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December 15, 2004 -- About Us | Advertise | Events | Publications | Subscribe

Main Stories
o Time Warner to Pay $510 Million to Settle Federal AOL Charges
o FCC Approves In-Flight Wi-Fi, Will Examine Lifting Airplane Cell Phone Ban
o Judge: Google Keyword Ads Do Not Infringe Geico's Trademarks
o Police in Finland Raid BitTorrent File-Sharing Server Operation, Arrest 34
o Nintendo to Release Music, Video Playback Adapter for DS in Japan
o Melodeo to Distribute Full-Length Warner Songs to Cell Phones
o Report: Nearly Half of Online Europeans Have Broadband
o Nielsen, Massive Inc. Partner on Video Game Ad Measurement
o "Janet Jackson" Top Search Term on Lycos During 2004

 > DMW Announcements:
--Digital Music Forum - March 2, 2005  
 

o Briefly Noted: Loudeye - MTV Europe, Hustler TV - Red Light District Video, Discovery Communications, College Sports Television - "Crystal Bowl II," Sony - "MLB 2006," Nokia - Global Arena Tournament Tool, Funcom - free "Anarchy Online," Zango - Zombie Studios, AOL - 2004 top search terms
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> Job/Event/Marketplace Classifieds:
--Global Mobile Expo To Focus on Premium SMS in North America
--Market Research Professional
--VP eBusiness Consulting
--Contract Training Coordinator
--Director of Business Development - NY/NJ
--Sales Executive, Health And Life Sciences
--HireStrategy - Revenue Accounting Manager
--Sales And IT Recruiters Focused on Federal Sales, BD And Pre-Sales
--Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, Falls Church, VA (Data, Voice, Video Sales)
--Account Managers (Biometrics, Smart Cards, PKI)
--Marketing Communications Manager
--VoIP and Enhanced Phone Services Can Save Businesses 40 Percent
--New Release: PwC Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2004-2008
 


o Time Warner to Pay $510 Million to Settle Federal AOL Charges

Dulles, Va. -- Media giant Time Warner will likely pay more than $500 million to settle charges that its America Online unit fraudulently inflated its revenue figures, the company said on Wednesday. Time Warner has agreed to pay $210 million to the Justice Department and has proposed paying another $300 million to the Securities and Exchange Commission, though the latter deal still must be approved by the SEC Commissioners. Also under the deal with the Justice Department, AOL has accepted responsibility for the conduct of its employees that were allegedly involved and agreed to cooperate fully in their investigation. The Justice Department complaint involved AOL's business dealings with a now defunct software company called PurchasePro.com. Through questionable deals, AOL was able to report approximately $20 million of additional revenue from PurchasePro in the fourth quarter of 2000 and $15 million more in the first quarter of 2001, the complaint said. The SEC investigation has focused primarily on $400 million in advertising revenues that AOL derived in 2001 and 2002 through deals with German media giant Bertelsmann. Time Warner had previously set aside $500 million to cover the possible penalties.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/041215/155738_1.html 
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o FCC Approves In-Flight Wi-Fi, Will Examine Lifting Airplane Cell Phone Ban

Washington -- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced on Wednesday that it has voted unanimously to allow airlines to offer in-flight wireless high-speed Internet access. The agency will also examine current rules with an eye towards eliminating the ban on in-flight cell phone use. While the FCC said that in-flight wireless Internet access could launch in the U.S. as soon as 2006, German airline Lufthansa began offering broadband Internet on some flights in May through a deal with Boeing's Connexion service. The FCC is seeking public comment with regard to lifting the in-flight cell phone use ban, and will collaborate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on ensuring that calls do not disrupt a plane's electrical systems or cell phone use on the ground. It's unclear what steps airlines will take to ensure etiquette is observed by cell phone users in the cramped quarters of an airplane.
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255345A1.doc
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-255246A1.doc 
http://tinyurl.com/7ywwm
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o Judge: Google Keyword Ads Do Not Infringe Geico's Trademarks

Alexandria, Va. -- A federal judge ruled on Wednesday that search engine giant Google did not violate car insurance vendor Geico's trademarks when it displayed ads for rival insurance providers when users search for "Geico" on Google. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema of the Eastern District of Virginia did not agree with Geico's assertion that the practice diluted its trademarks and caused confusion among consumers. "It confirms that our policy complies with the law, particularly the use of trademarks as keywords," said Google general counsel David Drummond. "This is a clear signal to other litigants that our keyword policy is lawful." At least one other pending lawsuit makes similar claims that Google's lucrative keyword advertising service has infringed on its trademarks.
http://biz.yahoo.com/rb/041215/tech_google_geico_2.html 
http://tinyurl.com/63llb 
http://www.geico.com 
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o Police in Finland Raid BitTorrent File-Sharing Server Operation, Arrest 34

London -- Finnish police have conducted raids on volunteers operating servers for the BitTorrent peer-to-peer file-sharing service, arresting 34 people in the process, The Register reported. The arrests come a day after the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) announced it would begin suing such server operators, who enable trading of files by BitTorrent users. The Finnish BitTorrent site reportedly stored 6,000 "torrents," or tracking files that enable P2P downloads, and had about 10,000 Finnish users. If convicted, those arrested would face up to two years in jail, in addition to copyright infringement damage claims from the MPAA and others.
http://www.theregister.com/2004/12/14/finnish_police_raid_bittorrent_site
http://www.mpaa.org/CurrentReleases/2004_12_14_WwdeP2PActions.pdf 
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o Nintendo to Release Music, Video Playback Adapter for DS in Japan

Tokyo -- Nintendo on Wednesday announced plans to release an adapter for its new DS handheld game console in Japan that will allow video and music to be played on the device. The memory card device will enable playback of MPEG-4 video and MP3 audio on the DS, as well as Nintendo's Game Boy Advance SP. "Someone could record a TV program on a memory card and then watch it the next day on their way to work on the train," Nintendo spokesman Yasuhiro Minagawa told Reuters. The company will begin selling the $47 memory card in Japan in February, but currently has no plans to release it in the U.S. or Europe. Sony's upcoming PSP handheld has embedded technology enabling playback of music and video, and game publisher Majesco currently sells devices for Nintendo's legacy Game Boy that enable video playback.
http://tinyurl.com/3rcb9 
http://www.nintendo.com 
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o Melodeo to Distribute Full-Length Warner Songs to Cell Phones

Seattle -- Melodeo, a developer of a mobile music delivery services, announced on Wednesday that it has signed a global agreement with Warner Music Group to provide secure full-track music downloads to cell phones. The Seattle-based company said that select U.S. wireless carriers will begin implementing its service in 2005, while European wireless carrier Telefonica will today begin offering wireless music downloads through Melodeo to its subscribers in Spain and Portugal. Current cell phones carry an average of 64MB of memory, enough to store roughly 74 to 125 compressed music tracks.
http://www.melodeo.com 
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o Report: Nearly Half of Online Europeans Have Broadband

London -- Nearly half of European online households now access the Internet via a high-speed connection, with broadband penetration in the region expected to rise above 50% by 2008, when 88.4 million households will have broadband. A total of 38 million European households will have broadband by the end of 2004, a 61% increase over 2003. The Netherlands, with 45% broadband penetration, leads the European market, while by contrast nations including Germany, Ireland and Greece still have broadband penetration rates under 20%. The majority of European broadband users continue to choose DSL services, which have an 81% share of the market, compared to cable Internet's 19%.
http://www.strategyanalytics.com/press/pr00143.htm 
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o Nielsen, Massive Inc. Partner on Video Game Ad Measurement

New York -- Audience ratings provider Nielsen Interactive Entertainment announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Massive Incorporated, a video game advertising network, to provide household measurement reports on game advertising. Earlier this year, New York-based Massive launched its video game advertising network, which allows advertisers to purchase in-game ads across a range of publishers' titles participating in the network. "Video games have become a major component of our media environment, every bit as vital as television," said Massive CEO Mitch Davis. "Today, Massive and Nielsen are drawing another connection line between videogame advertising and effectiveness, creating more tools for brand marketers by providing real audience measurement in this growing and critical new advertising medium." Nielsen and Massive will jointly develop the service during a beta period over the next several months, and expect to release their first video game advertising report in the second quarter of 2005.
http://www.massiveincorporated.com 
http://www.nielsen.com 
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o "Janet Jackson" Top Search Term on Lycos During 2004

Waltham, Mass. -- "Janet Jackson," "Paris Hilton," "Nick Berg" and "Kazaa" were among the top search terms listed on Web portal Lycos during 2004, according to the company's annual list of top 50 search terms released on Wednesday. "Janet Jackson held the number one spot on The Lycos 50 for only two weeks this year, but she generated more search activity in those two weeks than any other search topic, making her the most searched topic in the history of The Lycos 50, and easily the top search of 2004," said Dean Tsouvalas, writer of The Lycos 50. Tsouvalas added that the war in Iraq was the most-searched news event of 2004, just as it was in 2003.
http://50.lycos.com 

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>DMW Events:

 



5th Annual Digital Music Forum
March 2, 2005 | New York City
www.digitalmusicforum.com

Digital Music Forum is the premier event for music industry decision-makers focused on business models and legal issues impacting music. The annual event brings together decision-makers from records labels, music publishers, producers and distributors, technology companies, wireless companies, rights organizations, industry bodies, radio, advertising, attorneys, artists investors and venture capitalists to examine the role of digital technologies in the future of music.

For more information click here
To register click here.

REGISTRATION
Early Bird Registration: $195 (until December 31st)
Pre-registration rate: $295 (Jan 1 until February 4th)
Registration rate: $395 (after Feb. 4th)

Register online at http://kb.digitalmediawire.com/register.php?eventid=1092

Phone registration: 323-822-0936


To submit speakers for or request information about exhibiting or sponsoring at the 2005 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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o Briefly Noted:

(Seattle) Loudeye, a provider of streaming song samples and other digital media services, announced on Wednesday that it has expanded its deal with MTV Networks, and will launch two new online music stores powered by its OD2 unit's services. In addition to existing MTV online music stores in the U.K., France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands, Seattle-based Loudeye will now launch new music stores for MTV in Spain and Italy.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041215/sfw017_1.html 
http://www.loudeye.com 
http://www.mtvne.com

(Los Angeles) Hustler magazine publisher Larry Flynt's LFP Broadcasting announced on Wednesday that it has signed an agreement with Red Light District Video, distributor of the Paris Hilton sex tape, to offer Red Light District titles as part of the Hustler TV pay-per-view and video-on-demand services offered to cable and satellite TV operators.
http://www.flyntdigital.com 
http://www.redlightdistrictvideo.com 
http://www.hustlertv.com

(Sliver Spring, Md.) Discovery Communications, which operates The Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and other networks, announced on Wednesday that will extend the availability of its all high-definition (HDTV) network in markets outside the U.S. Discovery HD Theater will be offered worldwide, with a focus on emerging HDTV markets like Canada, Mexico, Korea, China, Japan, Germany and the U.K.
http://dhd.discovery.com

(New York) CSTV: College Sports Television announced on Wednesday that it will host "Crystal Bowl II," which pits the top 15 college football teams against one another in a video game tournament featuring "NCAA Football 2005" for Microsoft's Xbox console. The network will feature on-air updates of the video game tournament, and announce the Xbox national champion during halftime of the BCS Championship Game. CSTV added that in addition to "Crystal Bowl II," it will host a special championship match-up for the four undefeated college teams, "Wish Bowl II."
http://www.collegesports.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/121404aam.html

(Foster City, Calif.) Sony Computer Entertainment America announced on Wednesday that it will release "MLB 2006" for PlayStation 2 in the spring of 2005. Developed at Sony's 989 Sports, the game will once again include features designed for Sony's EyeToy USB camera accessory for PlayStation 2.
http://www.989sports.com

(Espoo, Finland) Cell phone maker Nokia on Wednesday launched a new tool that enables wireless network operators to create their own branded online game tournaments for Nokia's N-Gage hybrid cell phone/mobile game deck. The first customer for Nokia's Global Arena Tournament Tool, Finnish wireless carrier DNA, used the technology today to launch an online tournament for "Colin McRae Rally 2005" for the N-Gage.
http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/041215/ukw001_1.html 
http://arena.n-gage.com

(Durham, N.C.) Independent video game publisher Funcom announced on Wednesday that it has eliminated subscription fees for its "Anarchy Online" massively multiplayer online roleplaying game. North Carolina-based Funcom said the free version of the title will be available until Jan. 15, and does not include access to the three expansion packs for the game.
http://www.funcom.com 
http://www.anarchy-online.com/free/ad_campaigns/freecampaign

(Bellevue, Wash.) Zango, a provider of games and other entertainment content on an ad-supported network, announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Seattle-based Zombie Studios to offer the game developer's titles free to Zango users who have agreed to receive targeted product and service offerings while browsing online.
http://www.zango.com 
http://www.zombie.com

(Dulles, Va.) Pop icon Britney Spears reclaimed her status as the most searched person on AOL Search this year, edging out hotel heiress and socialite Paris Hilton, the company said on Tuesday. Spears also held the top spot in both 2001 and 2002 before being dethroned last year by rapper 50 Cent. Hip-hop artist Usher was the No. 1 searched male, also scoring the Nos. 1 and 2 searched songs of the year. The most searched words overall led with "horoscopes," with new topics among the top 20 including foreclosures (No. 4), salaries (No. 5), work at home (No. 18) and home improvement (No. 19). The presidential election was the most searched news topic, the South Beach Diet was the most searched diet and cellphones topped the list of most searched gadgets. AOL Search processes as many as 700 million search queries per month.
http://makeashorterlink.com/?J2A46560A  
 
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> Classifieds -- Advertise

> Global Mobile Expo To Focus on Premium SMS in North America

M-commerce and premium content/services are commonplace in Asia and Europe, but they're just emerging in N. America. Global Mobile Expo (GloMo) will bring together carriers, service providers, mobile entrepreneurs and brand specialists for the first time to discuss the future of this nascent industry. A conference and expo, GloMo will provide the stimulus needed to bring this market to the forefront and realize the vision of a wireless world". Visit www.glomoexpo.com or email info@smallscreenpartners.com to register.
_________________

> Market Research Professional

SmithGeiger is a fast-growing market research and strategy firm serving all facets of the media industry, w/clients in TV, film, web, gaming, tech. Seeking media research pro with min 3 yrs market research exp. to design and implement research and consulting services. Develop custom phone and online surveys and focus group research, design data analysis plans, convert results into findings and recommendations, write reports, deliver presentations to clients. Excellent writing and analytical skills. Working knowledge of statistics, SPSS. MA, MS, MBA, PhD.  Contact brian@smithgeiger.com
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> VP eBusiness Consulting

Want to manage multiple eCommerce, Portal, and web content management projects for the Fortune 500? Or play a key role in the growth and strategy of an energetic small company? Or is your preference getting involved in solution architecture, eBusiness strategy, and exploring leading edge technologies? Or large-scale IT implementations for the government? Do it all as VP of eBusiness Consulting at McFadyen Consulting in Vienna , VA. Learn more at http://www.McFadyen.com Send resumes to tmcfadyen@mcfadyen.com
_________________

> Contract Training Coordinator

The Office of Continuing Professional Education (OCPE) seeks an energetic professional to serve as the Contract Training Program Coordinator at our Herndon Training Center site. OCPE offers a positive team-based environment in a fast paced customer oriented department. Salary $27- $32K, excellent state benefits. Apply for position no. 01504z at http://jobs.gmu.edu by January 7, 2005. AA/EOE
_________________

> Director of Business Development - NY/NJ

Drive strategic sales through existing relationship with IBM Global Services. The ability to drive a business plan thru execution, and a successful track record at a startup, are pre-requisites. Successful candidates will have experience in Enterprise Software and infrastructure management, in both sales and channel management. Must have worked with IBM as a partner. Send resumes to rminaglia@evidentsoftware.com
_________________

> Sales Executive, Health And Life Sciences

IMC is looking for Sales executives with at least 5 years demonstrated experience selling biomedical informatics consulting services and solutions, such as clinical trials management tools, electronic medical records and patient safety records management. Sales experience can be in federal or commercial sectors. Ideal candidates will already have a developed pipeline. Check us out at http://www.imc.com and send your resume to mwright@imc.com
_________________

> HireStrategy - Revenue Accounting Manager

This exciting position provides the opportunity to manage the monthly revenue recognition process ensuring that revenue is properly recorded and that the process is completed in a timely manner. In addition, the qualified candidate will provide career development counseling to all staff members to help them with their professional growth. The preferred candidate will have experience using Peoplesoft Financials. An Accounting or Finance degree and a minimum of 6 years related accounting experience is required, as is a CPA or equivalent experience. Please submit your resume to mmolinas@hirestrategy.com or view this position on the web at, http://www.hirestrategy.com/quicklinks/hire234.asp _________________

> Sales And IT Recruiters Focused on Federal Sales, BD And Pre-Sales

Looking to join a quality Sales and Information Technology Recruiting Firm? immixSearch, a division of the immixGroup, seeks 3 additional Recruiters entering 2005. Since 2000 we've established the immixSearch name and placed candidates with 75 leading Federally - focused Software/Hardware Vendors, Big4's, and SI's. Plan includes a base/draw plus lucrative commission plan. Join other top billers and make 2005 your best year yet. Send resumes to kurt_wilkinson@immixgroup.com
_________________

> Sr. Acct Mgr, AAA Networks, Falls Church, VA (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
_________________

> Account Managers (Biometrics, Smart Cards, PKI) - Federal And Commercial

Precise Biometrics is a global leader in biometric and smart card authentication solutions for both logical and physical access control to the Federal government and Global 1000 organizations. We are currently expanding our sales team in North America. Requirements: 3 - 5 years exp. selling enterprise solutions in the commercial or federal market. Experience with identity management security solutions (Biometrics, Smart Cards, and PKI experience is a definite advantage). Candidates must reside in the greater DC metro area. Please email your resume and cover letter to careers@precisebiometrics.com No recruiters please. _________________

> Marketing Communications Manager

Local software company seeks marketing communications manager responsible for all aspects of press and analyst relations, lead generation programs (tradeshows/events), reference programs, company website, and updating collateral to support sales and pre-sales. Candidates must be detail- oriented and possess exceptional planning, coordination, verbal and written communication skills and a flexible; can-do; attitude required within a small company organization. Requires 5 plus years of technology-related marcom experience. See our website http://www.managedobjects.com for full job description. Send resumes to marketing@managedobjects.com
_________________

> VoIP and Enhanced Phone Services Can Save Businesses 40 Percent

Hosted communications is the wave of the future with incredible features and radical cost savings. Aptela transforms any existing phone equipment - even cell phones - into a state of the art communications center, or lets you completely throw away your phone system (and carrier!) for terrific savings. There's no capital expense, and service can be up and running in hours. Virtually any type and size business - even SOHO's - will benefit from better productivity, improved customer service, and often increased sales - while they save serious money. There's a reason businesses are adopting aptela in droves - go to http://www.aptela.com?ptw to find out more, or call 866-4APTELA (866-427- 8352)
_________________

> 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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