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August 04,
2005 --
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Main Stories
o Apple
Launches iTunes Music Store in Japan
o
Napster Q1 Revenue Beats Estimates; Service to Launch in Japan
o WorldSpace Raises $241.5
Million in IPO
o Yahoo Launches Test of Audio
Search Engine
o AOL Acquires Online Storage
Firm Xdrive
o Midway Games Acquires Aussie
Developer Ratbag for $5.6 Million
o U.S. Gizmondo Launch Delayed
Until October
o Motricity Acquires Mobile
Community Developer M7 Networks
o U.K.-Based Scoopt Launches
"Citizen Journalism" Agency
o
Briefly Noted: Midway Games -
Warner Bros.' "The Ant Bully," Electronic Arts - "Madden NFL 06"
soundtrack, Open Media Network, Music podcasts - licensing issues
_____________________________________________
>
Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Director Integrated Marketing & Brand Development
--Brand Manager
--Senior Brand Operations Coordinator
--Web Development Firm Looking For Projects
--Paid Search Analytics Manager
--Telecom/Network Sales Executives
--Research Analyst
--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
--PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
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o Apple Launches iTunes Music Store
in Japan
Tokyo -- Apple Computer has launched an iTunes Music Store in
Japan, offering a library of 1 million songs for about $1.35 each.
The store opens following difficult licensing negotiations with
Japanese record labels; major label Sony Music still has yet to
license songs to iTunes. "We are in talks with Apple, but we have
not reached an agreement at this time," Sony Music Entertainment
spokeswoman Kiyono Yoshinaga told The Associated Press. Apple's iPod
player, which commands 70% of the worldwide MP3 player market,
claims just 36% of the Japanese market -- still topping Sony's 22%
share. With the Japanese launch, Apple now operates a total of 20
iTunes stores worldwide. "We think this is going to change the
experience of discovering and buying and enjoying music in Japan,"
said Apple CEO Steve Jobs. Digital music rival Napster also on
Thursday announced plans to launch a joint venture digital music
service in Japan with Tower Records within the next year.
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050803/japan_itunes.html
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2005/08/04/apple_itunes_japan
_____________________________________________
o Napster Q1
Revenue Beats Estimates; Service to Launch in Japan
Los Angeles -- Napster beat analysts' expectations in its fiscal
first quarter, as revenue grew to $21 million from $7.9 million
during the same period last year, while the company reported a wider
loss, of $19.9 million, compared with a loss of $2.6 million in Q1
2004. The company said that it ended the quarter with 402,000 paid
subscribers, a 13% increase over the previous quarter and 300% jump
from last year. "Napster continues to make strong progress as we
recorded our fifth consecutive quarter of double-digit revenue
growth and signed significant strategic partnerships with some of
the world's leading technology companies including XM Satellite
Radio, Ericsson and Dell," said Napster CEO Chris Gorog. Napster is
projecting modest growth for the upcoming quarter, but expects
accelerated growth in the second half of 2005, citing the upcoming
release of a joint service with XM Satellite Radio, new
Napster-compatible MP3 players, and the holiday shopping season.
Separately, the company announced that it has partnered with Tower
Records Japan to launch a digital music service there within the
next 12 months. Tower will invest up to $7 million in Napster Japan,
in exchange for a 70% majority stake in the venture.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050803/sfw085a.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050803/law118.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/050803/earns_napster.html
http://www.towerrecords.co.jp
http://www.napster.com
____________________________________________
o WorldSpace
Raises $241.5 Million in IPO
Washington, DC -- WorldSpace, a provider of satellite radio
services in Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, has raised
$241.5 million in its initial public offering after pricing at $21 a
share, the high end of its revised range. Investors reacted
enthusiastically to the offering, with the company's stock --
trading on the Nasdaq under the symbol "WRSP" -- opening at $24.10
before settling at around $23 in Thursday's late trading. Selling
shareholders also made an additional $7.7 million in the IPO. The
company, which last month received a $25 million investment as part
of a business relationship with DC-based XM Satellite Radio, on
Wednesday had bumped up both the price range and number of shares to
be offered.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050804/nyth088.html
http://www.worldspace.com
____________________________________________
o Yahoo
Launches Test of Audio Search Engine
Sunnyvale, Calif. -- Yahoo on Thursday launched a test version of
a new audio search engine, which indexes over 50 million audio files
including songs from download stores, podcasts, speeches and other
spoken word content. The index will also feature other audio-related
information like music videos, album reviews, artist images and
links to artists' websites. The service allows independent
publishers to submit content to the index through the open standard
Media RSS. Yahoo's own music content will be included, as will audio
from Napster, GarageBand.com and RealNetworks' Rhapsody. The Web
crawler used by the service to search for songs won't filter out
unauthorized copyrighted content; Yahoo director of technology
development Bradley Horowitz told the Los Angeles Times the company
would rely on record labels to notify them of such tracks for
removal. Horowitz added that the index also will not include
databases of song lyrics, as most are in violation of copyrights.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050804/45319.html
http://www.latimes.com/technology/la-fi-yahoo4aug04,1,892223.story
http://tinyurl.com/aeg3n
http://audio.search.yahoo.com
____________________________________________
o AOL Acquires
Online Storage Firm Xdrive
Dulles, Va. -- In its first major acquisition in a year, America
Online said on Thursday that it has acquired Xdrive, a
California-based provider of online storage and backup services.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Xdrive, which has 34
employees, will operate as a stand-alone subsidiary of AOL under the
company's Digital Services business unit and continue to be based in
Santa Monica. Xdrive manages an online storage platform that gives
subscribers access to their digital assets -- such as music and
photos -- regardless of location or means used to access the
Internet. Gio Hunt, the senior vice president of new business
ventures at AOL Digital Services, said that the acquisition will
allow AOL's members to more easily protect and manage their data
files and digital media assets.
http://tinyurl.com/8vbhv
http://www.xdrive.com
____________________________________________
o Midway Games
Acquires Aussie Developer Ratbag for $5.6 Million
Chicago -- Midway Games, a developer and publisher of video
games, announced on Thursday that it has acquired Australian game
developer Ratbag, in a stock transaction valued at about $5.6
million. The developer of "Powerslide," which is currently working
on several unannounced Midway products for current and
next-generation consoles, will be renamed Midway Studios Australia.
"This transaction is consistent with our strategy of adding depth to
our internal product development organization," said Midway
president and CEO David F. Zucker. "Ratbag brings to Midway a rare
combination of development expertise in driving and on-foot combat
that they are incorporating into our games now in development."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050804/45377.html
http://www.midway.com
http://www.ratbaggames.com
____________________________________________
o U.S. Gizmondo
Launch Delayed Until October
London -- Gizmondo Europe has delayed the U.S. release of its
Gizmondo multi-functional handheld video game device, previously
slated to go on sale next week, until October, GamesIndustry.biz
reported on Thursday. The company cited a hardware shortage and
delayed shipments of several key game titles to U.S. retailers, in
addition to the desire to add marketing staff to a recently opened
U.S. office in Los Angeles. "The new release date is now October for
the North American Gizmondo launch," a Gizmondo Europe
representative told GamesIndustry.biz. "More details will be
released next week. There will be a launch event, but at present
it's not been decided where or when."
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=10569
http://www.gizmondo.com
____________________________________________
o Motricity
Acquires Mobile Community Developer M7 Networks
Durham, N.C. -- Motricity, a provider of mobile content and
delivery technology, has acquired M7 Networks a California-based
provider of technology for the creation and management of mobile
game and music communities. Financial terms of the deal were not
disclosed. Wireless carriers that use M7's technology include
Sprint, Cingular, Verizon and Telecom New Zealand. "M7 Networks
brings to Motricity an opportunity to expand our reach with wireless
subscribers, strengthen key partnerships and create opportunities
for new ones," said Ryan Wuerch, chairman and CEO of Motricity. The
company also announced on Wednesday that it is relocating its
corporate headquarters to Durham’s American Tobacco Complex, which
is owned by Capitol Broadcasting Co.
http://www.motricity.com/press/releases.php?rID=05_0803_motricity2
____________________________________________
o U.K.-Based
Scoopt Launches "Citizen Journalism" Agency
London -- Scoopt, a U.K.-based Internet firm, claims to have
launched the world's first "citizen journalism" picture agency.
Using MMS and mobile email technology, Scoopt allows people to send
camera phone photographs from any scene in seconds. Scoopt then
licenses these photos for publication to the mainstream media, with
senders retaining copyright to their photographs and receiving 50%
of each licensing and syndication deal. Membership is free. "The
shocking events in London on (July 7 and 21) brought citizen
journalism into sudden, sharp focus, demonstrating once and for all
that images taken by members of the public can be startling and
evocative," said Scoopt founder Kyle MacRae. "Citizen journalism is
here to stay and set to change the nature of news."
http://makeashorterlink.com/?X1FA26D8B
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z20B12D8B
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> Featured Advertisement:
> 2006
Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - Submit Your Free Listing
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o Briefly Noted: (Chicago)
Video game publisher Midway Games said on Thursday that it has
signed a license agreement with Warner Bros. Interactive
Entertainment, to develop games based on the upcoming
computer-animated film "The Ant Bully." Chicago-based Midway did not
provide details on forthcoming game releases tied to the movie,
which is scheduled for release in 2006 and will feature the voice
talent of actors including Nicolas Cage, Alan Cumming, Meryl Streep
and Julia Roberts.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050804/45012.html
http://www.midway.com
(Redwood City, Calif.) Electronic Arts has announced the in-game
soundtrack for its "Madden NFL 06" title, which goes on sale on Aug.
9. The company's EA TRAX music licensing unit secured tracks from
artists including the Foo Fighters, Godsmack, Hot Hot Heat, The
All-American Rejects, Rev Run, Bump J, Spider Loc and Sam Scarfo.
The soundtrack will also feature remixes of original NFL Films music
pieces by hip-hop production team Da Riffs.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050801/16025.html
http://www.madden06.com
(Sunnyvale, Calif.) Open Media Network, a free, online public
service network launched in April, announced that its service has
added programming from more than 25 independent television and radio
station providers. The service allows participating local public
broadcasting stations to distribute their programming over the
Internet.
http://www.omn.org/press/pubbroadcast0805.htm
(San Francisco) USA Today recently reported on the frustration of
some radio stations eager to offer podcasts of their popular music
programs, which are unable to due to restrictive licensing policies
by record labels concerned about piracy. Stations so far are
podcasting either talk-only programs, or shows from independent
label bands who freely offer their songs and select major label acts
that provide a song or two as promotional fodder. Recording Industry
Association of America (RIAA) attorney Steven Marks told USA Today
that labels worry that podcast listeners "are getting a copy of an
entire program ... an unprotected copy that they can do whatever
they want with," such as upload them to file-sharing networks or
burn a copy instead of buying the CD.
http://www.usatoday.com/money/media/2005-08-03-podcasting-usat_x.htm
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>
Classifieds --
Advertise
> Director Integrated Marketing & Brand Development
Billboard, a VNU Publication, is currently seeking a Director
of Integrated Marketing & Brand Development. This person will
direct the public relations, marketing, and promotional
efforts for the Billboard Information Group portfolio of
products. Also responsible for developing new business
opportunities working in conjunction with Billboard's eMedia &
Licensing departments. Will manage the Billboard brand market
message by utilizing both internal and external media as well
as through the development of partnerships and event
promotions. The qualified candidate will be responsible for
developing sales tools for the Billboard world-wide sales team
as well as assisting the development of new revenue generating
ventures by the brand, eMedia and Licensing departments. Must
be adept at managing numerous projects simultaneously, able to
manage a team of 3 reports, has a strong knowledge of emerging
and traditional media, able to maneuver in both creative and
business environments, knows advertising and marketing
industry operations, is a skilled copywriter and has a strong
knowledge of media sales. Minimum of 5-7 years experience.
Pplease send resume and a cover letter including salary
requirements to
entertainrecruit@vnubuspubs.com. Visit our website:
www.vnubusinessmedia.com. No phone calls or agencies
please.
_________________
> Brand Manager
VNU Business Media currently has a rewarding career
opportunity for an experienced Brand Manager to join our
eMedia division. The Brand Manager would primarily be
responsible for identifying and executing online and new media
business opportunities. Other responsibilities include:
Analyzing and communicating financial status of online and new
media properties. Collaborating with National Account Manager
and Brand Sellers to develop online sales/marketing solutions.
Working closely with brands and marketing department to
develop online marketing and subscription strategies.
Collaborating with print, eMedia Business Development and VNU
Expo colleagues in the creation of new online products and
brand extensions. Act as a liaison between print, face-to-face
events and eMedia. Requirements: Bachelors degree plus a
minimum of 3 years product management, publishing and/or
related exp. Must have online marketing experience. Must have
prior experience with preparing budgets, forecasts, and
managing P&Ls. Contact
jobs@vnubusinessmedia.com
_________________
> Senior Brand Operations Coordinator
VNU Business Media currently has a rewarding career
opportunity for a Senior Brand Operations Coordinator to join
our e-Media team. You will supervise the functions of e-Media
business operations including: client services, website
production, special projects and managing 5 coordinators. You
will also work closely with our Brand Managers, Production,
Design, and the Technology Groups to ensure our Website
operations are working as efficiently as possible.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree plus 3 years experience
overseeing business operations. The ideal candidate must be an
excellent communicator, demonstrate strong problem solving
skills and be extremely detail oriented. Proficient in
Microsoft Office required. Working knowledge of technology
associated with electronic publishing ie, content serving,
e-commerce a plus. Contact
jobs@vnubusinessmedia.com
_________________
> Web Development Firm Looking For Projects - Fast Results
CleariteCommunications is a highly-focused web development
firm that is looking for both large and small projects. We
have very fast turnaround. Because we are experienced and
versatile, we value each project and can generally offer some
of the most cost-effective work in the industry. We have deep
experience in a wide variety of technical areas, ranging from
web development to email campaigns to desktop publishing. Our
approach is simple: No tech talk and no sales mumbo jumbo. For
the Month of August we are offering a large discount for
Digital Media Wire subscribers only, please inquire to receive
your discount. For consultations, please call Martin Cserhati
at 519.963.7200 or email
martin.cserhati@clearite.com,
you can also visit us online at
www.clearite.com
_________________
> Paid Search Analytics Manager
Requires demonstrated skills in fact-based analysis,
presentation, and interpersonal interaction that refine the
Internet Marketing business plan. Manage cross functional
projects working with Product Mgmt, Information Management,
and Finance. 5 -7 years of exp in managing highly quantitative
and analytical projects, with extensive experience in the
field of Data-Mining or Quantitative Analysis. BA/BS in
Statistics, Economics, Business, or other related field.
Masters or MBA preferred. Proficient using SAS, SQL, Business
Objects, Microsoft Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. A passion
for understanding and serving the unique community of eBay.
Send resumes to
R3845115104234@PostTrak.com
_________________> Telecom/Network Sales Executives
XIF Networks (http://www.xif.net)
is a master agent for many of the top US carriers and provides
telecom consulting services to area businesses and
organizations. Full and part-time positions are available in
inside sales, as well as subagent opportunities. We are
seeking sales executives with 3-4 plus years experience
selling network and carrier services to small and medium sized
businesses. We are seeking aggressive sales people with an
ability to target markets, reach decision makers, and generate
quality leads through grass roots efforts, personal contacts,
and assertive sales tactics. This position would be in direct
support of the VP of Sales. Send your resume, interest (sales
career or agent opportunity), and cover letter to
jobs@xif.net. No recruiters.
_________________
> Research Analyst
Join a rapidly growing Online and Full Service market research
company. Privately held, profitable, Fortune 500 accounts.
Require: 7-10 years marketing research exp., particularly on
the supplier side, experience with Fortune 500 marketing
research clients highly desirable, Client side marketing
research experience desirable, prior experience with writing
effective proposals, survey writing knowledge, Strong
communication skills, oral and written, Able to handle
multiple projects simultaneously, Bachelor’s degree in
Marketing, Quantitative Analysis or related field. MBA a
strong plus. Compensation: $80-100K. Send resumes to
ktaylor@talentplanet.com
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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
_________________
> 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.
_________________
> 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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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
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More information:
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Executive & Editorial Team
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Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
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