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August 24, 2005 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Subscribe | Unsubscribe

Main Stories
o AOL Agrees to Pay $1.25 Million for Preventing Users From Canceling
o FTC Approves News Corp Purchase of MySpace Parent Intermix Media
o Report: Online Casino 888.com to Float on London Exchange
o Sony Adds Web Browser to PSP Handheld in Software Update
o Hitachi Introduces First Terabyte Digital Video Recorder
o MobiTV, Sprint Get Emmy Award for Cell Phone Live TV Service
o Lucasfilm in Deal to Use HP Technology in Movies, Video Games
o Online Broadcaster ROO Group Raises $5.75 Million


> DMW Announcements:
-
-2006 Digital Entertainment & Media Directory - Submit Your Free Listing
 

o Briefly Noted: Apple - Samsung, ROK Player - BBC mobile TV, Playboy - Zinio Systems, Proteus - Washington Post, Fluid Audio Networks - CD Baby, Universal Pictures - "Halo" movie, Konami - AT&T, Glu Mobile - "DRIVER: VEGAS," Digeo, U.S. Copyright Office - eCO Search
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Director, Business Development @ Simple Star!
--Brand Management Opportunities
--Email Marketing Expert/Consultant
--Sr. Account Executive
--Database Analyst
--Director, Business Development
--Senior Consultant/Project Manager
--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
 


o AOL Agrees To Pay $1.25 Million For Preventing Users From Canceling

Dulles, Va. -- America Online has agreed to pay $1.25 million in penalties to settle an investigation brought by New York Attorney General Eliot Spitzer, who has brought various high-profile cases against the securities industry in recent years. The complaint was brought by Spitzer's office after it received hundreds of complaints from former AOL users who said they had difficulty canceling their AOL service -- even when they talked to the company's representatives on the phone. Spitzer's office said that AOL rewarded employees who were able to retain subscribers who called to cancel their service. AOL had minimum retention rates that its customer service personnel were expected to meet. Under the agreement, AOL said it would no longer have "save" percentages for its employees, which Spitzer's office said encouraged certain employees from making it difficult to cancel. "This agreement helps ensure that AOL will strive to keep its customers through quality service, not stealth retention programs," Spitzer said in a statement.
http://www.oag.state.ny.us/press/2005/aug/aug24a_05.html
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o FTC Approves News Corp Purchase of MySpace Parent Intermix Media

Washington -- Media conglomerate News Corporation has received anti-trust approval for its proposed $580 million of MySpace.com parent company Intermix Media from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). News Corp. has recently sought to expand its online presence, having formed Fox Interactive Media to operate its various websites; the company is also rumored to be in talks to acquire the video search index Blinkx. The acquisition of the social networking site MySpace.com will add 22 million registered users to Fox's online audience.
http://tinyurl.com/cdksy
http://www.myspace.com
http://www.ftc.gov
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o Report: Online Casino 888.com to Float on London Exchange

London -- According to a report in the Financial Times, Gibraltar-based 888.com, currently the largest online casino operator in the world, is planning to launch an initial public offering on the London Stock Exchange next week, valuing the company at as much as $1.5 billion. Like PartyGaming -- a prominent Internet gambling firm that recently launched an IPO of its own -- 888.com draws many of its players from the U.S., where online gambling is still a legal grey area. Industry experts say the issue is likely to attract renewed interest when 888.com lists its shares, especially considering the fact that the World Trade Organization ruled this week that the U.S. can no longer discriminate against overseas online casinos.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z5CC61BAB
http://www.888.com
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o Sony Adds Web Browser to PSP Handheld in Software Update

Foster City, Calif. -- Sony Computer Entertainment America on Wednesday released a software upgrade for its PSP (PlayStation Portable) handheld game system, which includes a Web browser and enhanced video and audio playback. The free firmware 2.0 upgrade enables the PSP to connect to the Internet from Wi-Fi access points, and either surf the Internet with the new browser, or download PSP game trailers, UMD movie trailers, screenshots and videos from PlayStation events. Also added are support for AVC video; MP4 (AAC) and WAV audio formats; and wireless sharing of images in TIFF, PNG, GIP and BMP formats. Finally, the upgrade allows users to personalize their PSP, choosing color themes and selecting photos to save as wallpaper.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050824/sfw051.html?.v=24
http://us.playstation.com/psp
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o Hitachi Introduces First Terabyte Digital Video Recorder

Tokyo -- Japanese consumer electronics firm Hitachi on Wednesday introduced the industry's first digital video recorder to feature a terabyte (1,000 GB) of storage capacity -- enough to handle 128 hours of high-definition video. Hitachi will also release 160GB, 250GB and 500GB models, which along with the terabyte model will all additionally feature a DVD recorder. Hitachi will sell the 160GB recorder for about $1,180 in Japan beginning next month, while the terabyte model will be priced at $2,080.
http://tinyurl.com/c4vwr
http://www.hitachi.com  
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o MobiTV, Sprint Get Emmy Award for Cell Phone Live TV Service

Berkeley, Calif. -- MobiTV, a developer of live mobile TV delivery to cell phones, announced on Wednesday that, along with network partner Sprint, it has been awarded the first Emmy for the wireless industry from The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. Sprint and Berkeley, Calif.-based MobiTV launched the first live mobile TV delivery service in Nov. 2003, and have since partnered on Sprint TV, a selection of 25 live and on-demand TV channels for Sprint subscribers. "This achievement is an eye-opener to the industry that lets television executives know their audiences are living on other devices. I believe MobiTV set the standard and started the race for mobile television," said Brian Seth Hurst, co-governor, Interactive Media Peer Group for the Television Academy. MobiTV and Sprint will receive the award during the Creative Arts Awards program on Sept. 11, which will be broadcast on Sept. 17 on E! Entertainment.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050824/245376.html?.v=1
http://www.mobitv.com
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o Lucasfilm in Deal to Use HP Technology in Movies, Video Games

Palo Alto, Calif. -- HP announced on Wednesday that "Star Wars" production company Lucasfilm has signed a three-year, multi-million dollar agreement to use HP technology in its video game, visual effects and animation operations. The HP technology, including 1,000 HP workstations and a high-end storage system, will be deployed at Lucasfilm's Letterman Digital Arts Center in the Presidio of San Francisco, in addition to at its facilities in Singapore.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/050824/245255.html?.v=1
http://www.lucasfilm.com
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o Online Broadcaster ROO Group Raises $5.75 Million

New York -- ROO Group, a provider of digital media broadcast technology, announced on Wednesday that it has raised $5.75 million in new financing, from Burnham Hill Partners and Brimberg and Co. The company said $3.4 million of the proceeds will be used to pay off debt. New York-based ROO distributes 40 million videos each month through a network of affiliates that includes Verizon and Music.com. "ROO was founded four years ago with the notion that the traditional TV entertainment experience was in the process of migrating to the Internet," said ROO CEO Robert Petty. "With the new financing complete, we believe ROO is positioned to take advantage of this transformation and become a top online broadcaster by uniting web sites, advertisers and content creators through our proprietary technology platform."
http://www.roogroupinc.com

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> DMW Announcement:
                                     
> 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

The Directory is available for a limited time at the special introductory rate of $299 (Hard Copy). Also available on compact disk for $699 (Hard Copy and CD), the database is in Microsoft Excel format, easily exportable to Microsoft Access and other database programs. The Directory is a "must have" for companies working in the rapidly expanding digital entertainment and media industries and is a valuable tool for business development, mass mailings, sales leads, partnerships, market research, competitive analysis, event invitations and recruitment.
 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Seoul) Apple plans to purchase up to 40% of electronics maker Samsung's stock of flash memory yet this year, for use in a new line of flash-based iPod mini digital audio players, Reuters reported, citing analysts from iSuppli and Deutsche Bank. The company is expected to release a 4GB iPod mini that uses Samsung's NAND flash memory this fall. Apple sold 6.2 million iPods in its fiscal quarter ended June 25.
http://tinyurl.com/7qxho
http://www.isuppli.com 

(London) BBC Worldwide announced that it has signed a deal with U.K.-based mobile distributor ROK Player to license full-length episodes of cult TV classics like "Dr. Who" and "Red Dwarf," marking the first time ever that the broadcaster has licensed full-length video content for use on mobile phones. To view the programs, users will need the ROK Player, which turns the handset into a multimedia playback device offering full-screen viewing, BBC Worldwide said.
http://www.rokplayer.com/News11.shtml 

(New York) Playboy Enterprises announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Zinio Systems to launch a digital edition of Playboy magazine in October. Available for download on Sept. 13, the Playboy digital edition will be identical to the print edition, and will be delivered to consumers' computers in PDF format. New York-based Zinio provides digital editions of magazines for publishers including VNU, Time, Hearst, Hachette Filipacchi and McGraw-Hill; the company claims 2 million subscribers.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/050824/cgw028.html?.v=21
http://www.playboy.com
http://www.zinio.com

(Washington) Proteus, a developer of mobile applications, said on Wednesday that it has expanded its relationship with Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive (WPNI), the online subsidiary of The Washington Post Company. Proteus said it will integrate SMS messaging throughout washingtonpost.com's Entertainment Guide, enabling users to send shopping, dining and event listings to their mobile phones.
http://tinyurl.com/ah8gn 

(Los Angeles) Fluid Audio Networks, which is developing an online version of the popular Fox TV series, "American Idol," announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with CD Baby, an online retailer of independent artists' music, to stock its site with music content for launch. Tracks from CD Baby artists will be featured in the site's American Idol-branded online music player. Los Angeles-based Fluid Audio's "American Idol Underground" will accept submissions of amateur recordings, with the top-rated songs as chosen by fans to receive demo recording packages.
http://www.fluidaudio.com
http://www.cdbaby.com
http://www.idolunderground.com 

(Los Angeles) Universal Pictures plans to release its collaborative film adaptation of Microsoft's Xbox game "Halo" in 2007, according to a report in Daily Variety. While Universal is producing the film, Fox will handle foreign distribution and Microsoft will get $5 million for the rights and 10% of the film's gross. This agreement follows Microsoft's earlier demand for $10 million up front and 15% of gross. "Halo" is being produced by Peter Schlessel, based on a script from Alex Garland ("28 Days Later," "The Beach").
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=11043

(San Francisco) Japanese video game publisher Konami said on Wednesday that it has signed a multi-year agreement to use AT&T's services to host and manage its online gaming platform in North America.
http://www.konami.com 

(San Mateo, Calif.) Mobile entertainment publisher Glu Mobile announced on Wednesday that it plans to publish "DRIVER: VEGAS" in late 2005. The game is a sequel to its mobile version of Atari's "DRIV3R." The San Mateo, Calif.-based company yesterday announced that it received a $7.5 million investment from Time Warner.
http://www.glu.com 

(Kirkland, Wash.) Digeo, a developer of multi-functional set-top box technology and hardware, announced on Wednesday that it has named Greg Gurdorf, former Sony vice president of television marketing, as its new president and chief operating officer. Kirkland, Wash.-based Digeo developed the Moxi Media Center, an HDTV receiver with digital video recorder and support for VoIP, DVD playback, games, photos and music.
http://www.digeo.com

(Washington) The U.S. Copyright Office announced on Wednesday that it will launch a new copyright search system on Oct. 1 that will contain all records since 1978 for monographs, serials, and recorded documents. The eCO Search service will encompass some 20 million records for registrations and recorded documents.
http://www.copyright.gov/records

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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Director, Business Development @ Simple Star!

Dir, Business Development for consumer imaging software & services co. Responsibilities include identifying new opportunities for existing & future product lines (desktop software, online services, DVD service & mobile); building relationships & trust w/ partners; closing sensible deals w/ top-tier partners. Pls have an MBA or 5 yrs of relevant biz dev exp; passion for consumer products; phenomenal presentation skills; experience &/or interest in online photo communities, cable, photofinishing retail & wireless content.  Apply here (& more details at) http://www.simplestar.com/careers/description.php?position=18
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> Brand Management Opportunities

We currently have a rewarding career opportunity for an experienced Brand Manager to join our eMedia division. The Brand Manager would be responsible for identifying and executing online and new media business opportunities. The Brand Manager must also maintain industry marketplace knowledge, including history, current trends and competitive analysis. Qualifications: -Bachelors degree plus at least 3 years product/brand management, publishing and/or related experience. -Must have online marketing experience.  Send resumes to jobs@vnubusinessmedia.com
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> Email Marketing Expert/Consultant

Reporting to the Vice President of Marketing. Qualifications: 6-10 years marketing/strategy consulting exp., with at least 2 years in email marketing consulting a must, BA/BS degree. Experience in database and/or traditional direct marketing a plus, understanding of /experience in applying segmentation, RFM models and testing strategies. Ability to perform well under pressure and on schedule, extremely strong analytical and quantitative skills, understanding of HTML basics, adept at Word, PPT and Excel. Candidates are encouraged to submit a resume (pasted into the email) and cover letter to: marketingjobs@uptilt.com No attachments please.
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> Sr. Account Executive

Candidates should have min. 2-4 years agency PR exp., top-notch writing skills, including PR/marketing plan development and a demonstrated track record in national and regional media placement. We're looking for a strong AE-SAE with super media relations skills and experience generating business, consumer and trade media placements in magazines, newspapers, broadcast outlets and websites. Responsibilities include, but not limited to, day-to-day account management; developing and implementing strategic and creative national media relations campaigns; writing presentations, client memos and media materials. Please send your resume and cover letter with salary requirements to hrjobs@mww.com
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> Database Analyst Position - Oakland Downtown

This position explores results reporting, modeling and scoring consumer and business data for strategic marketing purposes. The ideal candidate has a B.S/B.A. in a quantitative field; 3 years experience with direct marketing or database marketing; strong planning/project management skills; and high proficiency in Excel, PowerPoint, Access. Mapping experience and knowledge of Claritas, and the geographic marketplace will be preferred. In addition to the cover letter and resume, please submit a one-paragraph Vision Statement describing your career aspirations. Send copies of your cover letter, resume and Vision Statement to: hr@angnewspapers.com
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> Director, Business Development - New York, NY

Build the company's channel program, integration partnerships, and licensing agreements. Secure 2 strategic partnerships within 6 months. Build revenue from licensing and channel sales in line with executive goals. Qualifications - have a strong resume, with multiple examples of strategic partnership development. Have 10-20 years exp. selling technology, building channel programs and cementing strategic partnership agreements. Send resumes to cdwyre@gridapp.com
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> Senior Consultant/Project Manager

LTU Technologies has developed groundbreaking image recognition technologies that can automatically analyze and describe the content of images. Our key markets include Homeland Security, Intelligence, IP, Media. LTU Technologies is based in Paris, France and Washington D.C, USA. Join an exciting company with a unique, exciting technology and a bright future. Visit http://www.ltutech.com/en/company.PS-Senior-Consultant-US.html
 Send resumes to jobs@ltutech.com, ref is "PS Senior Consultant DC"
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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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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.

More information:
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: Ned Sherman
Co-Founder & Executive Editor: Paul Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than Sherman
Marketing & Events Coordinator: Heather Nicolaides

Editor: Mark Hefflinger


Contact Us
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