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July 22, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Senate Debates Controversial Anti-Piracy "Induce Act"
o Report: U.S. Video Game Sales Down 2.5% in First Half of 2004
o Clear Channel to Spend $100 Million on Digital Radio Transition
o Report: Record 1.1 Billion Pirate CDs Sold Worldwide in 2003
o Sony Wins U.K. Copyright Case Against PlayStation "Mod Chips"
o Report: U.K. Online Ad Revenues Surge by 80%

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Future of Television: Next Generation - November 19, 2004

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --Billboard Digital Entertainment Conference & Awards - Nov. 4-5
 --New Media Attorney
 

o Briefly Noted: DCIA - Heart - P2P sales, Electronic Arts - fantasy football, Activision - Neversoft, THQ - Iron Lore Entertainment, Nokia - "Leisure Suit Larry," Sorrent - "Inuyasha," Mobile Scope - "I, Robot," Digital TV transition - House Subcommittee meeting
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Managing Editor
--New Media Attorney
--Director of Public Relations
--Java Server Pages Developer
--Controller
--Database Programmer
--Branch Manage: Boston, Richmond, Reston, Chicago, L.A., San Jose, Minn.
--VP of Sales - Web Hosting / Internetworking / Telecom Services
--VP - Ignition Strategic Communications
--Audio Conference - Homeland Security Contracting - July 27
--Leverage the India Advantage -- For Your Data Needs 
--Strategy Firm Offers Customer Perception Study - $1,595 
 


o Senate Debates Controversial Anti-Piracy "Induce Act"

Washington -- The Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday heard debate on a controversial bill -- the Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act or "Induce Act" -- that has the potential to shut down peer-to-peer networks and outlaw other technologies that simply "induce" people to infringe copyrights. Testifying at the hearing were representatives from the RIAA, Business Software Alliance and the U.S. Copyright Office, which announced its support for the legislation on Thursday. While copyright holders in the music, film, software and other industries say the law is badly needed to quell piracy, critics say the bill is worded vaguely and could be applied to potentially copyright infringement-inducing devices like Apple's iPod, or the PC itself. A group of technology firms including CNET Networks, eBay, Google, Intel, MCI, TiVo, Verizon, Sun Microsystems and Yahoo sent a letter to Senators, saying the Induce Act "would chill innovation and drive investment in technology [overseas]."
http://www.wired.com/news/politics/0,1283,64297,00.html
http://makeashorterlink.com/?R22912ED8
http://www.salon.com/tech/feature/2004/07/22/induce/index.html         
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o Report: U.S. Video Game Sales Down 2.5% in First Half of 2004

Port Washington, N.Y. -- Sales of U.S. console and portable video game hardware, software and accessories fell 2.5% during the first half of 2004, to $3.4 billion, while overall unit sales were up 1% in the first six months of the year, as compared with the first half of 2003, according to data compiled by New York-based market research firm NPD Group. Only video game console and accessories sales were up, 4% and 8% respectively, spurred by reduced prices for PlayStation 2 and Xbox, as well as interest in Internet components and specialty controllers. "While the first quarter of 2004 was showing double-digit losses in console hardware unit sales, with the help of lower price points for the Xbox and PS2 during the second quarter of 2004, the industry actually saw double digit increases in unit sales for the entire second quarter of the year," said NPD senior games analyst Richard Ow. NPD also reported the top-selling game titles for January through June, with Electronic Arts taking three of the top five spots ("Fight Night 2004" for PlayStation and Xbox; "MVP Baseball 2004" for PlayStation), accompanied by Midway's "NBA Ballers" (PS2) and Nintendo's "Pokemon Colosseum" for GameCube.
http://www.npd.com      
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o Clear Channel to Spend $100 Million on Digital Radio Transition

San Antonio -- Radio giant Clear Channel announced on Thursday the launch of an advanced technology initiative, with plans to install digital broadcasting technology in 95% of its top 100 markets in the next three years. Clear Channel Radio CEO John Hogan told The New York Times on Thursday that the company will spend $100 million over the next decade on advanced technologies, and equip 100 stations for digital in the next year. The company named Kevin Lockhart to the new position of senior vice president of technology development for Clear Channel Radio. "Digital radio is a transforming application and Clear Channel Radio is committed to passing on its benefits to our listeners," said Lockhart. "The ability to deliver radically improved, CD-quality radio programming and reception, along with data and related services, is a powerful advantage for the radio industry and an important advance for listeners."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040722/225188_1.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/22/business/media/22radio.html       
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o Report: Record 1.1 Billion Pirate CDs Sold Worldwide in 2003

London -- Despite reaching a record 1.1 billion discs in 2003, global sales of pirated music CDs have spread more slowly in recent years due to stepped up enforcement efforts, according to a report from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). CD piracy in 2003 grew at its slowest rate in four years (4%), although total estimated illegal music sales were valued at $4.5 billion, or about 15% of all recorded music sold. The IFPI also identified 10 countries -- including Brazil, China, Pakistan and Russia -- where "governments urgently need to crack down on rampant illegal music sales." "Commercial music piracy dominates large swathes of the world's music markets, despite an encouraging slowdown in growth in 2003," said IFPI chairman and CEO Jay Berman. "The responsibility now is for governments -- and especially on the 10 priority countries our report names -- to act decisively against the problem. This means proper enforcement, deterrent sentences against pirates, effective regulation of disc manufacturing and, above all, the political will to make sure real change happens."
 http://www.ifpi.org/site-content/press/20040722.html 
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o Sony Wins U.K. Copyright Case Against PlayStation "Mod Chips"

London -- The U.K. High Court on Wednesday set a landmark ruling when it said that "mod" chips, used to alter Sony's PlayStation 2 so that it can play imported or pirated games, violates the newly implemented European Union Copyright Directive. The court ruling outlawed the sale, possession, use and advertising of mod chips in the U.K. Like DVD players, game consoles have "regional coding" that prevents games sold in the U.S., for example, from playing on PlayStations sold in Europe or Asia. "This case… confirms in the clearest possible terms that Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has the right to prevent the illegal infringement of our intellectual property rights, and those of third party games developers," said Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president David Reeves. "We are sending a clear message to manufacturers and distributors of mod chips throughout the PAL territories that we will continue to pursue legal action against them." Despite the U.K. ruling, mod chips have been found to be a legal option for gamers in other regions like Italy and Australia. Mod chip advocates say that the devices often allow them to play games that publishers have not seen fit to release in their region.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?U2AA12ED8 
http://makeashorterlink.com/?O1CA23ED8
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content/pub/3832
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/07/21/ps2_mod_chip_win 
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o Report: U.K. Online Ad Revenues Surge by 80%

London -- Surging demand for corporate-sponsored search listings in the U.K. has increased online advertising revenues by 80% year-on-year, according to a new study by the Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB). The online ad market came to more than $646 million last year, a figure that has exceeded most analysts' predictions by far, IAB said. "The whole marketing industry is changing, and online is at the heart of the new media mix," said IAB CEO Danny Meadows-Klue. "Years ago, many claimed online (advertising) would wipe away traditional media, but today we realize it supports them, accelerating their effects and stretching their reach." The IAB said the online ad market was on track to surpass the 600-million-pound mark by 2006 and overtake commercial radio in terms of revenues generated.
http://www.iab.net 

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 > DMW Events:

Future of Television Forum: Next Generation
November 19, 2004  |  New York City

www.televisionconference.com
Phone Registration Available Now
323-822-0936

OVERVIEW
Last year 370+ attended Future of Television Forum, which included keynotes from Mark Cuban (Chairman, HDNet / Owner, Dallas Mavericks), Joshua Sapan (President & CEO Rainbow Media Holdings, Inc.), and David Zaslav (President, NBC Cable). This year's event is scheduled for November 19, 2004 at NYU's Stern School of Business and will feature an impressive line-up of speakers and cutting-edge topics focused on the "Next Generation" of television.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird: $195 (until August 31)
Pre-Registration: $295
(until November 12)
Registration: $395 (after November 12 & at Door)
Online Registration: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1074

Phone: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2004 conferences, 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:

> Billboard Digital Entertainment Conference & Awards, November 4-5 

The Billboard Digital Entertainment Awards honor this vision, along with innovation, entrepreneurship and brand development in digital entertainment.

With awards in 30 unique categories honoring achievements involving games, music and film, television and video, Billboard recognizes the cutting-edge developments and forward thinkers shaping the future of entertainment.

The Conference will feature provocative panel sessions on current digital entertainment issues. For a complete list of speakers, panel and keynote addresses, visit the site below. Early bird registration ends August 31st!

For more information, please call 323-822-0936 or visit www.digitalentertainmentawards.com

For online awards submissions, conference registrations and purchasing Awards Gala Dinner tickets, please click here.

Deadline for Submissions: September 15, 2004

Conference & Awards Show: November 4 and 5, 2004

AWARDS CATEGORIES
(click here for category descriptions)
AWARDS ENTRY FORM
(click here to download entry form)

> New Media Attorney

The online division of a multimedia global entertainment company has an exciting career opportunity for a New Media attorney with 4-6 years prior legal experience. In this key role, you will provide counseling and transactional support to various business units of the online division and work with the corporate legal department to monitor and enforce the company's editorial standards and protect its intellectual property. Primary responsibilities will include the drafting and negotiating of a wide variety of agreements related to: content development and distribution working closely with international group on a range of international Internet, broadband and wireless distribution agreements, strategic partnerships, vendor and technology service providers, advertising, marketing, and other commercial matters.

The successful candidate will have a JD with a minimum of 4-6 years prior legal experience with an emphasis on intellectual property and commercial transactions. An Internet background and in-house experience preferred. Must have excellent communication and organization skills, as well as the ability to problem solve in a business-friendly, creative manner. Looking for a fast-moving, sharp attorney with the ability to provide high quality legal support.

For immediate consideration, send your resume AND salary requirements to: Legalres58@yahoo.com.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Washington) The Distributed Computing Industry Association (DCIA), a trade group of peer-to-peer file-sharing software distributors, said on Thursday that download sales of songs from female rock band Heart's new album "Jupiters Darling," through the Weed format on Kazaa and Grokster, have outpaced sales on Apple's iTunes over the past week. The Weed format allows recipients to listen to a song in its entirety several times before being asked to purchase the track. The DCIA said that Heart has generated sales of 2,000 digital tracks and 30,000 albums to date for the new release.
http://www.annandnancy.com 
http://www.dcia.info 
http://www.weedshare.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Electronic Arts on Thursday announced the launch of sign-ups for its EA Sports Fantasy Football league. Featuring sports data provided by Illinois-based STATS, the offering will include a free weekly "Pick'em Game," as well as $9.99 single team and $99 "Commissioner" subscriptions, which allow players to make their own league rules. Fantasy sports sites have averaged 7 million monthly users in recent months, according to data from ComScore Media Metrix.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040722/225310_1.html 
http://www.stats.com 
http://www.easports.com/fantasy

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Game developer Activision said on Thursday that its Woodland Hills, Calif.-based Neversoft studio, which created the "Tony Hawk Pro Skater" franchise, is at work on a new non-sports title that it will release in 2006, alongside a new Tony Hawk title currently in development. Santa Monica, Calif.-based Activision said that Neversoft's Tony Hawk games have so far sold in excess of $800 million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040721/law105_1.html 
http://www.activision.com 
http://www.neversoft.com

(Calabasas Hills, Calif.) Video game publisher THQ on Thursday announced a publishing agreement with Iron Lore Entertainment, a Maynard, Mass.-based PC game developer headed by Brian Sullivan, co-creator of the "Age of Empires" franchise. Under the terms, THQ will publish an as-yet unannounced PC action roleplaying game being developed at Iron Lore in late 2005.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040722/225332_1.html 
http://www.thq.com 
http://www.ironlore.com

(Las Vegas) Cell phone maker Nokia said on Thursday that it will develop and co-publish a version of Vivendi Universal Games' "Leisure Suit Larry" title for its N-Gage hybrid cell phone/mobile game deck. "Leisure Suit Larry: Pocket Party," the first N-Gage title to feature cel-shaded graphics, is currently in development at Santa Cruz, Calif.-based TKO Software for release in November.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/040721/daw045_1.html 
http://www.tko-software.com 
http://www.n-gage.com

(San Mateo, Calif.) Mobile entertainment publisher Sorrent on Thursday announced a multi-year partnership with ShoPro Entertainment, a distributor of animated content, to develop and publish mobile content based on "Inuyasha," a popular Japanese anime TV series that airs on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim in the U.S. San Mateo, Calif.-based Sorrent will produce Inuyasha-themed games, wallpapers and messaging applications for cell phones.
http://www.shopro-entertainment.com 
http://www.sorrent.com 
http://www.inuyashaworld.com

(Meerbusch, Germany) Wireless entertainment publisher Mobile Scope on Thursday released its "I, Robot" game for Java-enabled cell phones, based on the 20th Century Fox film of the same name. Germany-based Mobile Scope said that it will also release a BREW version of the game later this summer.
http://www.mobilescope.com 
http://www.irobotmovie.com

(San Francisco) Wired News on Thursday reported on a Wednesday House Subcommittee meeting addressing the transition to digital television in the U.S. Lawmakers are anxious to switch over from analog so that the freed broadcast spectrum space could be auctioned off to wireless carriers and used for public safety communications. However, subsidies to equip lower income owners of the 45 million analog TVs currently in use with digital converters could eclipse the amount of revenue generated from any unused spectrum sale, noted Rep. Rick Boucher (D-Va.).
http://www.wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,64299,00.html 
 
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> Classifieds -- Ad Postings

> Managing Editor

Respected, profitable, Fairfax-based consumer news & advocacy site seeks Managing Editor. The successful candidate has a journalism degree (or equivalent experience) and knows or can quickly learn basic HTML (no FrontPage, Dreamweaver, etc.). Excellent pay, benefits, future. E-mail resume to jim.hood@gmail.com
_________________

> New Media Attorney

The online division of a multimedia global entertainment company has an exciting career opportunity for a New Media attorney with 4-6 years prior legal experience.  For more information, see  Featured Advertisement.
_________________

> Director of Public Relations

Vocus has an opening for a Director of Public Relations. Responsibilities include press releases, media interviews, pitching stories, speaking opportunities, and product launches. Vocus is the leading provider of on-demand software for public relations and government relations. Our products help thousands of customers to plan, execute and measure communications programs. Join a company with 12yrs success celebrating its 19th straight quarter of growth. Send resumes to cshilling@vocus.com
_________________

> Java Server Pages Developer

Internet security product and services company is seeking an experienced JSP developer to join our product development team. Ideal candidate should be team/people oriented and clearable to Top Secret. 3 plus yrs of exp. in JSP, Java, and Oracle. Competitive salary, bonus, benefits, and stock options are available. Please send your resume and compensation requirements to careers@trustintegration.com  or contact Tri Phan at (703) 684-4845 or tphan@trustedintegration.com
_________________

> Controller

Join a well-established non-profit organization downtown DC as their Controller. This position will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the accounting department and financial reporting for the organization. This person will also provide monthly financial reports for the CFO's review, and will ensure compliance with all Federal and state reporting requirements. Qualified candidates will have: Bachelor's degree in accounting or equivalent, five or more years of nonprofit accounting experience, CPA required, proficient working with computerized accounting systems and spreadsheets, maintains the ability to fulfill all accounting functions during the absence of the Accounting Assistant, ability to develop and monitor budgets, experience hiring and supervising other employees. Please send resume to kstephens@hirestrategy.com  or visit http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire202.asp
_________________

> Database Programmer 

Judy Diamond Associates, a leading provider of employee benefits databases located near the McPherson Square Metro station, is looking for a database and Internet savvy programmer to assemble its products. Candidates must be able to learn quickly, self-start, and follow through on projects without supervision. Two years experience and proficiency with FoxPro, Microsoft Excel, and SQL preferred. Candidates must demonstrate excellent communication skills and a thorough knowledge of database and Internet technologies. Benefits include competitive salary, 401(k), and health. E-mail resume to dcole@judydiamond.com, or fax 202-728-0845 (no phone calls, please).
_________________

> Branch Manage: Boston, Richmond, Reston, Chicago, L.A., San Jose, Minn.

Aquent, a global leader in the IT staffing industry, is seeking an experienced branch manager who has experience acting as a "player/coach" responsible for individual sales quotas, managing the day-to-day activities of the sales and recruiting staff, setting performance expectations, and assisting with the sales and recruiting process. We are looking for a seasoned manager who has experience developing deep relationships with clients. Candidates should also have several years of sales experience in the IT staffing industry, branch or regional management experience, and a track record in the local area Please email your resume to lisas@ren-network.com  Please visit http://www.aquent.com  for company information
_________________

> VP of Sales - Web Hosting / Internetworking / Telecom Services

XIF is an 8-year old Internetworking Solutions firm. We are a small firm with a start-up mentality, but with the luxury of having been a profitable entity since 1997 with a strong customer base and a stable source of revenue. We are currently seeking to hire a VP of Sales. We view this position as a critical component to our future growth, and are looking for a true equity partner. We are looking for someone with 8+ years experience in sales and sales management, preferably in Web Hosting and/or Telecom. Send inquiries to jobs@xif.com.
_________________

> VP - Ignition Strategic Communications

Ignition Strategic Communications is a fast-paced, fast-growing independently owned communications consulting firm with offices in Washington, D.C. and Austin, Texas. The firm has a reputation for delivering sophisticated, highly successful public relations and public affairs campaigns. Ignition seeks talented people with at least a decade of experience. Ideal candidates will have hands-on experience media relations and PR experience, management know-how and entrepreneurial expertise in growing a full-service agency. Journalism experience useful. Competitive salary and benefits. Send resumes to mediarelationsjob@hotmail.com.  No phone calls, please.
_________________

> Audio Conference - Homeland Security Contracting - July 27

Spending on homeland security is growing at an unprecedented pace at state, local and federal levels. During its first year, the Department of Homeland Security signed over 18,500 contracts for goods and services from US companies of all sizes. Join the Institute of Management and Administration (IOMA) and our panel of contracting experts in this 90-minute audio telephone conference to find out how proper marketing and product strategy can make all the difference in your DHS bid. Click the link below for information and to register: http://www.homeland-directory.com/contracting.html
_________________

> Leverage the India Advantage -- For Your Data Needs

DC-based outsourcing firm String Information Services offers online data collection & telephone verification solutions from its operations centers in India. String guarantees 30%-50% cost savings, world-class quality and quick turn-around. Our marquee client list includes firms from all over North America. To learn more, and to set up a free trial, contact Prashant Kothari at 1-888-3STRING, Box 702 or marketing@stringinfo.com
_________________

> Strategy Firm Offers Customer Perception Study - $1,595

How likely is it you will continue to purchase products/services from us? What can we do to earn more of your business? Would you recommend our products /services to a colleague? For a limited time, capture these and other critical customer perception indicators with Velociti Partners' Customer Perception Study for only $1,595 USD. This is not a canned service - Velociti will work directly with your team to develop the focus and methodology to capture important data that is currently slipping through the cracks. Contact sales@velocitipartners.com  today to discuss the opportunity with one of our consultants.
 
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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. To subscribe for free, please click here.

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