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November 18, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Sirius Satellite Radio Hires Former Viacom Exec Mel Karmazin as CEO
o RIAA Sues Another 761 Suspected Internet Song-Swappers
o Report: Apple to Launch iTunes Music Store in Japan in March 2005
o Netflix Shares Rise 15% on Revised Q4 Subscriber, Revenue Projections
o Yahoo's Overture Extends Sponsored Ad Deal With Microsoft's MSN
o Google Launches Search Engine for Scientists, Other Researchers
o Mobile Game Publisher Digital Bridges Raises $18 Million

 > DMW Announcements:
 --Future of Television: Next Generation - November 19, 2004
   (Last week to register!)
   

 > Featured Advertisement:
 --MIDEMNET 2005
 

o Briefly Noted: Nintendo DS - increased shipments, HP - Blu-ray DVD format, Oakley - MP3 player sunglasses, Disney - Muppets.com, Retro Ringtones, Dwango Wireless - ALLTEL, Atari, Majesco - Golden Nugget, Aspyr Media - "Stubbs the Zombie" soundtrack, O-3 Entertainment - "Alien Hominid," TiVo - new ad formats, Video game industry - poor working conditions
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Director - Account Management, AudioFeast, Mountain View, CA.
--Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director
--Project Manager and Help Desk Positions
--Product Marketing Manager - SWsoft
--Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, (Data, Voice, Video Sales)
--The Heiden Group - Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director
--Channel Development Manager
--Product Marketing Manager - Trusted Computer Solutions
--Business Development Director
--Account Manager
--
Practice Leader, CMO Group
--Public Relations Specialist
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Sirius Satellite Radio Hires Former Viacom Exec Mel Karmazin as CEO

New York -- Sirius Satellite Radio, a provider of satellite-delivered digital radio programming, announced late Thursday that it has named Mel Karmazin, former president and CEO of Viacom, as its new CEO. Current CEO Joseph P. Clayton will remain at Sirius as chairman. Karmazin also previously served as head of radio firms Infinity Broadcasting and Westwood One, where he was a staunch supporter of radio shock jock Howard Stern -- who also recently signed a five-year, $500 million deal to move his popular show off of the public airwaves and onto Sirius.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041118/nyth167_1.html 
http://www.siriusradio.com 
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o RIAA Sues Another 761 Suspected Internet Song-Swappers

Washington -- The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on Thursday filed another 761 copyright infringement lawsuits against alleged Internet music file-swappers, bringing the total number of individuals sued by the RIAA to just under 7,000. The lawsuits were filed against "John Doe" defendants, whose identities the RIAA will seek from their Internet service providers. In the past, the RIAA has offered to settle suits out of court for several thousand dollars each before filing actual infringement actions. "The lawsuits are an essential educational tool," said RIAA president Cary Sherman. "They remind music fans about the law and provide incentives to university administrators to offer legal alternatives." The suits come in the same week that the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) filed its first wave of lawsuits against suspected Internet movie file-swappers.
http://www.riaa.com 
http://makeashorterlink.com/?Z3E6231D9  
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o Report: Apple to Launch iTunes Music Store in Japan in March 2005

Tokyo -- A Japanese newspaper reported on Thursday that Apple plans to launch a version of its iTunes Music Store in Japan by March 2005. Reuters quoted the Nihon Keizai newspaper, which said at launch the store aims to offer 100,000 songs with an emphasis on Japanese music. There are currently a range of competing download services and players that will compete with iTunes and the iPod in Japan. Reuters cited independent studies showing the iPod, released in Japan in November 2001, currently accounts for 50% of the portable player market there.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?A117321D9 
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o Netflix Shares Rise 15% on Revised Q4 Subscriber, Revenue Projections

Los Gatos, Calif. -- Online DVD rental service Netflix on Thursday raised its subscriber and revenue projections for the fourth quarter of 2004, sending shares of the company up nearly 15% in trading on Thursday. Netflix now expects to end the quarter with between 2.45 million and 2.65 million subscribers, up from earlier projections of 2.3-2.5 million. It also now expects revenue of $139 million to $143 million, as compared with an earlier forecast of $138-$142 million. However, the company did lower its income guidance slightly, citing increased costs of acquiring the new subscribers. Last month, Netflix slashed the price of its DVD rental service from $21.99 to $17.99, in the face of competition from Blockbuster and Wal-Mart. "We're impressed with the demand for our service at our new price points. Although it is still early in the quarter, subscriber growth is exceeding our earlier expectations, churn appears to be heading toward historical lows, and U.S. SAC should be in the neighborhood of last quarter," said Netflix CEO Reed Hastings. "The strategy of rapid subscriber growth we announced last month is working."
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041117/sfw112_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/041118/netflix_stock_2.html 
http://www.netflix.com 
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o Yahoo's Overture Extends Sponsored Ad Deal With Microsoft's MSN

Pasadena, Calif. -- Yahoo's Overture Services online advertising unit announced on Thursday that it has extended its contract to provide sponsored ad links to Microsoft's MSN service in the U.S., Canada, Europe and Asia through June 2006. The previous contract was due to expire in June 2005. While Microsoft is thought to be developing its own sponsored ad placement technology, to compete with industry leaders Overture and Google, the extension of its MSN contract with Overture indicates that technology will likely not be ready to replace Yahoo's service until at least 2006.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041118/175947_1.html 
http://www.overture.com 
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o Google Launches Search Engine for Scientists, Other Researchers

Mountain View, Calif. -- Google on Thursday introduced a new search engine called Google Scholar, which specifically targets scientists and the world of academia. The currently ad-free search engine will feature results culled from scientific and academic journals, peer-reviewed papers, books and other sources. Google has agreements to index online materials from the Association of Computing Machinery, Nature, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and the Online Computer Library Center, The New York Times reported. In addition to providing actual online texts, Google Scholar also provides citations and information on how to find materials not located online.
http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/041118/tech_google_stocks_2.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2004/11/18/technology/18google.html 
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o Mobile Game Publisher Digital Bridges Raises $18 Million

London -- U.K.-based mobile game publisher Digital Bridges announced on Thursday that it has concluded a third round of funding led by Apax Partners and Argo Global Capital. Digital Bridges said it would use the $18 million raised to step up its expansion into the North American and Asian mobile games markets over the next 12 months. The company has publishing and distribution deals with Electronic Arts, MGM, Universal Studios, Taito, Vivendi Universal Games, Disney Mobile, Time Warner and others. "Our 2004 (third-quarter) revenue grew by more than 30% over (the second quarter), making us one of the fastest growing companies in the sector," said Digital Bridges CEO Brian Greasley.
http://www.digitalbridges.com 
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041118/ukth008_1.html 

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Future of Television Forum: Next Generation
November 19, 2004  |  New York City
www.televisionconference.com

 

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

Keynote Speakers
Leslie Moonves - Co-President and Co-Chief Operating Officer, Viacom Inc. Kathleen Dore - President, Entertainment Services, Rainbow Media
Lord David Currie - Chairman, Office of Communications (OFCOM), UK


Confirmed Speakers
Simon Applebaum - Editor-at-Large, CableFAX’s CableWORLD
David Baldwin - EVP, Programming, HBO
Andy Bernstein - Television Editor, Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal
Reggie Bradford - President & CEO, N2 Broadband
Marlene Braga - Director, Programming & Prod., The History Channel en Espanol Chris Crommett - Senior Vice President, CNN en Espaņol
Ann Foley - EVP, Programming, Showtime Networks
Robert Friedman - President, Classic Media: Harvey & Golden Books Ent.
Lino Garcia
- General Manger, ESPN Deportes
Bob Greene - SVP, Advanced Services, Starz Encore Group LLC
Richard Hofstetter - Partner, Frankfurt, Kurnit, Klein & Selz, PC
Rob Jacobson - President & CEO, In Demand Networks
Todd Leavitt - President & COO, Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
Lydia Loizides - Analyst / Principal, Paphion Inc.
Al Lieberman - Executive Director, EMT Program, NYU Stern School of Business
Jon D. Litner - EVP & Chief Operating Officer, National Hockey League
David Lyle - Executive Producer / Co-Founder & Chair, FRAPA
Steven Mandala - EVP, Sales, Telemundo Network, NBC Universal
David Neal - EVP, NBC Olympics
Mark Piesanen - Head of New Media Business Models, Deloitte Consulting
Craig Plestis - SVP, Alternative Programs & Development, NBC Universal
Tony Ponturo - VP, Global Media & Sports Marketing, Anheuser-Busch
Max Robins - Editor-in-Chief, Broadcasting & Cable
Tony Ruiz - Partner, Advertising, The Vidal Partnership
Ned Sherman - Co-Founder & CEO, Digital Media Wire
Scott Singer - Managing Partner, Deloitte Corporate Finance
Sam Solovey - Columnist, Yahoo! / Contestant, The Apprentice
Andrea Wong - EVP, Alternative Programming, Specials & Late Night, ABC
Martin Yudkovitz - President, TiVo
John Zamoiski - President, Marketing, NMA Entertainment & Marketing

REGISTRATION
Registration: $395
Online Registration: http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1074

Phone: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2004 conferences, please contact Tinzar Than, VP, Marketing & Events, Digital Media Wire, Inc. at: tinzar@digitalmediawire.com.
 

Past Events | Sponsorship Materials | Partners & Clients


 

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> Featured Advertisement:


 

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o Briefly Noted:

(Redmond, Wash.) Nintendo of America announced on Thursday that, in order to keep up with demand for its DS handheld console, which goes on sale in the U.S. on Nov. 21, it will ship 2 million units worldwide by the end of 2004 and another 2 million by the end of March 2005. The company has already sold out of its initial shipment of 1 million DS units to the U.S. through Internet pre-orders.
http://www.nintendods.com

(Palo Alto, Calif.) PC maker HP has announced that it will support Sony's Blu-ray Disc high-capacity DVD format across many of its product lines, including desktop and notebook PCs, personal workstations and digital entertainment centers. The endorsement is a blow to the rival HD-DVD format developed by Toshiba and others; HP says that Blu-ray will offer up to 66% greater recording capacity and more media types than HD-DVD. Blu-ray offers up to 50GB capacity per disc, enough for up to 26 hours of TV programming. HP expects that it will offer Blu-ray on most products in late 2005 and on notebook PCs in early 2006.
http://www.hp.com/hpinfo/newsroom/press/2004/041115c.html 
http://www.blu-raydisc.com

(Foothill Ranch, Calif.) Eyewear manufacturer Oakley announced that its new line of MP3 player sunglasses will go on sale Nov. 20 at Circuit City and its own retail stores. Oakley Thump glasses will be available in 128MB and 256MB models, and seven lens and frame color combinations. The sunglasses feature an audio controller chip made by SigmaTel and weigh less than an empty CD jewel case.
http://biz.yahoo.com/pz/040929/64626.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041117/175799_1.html
http://oakley.com/catalog/eyewear/thump

(Los Angeles) The Walt Disney Company on Thursday launched the first new entertainment site based on Jim Henson's Muppets since it acquired the property in April. The 3D site features games, a Miss Piggy blog and bios of Muppets characters. It also provides details on the upcoming ABC television movie "The Muppets Wizard of Oz," which will star Ashanti as Dorothy and Queen Latifah as Auntie Em, and feature a cameo from director Quentin Tarantino.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041117/law075_1.html 
http://www.muppets.com

(Miami) Ringtone publisher Retro Ringtones on Thursday launched a web-based ringtone management toolset for music producers, copyright owners and wireless network operators. The Miami-based company, which was founded by musician Thomas Dolby Robertson -- co-developer of the Beatnik polyphonic ringtone synthesizer -- said the new toolset will offer asset management, file validation, WAP publishing and an efficient distribution mechanism.
http://www.retroringtones.com

(Seattle) Wireless entertainment publisher Dwango Wireless said on Thursday that it has expanded its distribution through an agreement with wireless carrier ALLTEL, which counts 13 million customers in 26 states. ALLTEL's customers will now have access to Seattle-based Dwango's library of ringtones and other wireless content.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041118/185176_1.html 
http://www.alltel.com 
http://www.dwango.com 

(Beverly, Mass.) Atari on Thursday shipped its "Yu Yu Hakusho: Tournament Tactics" title for Game Boy Advance to retailers. The game was developed by Utah-based Sensory Sweep, and is based on the Japanese children's anime series that airs in the U.S. on Cartoon Network. Separately, Atari announced that it will begin selling its Atari Flashback Classic Game Console on Nov. 22. The $44.95 standalone console replicates the Atari 7800 console and joysticks, and comes embedded with 20 classic Atari titles such as "Asteroids," "Breakout," "Canyon Bomber" and "Centipede."
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041118/185135_1.html
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041118/185063_1.html 
http://www.atari.com/yuyuhakusho 
http://www.sensorysweep.com

(Edison, N.J.) Video game publisher Majesco announced on Thursday that it has signed a licensing agreement with the Golden Nugget hotel and casino in Las Vegas, to publish casino-themed games. New Jersey-based Majesco said a "Golden Nugget Casino" title for Nintendo Game Boy Advance and "TV Arcade," a standalone plug-and-play game that connects directly to a television, are now available.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041118/185431_1.html 
http://www.majescogames.com 
http://www.goldennugget.com

(Austin) Video game publisher Aspyr Media announced on Thursday that it will release a soundtrack for its "Stubbs the Zombie" title, featuring artists including Death Cab for Cutie, The Flaming Lips, Rogue Wave, The Walkmen and The Dandy Warhols, in March 2005. The game was developed by Chicago-based Wideload Games.
http://www.aspyr.com 
http://www.stubbsthezombie.com

(Santa Clara, Calif.) Game publisher O-3 Entertainment on Thursday shipped its "Alien Hominid" title for PlayStation 2 and GameCube to retailers. First launched as an online game that has since garnered 7.5 million downloads, the console version was created by San Diego-based developer The Behemoth.
http://www.thebehemoth.com 
http://www.o3entertainment.com

(Los Angeles) The Los Angeles Times recently reported on new advertising initiatives in the works at TiVo, the Alviso, Calif.-based provider of digital video recorder software and services. "The message we really want to get across is that we now have a dedicated road map for advertising," TiVo advertising and research sales manager Davina Kent told The Times. Early next year, the company plans to roll out "billboards," or small logos or ads that will pop-up on-screen as viewers fast-forward through commercials in recorded TV shows. The logos contain embedded links to longer ads, contests or other marketing. By the end of next year, the company plans to offer the ability to purchase products and participate in surveys using a TV remote control. Despite outcry from some TiVo loyalists over such ads, the company maintains it will not annoy its customers. "You'll never see TiVo roll out any kind of intrusive advertising," added Kent. "It's very core to our mission."
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-et-tivo17nov17,0,927837.story
http://www.tivo.com

(San Francisco) CNET News.com and The Los Angeles Times recently reported on the growing controversy regarding the working conditions at video game development firms, which routinely require programmers and other employees to work 80-hour weeks for months on end, in some cases without overtime pay. "The games industry is a ticking time bomb for labor relations disputes and related problems," Jason Della Rocca, a program director at advocacy group the International Game Developers Association (IGDA), told News.com. The IGDA on Tuesday issued an open letter to the video game industry on the issue of working conditions. "Despite the continued success of the games industry, the immaturity of current business and production practices is severely crippling the industry," reads the letter. "The recent frenzy of discussion over impassioned testimony about the horrible working conditions within much of the industry attests to the reality of this often unspoken disease."
http://makeashorterlink.com/?K1A5221D9 
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-sweat17nov17.story
http://www.igda.org/qol/open_letter.php 
 
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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Director - Account Management, AudioFeast, Mountain View, CA.

Your job is to assist AudioFeast's www.audiofeast.com worldwide CE partner ecosystem. The Account Manager will be responsible for building strong OEM partner relationships, managing new business opportunities with an understanding of partner's business objectives, and helping AudioFeast align its strategic goals to meet market demands. As the Account Manager you will be the primary person in charge of managing AudioFeast's Consumer Electronics partners and helping fulfill their product, marketing and business needs to build exciting new AudioFeast enabled consumer products. Please send all inquiries to: jobs@audiofeast.com
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> Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director

The Heiden Group is a retained search and consulting firm that places top performing candidates within its premier technology client base. THG is seeking to place sales professionals with accomplished technology sales, sales engineering and sales mgmt backgrounds. Our clients are currently looking for revenue producers in the following positions: Regional Sales Dir. - Enterprise Software, Account Exec. - Managed Services and more. Please contact us at info@heidengroup.com or go to: http://www.heidengroup.com/highlightedsearches.html
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> Project Manager and Help Desk Positions

OpenAir Technologies, Inc. (http://www.openairtech.com), a nationwide provider of managed IP-PBX systems and advertising on hold solutions for the retail industry, has several Project Management as well as Helpdesk/Customer Service positions open. OpenAir Technologies, Inc. is looking for people with 1-2 years of relevant experience for our Headquarters in Reston, VA. Please send resumes to jobs@openairtech.com
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> Product Marketing Manager - SWsoft

SWsoft is the leading provider of automation and virtualization software for hosting providers, TELCOs/ISPs and enterprises worldwide. We are looking for a Product Marketing Manager to lead and drive the execution of marketing efforts for our hosting software products. Candidate must have a successful and verifiable track record of broad software marketing experience and talent/potential. Compensation package includes salary, quarterly bonus and stock options. Send resumes to: jobs@sw-soft.com (subject "Product Marketing Mgr")
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> Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, (Data, Voice, Video Sales)

Seeking highly motivated sales people with at least three years sales exp. and a track record of meeting sales objectives. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and presentation skills a must - with minimal supervision. Responsibilities include consultative and solution selling to medium and large companies. Our solutions include Cisco, Microsoft, EMC, NEC, Tandberg and Verizon. Candidate must be able to develop and leverage relationships with technology partners for lead generation and joint sales opportunities. Send resumes to careers@aaanetworks.net
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> The Heiden Group - Sales Reps, Sales Engineers, and Sales Director

The Heiden Group is a retained search and consulting firm that places top performing candidates within its premier technology client base. THG is seeking to place sales professionals with accomplished technology sales, sales engineering and sales mgmt backgrounds. Our clients are currently looking for revenue producers in the following positions: Regional Sales Dir. - Enterprise Software, Account Exec. - Managed Services and more. Please contact us at info@heidengroup.com or go to: http://www.heidengroup.com/highlightedsearches.html
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> Channel Development Manager

An innovative software firm is seeking an experienced professional to develop new accounts with the objective of seeding indirect sales channels with strategic partners. To be a fit for this exciting new opportunity, you must be aggressive and have a track record of successfully creating and growing large revenue streams with Channel/OEM partners and re-sellers. You must be independent, self- motivated, and have demonstrated over-achievement in software sales, with domain experience in the systems performance management space (HP OpenView, NetIQ AppManager, BMC PATROL preferred). Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web: http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire226.asp
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> Product Marketing Manager - Trusted Computer Solutions

Responsible for managing the entire product line life cycle from strategic planning to tactical activities specifying market requirements for current and future products by conducting market research supported by on-going visits to customers and non-customers. Driving a solution set across development teams (primarily Development/Engineering, and Marketing Communications) through market requirements, product contract. Send resumes to dromano@trustedcs.com For more info, visit http://www.trustedcs.com
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> Business Development Director

Executes the overall business development strategy. Should possess knowledge of federal contract negotiations relative to the IT field, and be able to position IDC for bidding on large, multi-year opportunities. Will conceptualize and implement a plan to broaden our market base, diversify the business, and apply innovative strategies to increase profitability. Bachelor's degree and 10 yrs exp required. Please e-mail resumes to careers@idc.tv
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> Account Manager

The Account Manager will manage a geographic sales territory
(North-eastern US), based in the greater Washington DC area. He/she will be involved primarily with managing existing customers and new prospects and
selling HP NonStop systems mgmt. solutions to achieve quota results. The qualified candidate should have specific exp. selling software solutions for the
HP NonStop environment, be a highly successful sales rep., have formal
sales training and strong sales process skills and exp. and systems mgmt.
exp. (e.g. CA UniCenter, HP Open View, Tivoli, BMC). Please send resume to
mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or visit
http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire224.asp

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> Practice Leader, CMO Group

Forrester Research is seeking a highly motivated individual for the Practice Leader position in the Forrester Oval Program, The CMO Group, an exclusive executive membership program that offers a valuable combination of peer networking, dedicated analyst access, benchmark data, and member-directed research to select C-level marketing executives. Require: Master's or other advanced degree, Eight to 10 years of progressive work exp. within the marketing industry. Ability to manage a team of professionals in a fast-paced learning environment. Strong analytical, writing, and presentation skills. Experience managing departmental budgets. Please apply online http://www.forrester.com/CareerOpportunities
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> Public Relations Specialist

Public Relations Specialist Min. 5 years PR/management exp. PR
professional to maintain effective communications with media, serve as
main point of contact for PR activites, recommend PR strategy for high-
tech B2B clients, & lead PR account teams. Strong project management
& team-building skills required. Flexible personality desired to manage
clients & teams in an exciting, fast-paced environment. E-mail cover
letter and resume to hr@rmr.com
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> New Release: 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 Wire, Inc. is part of the Tech Wire Media Group, an international network of publications that includes Digital Media Law Report, Potomac Tech Wire, New England Tech Wire, Southeast Tech Wire, Bay Area Tech Wire, Tri-state Tech Wire and European Tech Wire. The network reaches more than 70,000 individuals from over 70 countries each business day.

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Chief Executive Officer: Ned Sherman
VP, Marketing & Events: Tinzar Than
Editor: Mark Hefflinger


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