archives

o MTV Cutting 9% of Staff, Folding Website Operations Into Network
o Judge Orders AOL 6.0 Distribution Halted Over Copyright Dispute
o Audience Measurement Firm MeasureCast Raises $8.5 Million
o Streaming Technology Firm ChainCast Acquires StreamAudio
o Streaming Samples Provider Loudeye Repurchases $2 Million in Stock
o Briefly Noted: Morpheus - Rebol, MSN.com - browsers, Rainbow Media
Holdings - VOD magazines, EA.com, RioPort - Hewlett-Packard, Mythic
Entertainment, Toyota - Oddcast, Liquid Audio - Latinoise.com, Activision
- Xbox
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> Job Postings: Online Ad Sales Mgr., Web Research Assistant,
Web Designer

> Events/Services: "CATO: 'Intellectual Property in the Digital
Age'," "Interactive TV Roadshow," "Shortspan Film & Video Festival,"
"FREE Digital Asset Management Seminar," "CTAM Broadband Opportunity
Conference," "Office Space - L.A.," "Digital Media Revolution in the
Americas"

Full Job/Event/Services descriptions listed below "Briefly Noted" section
or at http://www.digitalmediawire.com/postings.html

To Post a Job: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html
To Post an Event/Service: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html
_____________________________________________

o MTV Cutting 9% of Staff, Folding Website Operations Into Network

New York -- MTV said it will lay off 450 employees, or about 9 percent of
its workforce, "in light of many changes in our company and in our
industry, and in view of the new economic times," Reuters reported on
Tuesday. A large percentage of the layoffs will come in the company's MTVi
online division -- Sonicnet.com, MTV.com, VH1.com and Country.com -- which
will lose its separate New York offices and be folded into network
operations. The company will also shut down its animation studio, which
designed the network's animated series, in favor of outsourcing the work
to outside companies. Sonicnet.com recently announced it would no longer
offer personal interactive radio stations on its site, and moved most of
its Web radio programming to other MTVi sites.
http://www.nytimes.com/reuters/arts/entertainment-mediamtvnetworks.html?searchpv=reuters
http://www.mtv.com
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o Judge Orders AOL 6.0 Distribution Halted Over Copyright Dispute

Los Angeles -- A federal judge has placed a preliminary injunction against
the distribution of America Online's AOL 6.0 software. The judge found
that PlayMedia Systems has established "probable validity" in its
allegations that AOL included its "AMP" software without permission. Los
Angeles-based PlayMedia developed the AMP MP3 decoding software, which was eventually licensed to AOL subsidiary Nullsoft for use in the Winamp MP3
player. The injunction covers AOL's use of AMP in the AOL Media Player
contained in version 6.0, and prevents the company from distributing AMP
in any form other than with Winamp. "AOL and many foreign affiliates have
distributed the AMP software in AOL 6.0 worldwide using vehicles as
diverse as leading retail stores to Cheerios boxes," said PlayMedia CEO
Brian Litman. "We are currently evaluating the broader implications of the
court's decision." AOL told Newsbytes that its recently released AOL 7.0
version does not contain the same AMP software, and that the company would
seek a stay of the injunction.
http://search.prnmedia.com/servlet/pressroomsrv?pressid=223565&detail=story
http://www.newsbytes.com/news/01/171658.html
http://www.playmedia.hr
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o Audience Measurement Firm MeasureCast Raises $8.5 Million

Portland, Ore. -- MeasureCast, a provider of streaming media audience
measurement metrics, announced on Tuesday that it has raised $8.5 million
in its second round of financing. Participating in the round were the
Nielsen companies, NetRatings, Trans Cosmos USA and previous investor FBR
CoMotion Venture Capital. Oregon-based MeasureCast also announced
marketing partnerships with investors, whereby Nielsen Media Research will
market MeasureCast services to its customers in the United States;
ACNielsen Media International and NetRatings will market and distribute
MeasureCast services outside the U.S., and Trans Cosmos USA and NetRatings
will partner with MeasureCast to launch MeasureCast products in Japan.
MeasureCast will use the funds to continue new product development,
including a verification and demographic reporting service for ads
contained in streaming media. Last week, NetRatings acquired rival metrics
firm Jupiter Media Metrix for $71 million.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011030/300229_1.html
http://www.measurecast.com
http://www.netratings.com
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o Streaming Technology Firm ChainCast Acquires StreamAudio

San Jose, Calif. -- ChainCast, a developer of streaming media systems for
businesses, announced on Tuesday that it has acquired StreamAudio, a
provider of streaming and ad replacement technologies. Financial terms of
the transaction were not disclosed. San Jose-based ChainCast provides
broadcasters, media companies and Internet infrastructure companies with
low-cost Internet radio delivery technology. Seattle-based StreamAudio's
software replaces ads originally broadcast on terrestrial radio with
different ads in the streaming version. Several large radio companies,
including Clear Channel and Emmis, disabled Internet simulcasts of their
stations' signals over a dispute with commercial actors concerning
additional royalties paid for Internet rebroadcasts of their work.
http://search.prnmedia.com/servlet/pressroomsrv?pressid=223572&detail=story
http://www.chaincast.com
http://www.streamaudio.com
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o Streaming Samples Provider Loudeye Repurchases $2 Million in Stock

Seattle -- Loudeye Technologies, a provider of streaming media audio and
video samples to websites, announced on Tuesday that it has repurchased 4
million shares of its stock from company founder and largest shareholder
Martin Tobias for $2 million. Seattle-based Loudeye also said that Tobias
has resigned as chairman of the company's board, to be replaced by current
CEO John T. Baker. The company issued a $2 million line of credit to
Tobias, based on real property assets and his remaining 4.6 million
Loudeye shares. The agreement locks up Tobias' remaining shares, and
reduces "the potential for downward selling pressure on Loudeye's common
share price that could result from future unrestricted public market stock
sales by our largest shareholder," said Loudeye CEO John T. Baker.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011030/sftu062_1.html
http://www.loudeye.com
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o Briefly Noted:

(Ukiah, Calif.) StreamCast, developer of the Morpheus file-sharing
software, said on Tuesday that the next version of its software will be
based on Ukiah, Calif.-based Rebol's "X Internet operating system"
technology. The X Internet computing model works by downloading and
executing small applications -- called "reblets" -- that are stored and
run locally on a user's PC. Reblets can be quickly created and run across
dozens of operating systems, and include encryption based on the Advanced
Encryption Standard (AES). "Applications will be morphing -- expanding and
improving -- in real time over the network," said StreamCast CTO Darrell
Smith. "The agility of this system will enable it to quickly outrun
[Microsoft's] .Net."
http://www.rebol.com/news1a31.html
http://www.musiccity.com

(New York) Microsoft has reopened its MSN.com site to visitors using all
Web browsers, The New York Times reported on Tuesday. The company updated
the site along with the release of its Windows XP operating system, and
blocked access to some users running browsers other than the company's
Internet Explorer. Microsoft initially said that the other browsers were
inferior, and its own browser more tightly adhered to open Internet
standards. In a later statement, the company said, "We made an error in
blocking customers who wanted access to MSN, and we have corrected that."
Other browsers affected by the blockout included Netscape, Opera and
Mozilla.
http://www.nytimes.com/2001/10/29/technology/29WEB.html
http://www.msn.com

(Jericho, N.Y.) Rainbow Media Holdings, operator of cable TV networks
including Independent Film Channel, Bravo and MuchMusic USA, announced on
Tuesday that it will offer video-on-demand video magazines through a new
division called Mag Rack. New York-based Rainbow named Matthew Strauss
general manager of the division. The first ten video magazines will cover
topics including photography, motorcycles, Catholicism and vegetarian
cooking, and will be distributed through cable TV operator Cablevision's
digital cable service.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011030/302225_1.html
http://www.rainbow-media.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Game developer Electronic Arts announced on Tuesday
that its EA.com games site is the top games site on the Internet,
according to recently released figures from measurement firm Jupiter Media
Metrix. EA.com's 25 million registered members clocked a total of 2.6
billion minutes per month on the site, a 47 percent increase since June
2001. Games on the site include Ultima Online and Majestic; the company
will soon introduce The Sims Online and Motor City Online.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/011030/300461_1.html
http://www.ea.com

(San Jose, Calif.) RioPort announced on Tuesday that computer manufacturer
Hewlett-Packard will use its technology to sell song downloads through an
icon pre-loaded onto the desktop of all Pavilion PCs and notebooks. The HP
Digital Music Store will sell secure downloads of select songs from all
five major record labels, licensed though deals obtained by San Jose-based
RioPort.
http://www.rioport.com/RioCorpPressReleases?article_id=1000645

(Fairfax, Va.) Mythic Entertainment, a developer of PC and console video
games, has announced that 100,000 consumers have signed up for its "Dark
Age of Camelot" massively multiplayer online roleplaying game in its first
two weeks of release. The figure makes the title the fastest-selling
online game in history, eclipsing sales figures for competing titles such
as Everquest, Ultima Online and Asheron's Call. Vivendi Universal
Interactive Publishing handled retail distribution of the game in the U.S.
and Canada for Virginia-based Mythic.
http://www.mythicentertainment.com/press/camnum1pr.html
http://www.darkageofcamelot.com

(New York) Toyota Motor Sales USA said on Tuesday that it will use
interactive software developed by New York-based Oddcast to market its new
2003 Matrix. Visitors to Toyota.com will be given the ability to create an
Internet-based music video featuring the car, using supplied audio tracks
and clips from a video created by director Hype Williams.
http://studiomatrix.videomixer.com/studiomatrix.php?door=18&src=vm2sat.swf
http://www.oddcast.com

(Redwood City, Calif.) Liquid Audio, a provider of digital music
distribution technology, said on Tuesday that it will provide song
download services to Latin music portal Latinoise.com. The agreement will
allow Latinoise.com visitors pay to download secure songs from Liquid
Audio's 150,000-song catalog. Redwood City-based Liquid Audio recently
said it is considering a buyout bid of $68 million from shareholder Steel
Partners II.
http://biz.yahoo.com/iw/011029/03033699_1.html
http://www.latinoise.com
http://www.liquidaudio.com

(Santa Monica, Calif.) Game developer and publisher Activision said
announced on Tuesday that Microsoft will distribute its Xbox video game
console to non-toy retailers in Germany. Activision's NBG EDV Handels &
Verlags GMBH subsidiary will handle distribution of the Xbox game hardware
and software in the region.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/011030/latu069_1.html
http://www.activision.com
http://www.nbg-online.de

===================================================
Job Postings:
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To Post Jobs: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/jobs.html

> Internet Advertising Sales Manager, gantthead.com, Fairfax VA

Are you passionate about the Internet as a B2B advertising medium? We have
too many leads to pursue and need you if: you have 2+ yrs exp. selling
Internet advertising (required); BA/S degree; B2B agency/account contacts;
you can identify, pursue, and close deals. Creative, autonomous work
environment. Generous package: salary, commission, benefits.
Please send resume to: gina@gantthead.com. EOE, M/F/V/D.
For more information, see http://www.gantthead.com/Gantthead/jobs
______________________

> Katrillion, Web Research Assistant - Fort Lee, New Jersey

CityConnect, the first national city event guide for teens available on
all web and wireless platforms, is looking for an events-locating
super-sleuth to find content for posting on the web. The ideal candidate
must be -- able to find current information that may not be readily
available, a recent college grad, and possess a passion for pop culture
and teen trends. Internet savvy plus strong writing skills are essential.
Send resume and salary requirements to: ccstaff@katrillion.com
http://www.katrillion.com/cityconnect.com
______________________

> Bookspan, Web Designer - Long Island, New York

BOOKSPAN is seeking a Web Designer with preferably 1-2 years experience
for a freelance position (possible temp-to-hire). Work with a Sr. Designer
on the design of all-new web sites from top to bottom. PhotoShop,
Illustrator, hand-code HTML, and aptitude to learn proprietary
content-management software are an absolute must. Send resume in plain
text with URLs of your work, and list the three best-looking content or
e-commerce based sites you can find to: jgiannetti@booksonline.com
http://www.booksonline.com

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Events/Services Postings:
===================================================
To Post Events/Services: http://www.digitalmediawire.com/events.html

> CATO CONFERENCE: Intellectual Property in the Information Age

Join the Cato Institute and Forbes ASAP for a comprehensive look at the
future of intellectual property in the digital economy. Speakers include
John Perry Barlow, Electronic Frontier Foundation; Rep. Rick Boucher
(D-Va.); and Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). Wednesday, November 14, 2001 at
the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C. from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For
more information or to register, visit
http://www.cato.org/events/futureip
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> Interactive TV Roadshow, Jan 21st-25th 2002 -- NYC, Calif.

Virtual Media Partners LLC has drawn on its extensive Interactive TV
experience in the USA and Europe to design this broad based introduction
to the amazing potential of Enhanced Interactive Television - "The 4th
Dimension". A unique concept held from coast to coast on five separate
days.
Contact: yaqub@virtualmediapartners.com
Info/to register: http://www.virtualmediapartners.com/trainingevent.htm
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> SHORTSPAN Film & Video Festival, FINAL DATES

SHORT MOVIES! Dreamspan presents the 9TH Annual Short Attention Span Film & Video Festival. Shortspan is a non-stop two hour program of ALL NEW
two-minute-or-shorter films, including ultra-short documentaries like
"Peekaboo Sunday," a story about raising miniature horses or "Exotic
World," an inside look at the lives of some of America's first burlesque
performers-- and 57 more shorts! The tour will travel to 30 North American
cities. The remaining dates on the tour include:

ATLANTA, GA: GSU Cinefest Theatre, Nov. 2-3, 10:00 PM
AUSTIN, TX: The Alamo Draft House, Downtown, Nov. 7-8, 9:30 PM
PITTSBURGH, PA: Pittsburgh Filmmakers, Nov. 16-18, Time TBA
NEW YORK CITY, NY: The Anthology Film Archives, Dec. 7-8, 9:30 PM
BIRMINGHAM, AL: WorkPlay, Dec. 20, 9:00 PM

More info: http://www.dreamspan.com/shortspan
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> FREE Seminar - A Foolproof Business and an Invincible Brand

A Digital Asset Management seminar introducing proven strategies for
strengthening global brands, improving productivity, enhancing
communication and increasing revenues. Artesia's experience with global
brands such as GM, AOL Time Warner and others has given us unprecedented
insight into how organizations can improve brand-building activities. For
more information: insidesales@artesia.com
http://www.artesia.com/seminar/
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> CTAM Broadband Opportunity Conference, Nov. 6-8 -- Tysons Corner, VA

Get the FYI on HSI and iTV at CTAM's Broadband Opportunity Conference Nov
6-8, Sheraton Premiere Tysons Corner. Keynote speakers: Maggie Bellville,
Incanta; Christopher P. Bogart, Time Warner Cable Ventures; Charles F.
Dolan, Cablevision Systems Corporation & Steve Wadsworth, The Walt Disney
Internet Group. Call CTAM at 703.549.4200. For more information contact:
tania@ctam.com
http://www.ctambroadband.com
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> Office Space For Rent - Los Angeles

Prime Sunset Boulevard location. Approx. 588 sq ft. Second floor, spacious
two + offices with private bathroom. Convenient parking. Recently
renovated. Quiet, nice work environment. Other tenants in building are
primarily entertainment and new media companies. DSL-ready. Rent is $1,175
per month.
For more information, please call 323-363-3620.
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> Digital Media Revolution in the Americas, 11/29-12/01 -- Pasadena, CA

Presented by the Institute of the Americas and Annenberg School for
Communication, this 2 1/2 day forum will include Sr. Exec. Networking w/ a
special focus on Latin Americas & U.S. Hispanic markets, copyright, rights
mgmt., dist., infrastructure, digital film, iTV, streaming, device trends,
content financing. Early-bird 40% off till 9/30. Keynote Steven Bandel,
Pres. - The Cisneros Group. Sponsors: JP Morgan, Motorola, Global
Crossing, Walt Disney Company, Digital Media Wire, Cahners International
TV, iHollywood, Motion Picture Assoc., National Assoc. of TV Prog. Exec.,
National Assoc. of Theatre owners. For more information:
martin@iamericas.org
Register at: http://www.iamericas.org/events
______________________

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Copyright 2001 Digital Media Wire