs for projects, coordinating team member activities, and aligning stakeholder and business goals to result in innovative, high-quality interactive products and services. Send resumes to employment@npr.org For requirements, visit jobs.npr.org.
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Senior Product Marketing Manager, EdgeSuite - Akamai - Cambridge, MA

The Senior Product Marketing Manager for EdgeSuite will define and execute the go to market strategy for Akamai’s EdgeSuite Service through close work with sales and other internal groups. This integral member of the Global Marketing team will be responsible for being Akamai’s voice for EdgeSuite to internal and external audiences including sales and services, analysts, media and customers. Additionally this product marketing manager will be the product expert for the EdgeSuite service within the marketing and sales organizations; handling competitive analysis and technical product overviews. For more information and to apply, click here.
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Director of Publisher Sales - AdBrite - San Francisco, CA

AdBrite is the Internet's ad marketplace. We currently sell ads on over 12,000 sites, up from 2,800 sites a year ago, reaching 44 million monthly uniques. With 12 months of strong month over month growth and productivity metrics in place, were well positioned to scale our sales organization. This candidate will immediately take over management responsibility of the existing publisher sales team consisting of 6 team members and actively grow the team to reach company publisher and revenue goals. For more information and to apply, click here and go to job #8.
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Corporate Counsel - YouTube, Inc. - San Mateo, CA

YouTube, Inc., the explosive new Internet company for uploading and sharing digital video (www.youtube.com), is seeking a corporate counsel for its San Mateo, California office. YouTube is a small but fast growing start-up company with a highly collaborate, dynamic and open environment. Reporting to the General Counsel, job responsibilities include legal support for YouTube’s new Internet ad-sales group; negotiating and drafting marketing, video license, technology and ecommerce agreements; assisting with copyright compliance and DMCA procedures as well as patent and trademark issues. For more information and to apply, click here or submit resumes to shannon@youtube.com.
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Account Executive - Google Audio - Irvine or Santa Monica

The Account Executive, Google Audio, will sell, lead, and manage the development of region, and multi-city advertising solutions for our customers. This individual should be able to establish relationships with agency network and clients directly as well as align the region’s sales operations with the direction, vision, systems, standards, and expectations of Google Audio overall operating philosophy. Additionally, he/she will create the strategic sales plan for the region and drive the total region’s sales efforts and consistently attain opportunities. For more information and to apply, click here.
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Mobile Media Sales - Enpocket - Boston, New York, Chicago, LA, and San Francisco 
 
This position is responsible for establishing and managing relationships with major national and regional brand advertisers, key advertising agencies, and media buyers while delivering on annual and quarterly advertising sales objectives. You will be working closely with the product team to create compelling solutions for advertisers. You will also be participating in the growth of the company by helping to reinforce company culture, recruit talent and develop positive partner relationships. For more information and to apply, click here.
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2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - 1,000+ Company Profiles

Digital Media Wire's d
irectory is the definitive resource for companies prospecting clients and sales in the rapidly expanding digital entertainment and media industries. This highly unique resource is an ideal time-saving shortcut for several types of corporate activities: business development; direct marketing; sales prospecting; market research & competitive analysis; and recruitment. To order a copy, click here.
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PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2005-2009

PricewaterhouseCoopers forecasts revenue for the global entertainment and media market will reach $1.8 trillion by 2009. For a comprehensive look at the forecast for the entertainment and media industry including analyses and five year growth projections for 14 industry segments covering every major region of the world, purchase PricewaterhouseCoopers Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2005-2009. Online distribution of music, films, books and video games is beginning to fuel end-user spending but what impact will rising interest rates and higher energy costs have on the expansion. Click here for more.
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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.

Digital Media Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire, Thames Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

For more information, visit our network of sites:
www.digitalmediawire.com         www.potomactechwire.com www.newenglandtechwire.com  www.bayareatechwire.com    www.tristatetechwire.com          www.southeasttechwire.com www.thamestechwire.com          www.europeantechwire.com


Executive & Editorial Team
CEO, Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Ned Sherman
Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
Editor: Mark Hefflinger
VP, Publishing & Online GM: Robert Spears
Marketing & Events Coordinator: Dustin Hamano


Contact Us
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News Tips & Press Releases - editorial@digitalmediawire.com
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marketing@digitalmediawire.com


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