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August 04, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

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


> Featured Advertisement:
--2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - Submit Your Free Listing
 

o Briefly Noted: Midway Games - Warner Bros.' "The Ant Bully," Electronic Arts - "Madden NFL 06" soundtrack, Open Media Network, Music podcasts - licensing issues
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> 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 
 


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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

With over 10,000 names and titles of entertainment, media and technology executives, the 2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory is the most comprehensive database of company listings exclusively covering the digital and mobile entertainment and media industries. We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to submit your free listing for inclusion in the 2006 directory. To submit your listing online now, please visit http://www.digitalentertainmentdirectory.com

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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.
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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
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> 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.
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> 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
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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
 _________________

> 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.
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> 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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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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Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
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