Comcast Technology Solutions has launched a new service, Video Artificial Intelligence. The software-as-a-service is aimed at helping companies understand and analyze video, audio, and closed captions to create actionable metadata around content assets, generate and manage new content, improve advertising efficiency, and streamline operations. The service can be used to identify and tag key on-screen moments (such as hard cuts, black frames and transitions) and audio events (such as silence, specific sounds). Features include metadata segmentation for dynamic ad insertion; segmentation detection (such as detecting intros, credit rolls and auto-chaptering); and creating automated on-screen highlight reels during live sporting events.
Twitter is rolling out NFT Profile Pictures. The new feature lets users on Twitter’s iOS app who also subscribe to Twitter Blue show off their NFTs. Support for the feature is on the way for Android users. Facebook and Instagram also have plans to enable users to display their NFTs on their social profiles.
Instagram is testing Instagram Subscriptions, allowing creators to offer paid subscriptions for exclusive content and benefits. The test has started with “a handful” of creators, who can set a monthly price of their choice, unlock a “subscribe” button on their profile, and offer their subscribers exclusive Lives, stories and badges.
China issued new policy directives aimed at entertainment and tech companies, including strict regulation of tech companies’ investment in the finance space. That hobbles activity at the likes of Alibaba and Tencent, which offer financial and insurance services.
Intel has chosen a suburb of Columbus, Ohio as the site for a new, $20 billion chip manufacturing complex. The move to increase the production of computer chips in the US comes amid a continuing shortage of the components.
Twitter’s head of security, Peter Zatko, is out, and its chief information security officer, Rinki Sethi, is headed for the door. Parag Agrawal, Twitter’s new CEO, said the moves came as the result of “an assessment of how the organization was being led and the impact on top priority work,” according to a memo to employees obtained by The New York Times. The “nature of this situation” limited what he was allowed to share with employees, said Agrawal. Lea Kissner, Twitter’s head of privacy engineering, will reportedly become the company’s interim chief information security officer.
A privacy bill introduced last week would prohibit ad networks and “facilitators” from using personal information to target ads. The “Banning Surveillance Advertising Act, from Reps. Anna Eshoo (D-California), Jan Schakowsky (D-Illinois) and Senator Cory Booker (D-New Jersey), maintains personal information includes data that is “reasonably linkable” to an individual or device. “The ‘surveillance advertising’ business model is premised on the unseemly collection and hoarding of personal data to enable ad targeting,” said Eshoo. “This pernicious practice allows online platforms to chase user engagement at great cost to our society, and it fuels disinformation, discrimination, voter suppression, privacy abuses, and so many other harms.” To the contrary, “This bill would make advertising less precise, more expensive, and raise costs for everyone,” said IAB CEO David Cohen.
Google has asked a federal court to throw out an antitrust lawsuit led by the state of Texas which accuses it of abusing a monopoly over online search. “Despite amassing a lengthy collection of grievances, each one comes down to a plea for Google to share its data or to design its products in ways that would help its rivals,” said Google in the filing. Responded Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, “Google’s motion attributes their monopoly status to pure success on the merits. The company whose motto was once ‘Don’t Be Evil’ now asks the world to examine their egregious monopoly abuses and see no evil, hear no evil, and speak no evil.”
Habu announced the release of its Consumer Packaged Goods Clean Room Starter Package, enabling CPG companies to access pre-sourced data, pre-packaged use cases, and pre-built queries and visualizations within privacy- and governance-safe clean room environments to fuel insights, targeting, and measurement. “We have developed expertise in this industry working with the most sophisticated CPGs,” said Habu Co-Founder and CEO, Matt Kilmartin. “While companies are working hard to build up 1st party data, they could benefit from greater insight into retail and media data.”
Cybersecurity will likely keep Chief Information Officers busy in 2022, according to a study from IDG Communications. Security is “no longer just a technology issue,” said Stacey Raap, Marketing & Research Manager, IDG Communications, Inc. “Security is a fundamental business issue that requires CIOs to closely collaborate withs organizational leaders across their company.” Fifty-seven percent of CIOs surveyed saw the need for security improvements as a top reason for increasing the tech budget this year, and 71% of expected their role in data privacy and compliance to grow.
NATPE announced a new initiative to open its video library of 1000+ hours for content distribution, marketing and monetization opportunities. The organization is partnering with AnyClip for video management. Content ranges from keynote speeches and panels featuring to celebrity presentations and acceptance speeches.
MadHive is launching the first HIPAA/ privacy-compliant OTT infrastructure for the healthcare and pharma industries via a partnership wth Medicx. The offering aims to provide an end-to-end solution for audience planning, campaign forecasting, execution, and measurement.
UK-based media company Space Entertainment Enterprise announced a new venture, SEE-1, a content and entertainment studios and multi-purpose arena in space. The space station module will be built by Axiom Space. SEE-1 is planned to launch in late 2024 and dock with Axiom’s commercial space station, Axiom Station, while it is connected to the International Space Station. The module will allow artists, producers, and creatives to develop, produce, record, and live stream content which maximizes the Space Station’s low-orbit micro-gravity environment, including ?lms, television, music and sports events.
Pixis, a provider of contextual codeless AI infrastructure for marketing optimization, has secured $100M in Series C funding. Pixis (formerly known as Pyxis One) will leverage the funds to help the company scale its AI platforms and plugins, as well as accelerate expansions across North America, Europe, and APAC.
Ateliere Creative Technologies announced that its Ateliere Connect cloud-native content supply chain platform is now available in AWS Marketplace, an online software store that helps customers find, buy, and use software and services that run on Amazon Web Services. |
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SPORTS MEDIA AWARDS 2022
The Cynopsis Sports Media Awards will gather on April 19th to celebrate the initiatives that drove audiences and turned sports viewers into fans. Past winners include Coca-Cola, NASCAR, ESPN, NHL, Sports Illustrated and many more. We want to add you to this list!
ENTRY DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 16 |
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ADVERTISING
Altice USA has selected Ampersand, owned by Comcast, Charter and Cox, as its exclusive ad sales partner for national addressable inventory. "Enabling targeting plus campaign management for linear and streaming media while maintaining data security checks all of the boxes that clients want and need to support growth for their business," said Kevin O'Reilly, SVP of Product, Data and Optimization at Altice.
How do consumers feel about their data being used for targeted advertising? The fourth annual ARF Privacy Study found that major resistance to targeted advertising is confined to only 25% to 40% of the population, depending on the source of the targeting information. There is much greater trust in financial (63%) and medical institutions (57%) than in digital advertisers (18%) and social media platforms (23%). But consumers express just as much resistance to being placed in target segments as they do to being targeted individually, “which throws a wrench into the idea of cohort targeting,” said Paul Donato, Chief Research Officer at the ARF. “Since consumers are more trusting of institutions with which they have personal relationships, such as banks and doctors, to manage their data, it appears that advertisers that can develop strong first-party relationships with consumers will have an advantage in this privacy-centric era.”
Emodo, the ad tech division of 5G network equipment provider Ericsson, has partnered with WebAR tech company 8th Wall to give agencies and brands a full tech stack to create and distribute embeddable AR ads. Users can engage with the AR experiences directly on a publisher’s page, inside the ad unit itself rather than linking out to a dedicated URL.
STREAMING
Paramount’s “Yellowstone” has launched its own YouTube Channel. In addition to the series, content includes prequel “1883,” and YouTube original extensions, “Behind the Story” and “Stories from the Bunkhouse.”
Acquired shows were the most viewed content on streaming platforms in 2021, according to Nielsen data. The top 15 acquired programs last year averaged 19.62 billion minutes among P2+, versus 10.8 billion minutes for original content. The top three most-watched acquired shows were “Criminal Minds” (33.9 billion minutes), “CoComelon” (33.3 billion) and “Grey’s Anatomy” (32.5 billion). The most viewed originals were “Lucifer” (18.3 billion), “Squid Games” (16.4 billion) and “Great British Baking Show” (13.6 billion). All shows were on Netflix.
That said, Netflix was the only streaming platform to lose penetration quarter over quarter, down to 54.3% from 54.6% in Q3 2021, according to data from Kantar’s Entertainment on Demand Q4 analysis. Other findings include: 9% of US HH took out a new sub in 4Q21, up from 8% in 3Q21, and streaming penetration grew to 85.2% (including MVPD+), up 2.7%. Excluding MVPD+, streaming is up 2.9%, to 84.7% HH penetration. Live Pay is up, driven by MVPD+ as cable TV is flat at 56% of US HH.
Netflix reported a worldwide total of 221.84 million subscribers in 4Q21, a year-over-year gain of 8.3 million that fell just short of projections of 8.5 million. The streamer said it expects to have 224.3 million subscribers by the end of this quarter. Thanks for nothing, said Wall Street, as the company’s stock dropped double digits in after-hours trading.
Family Entertainment Television’s FETV and FMC are launching on Evoca TV, the NextGen MVPD in the Mountain States. Family-friendly programming on FMC includes films starring John Wayne Fridays and Saturdays at 8p and 11p, respectively; the same titles air Sundays at 3p on FMC.
fuboTV is expanding its Multiview mode on Apple TV to support its FanView feature. Subscribers can create their own sports viewing dashboard that combines multiple streams with live stats and scores and watch up to two live sporting events simultaneously. “In our mission to integrate interactivity into fuboTV’s live TV streaming experience, our team has been focused on launching products that enable consumers to engage with what’s on the screen in ways they never have before,” said Mike Berkley, Chief Product Officer at fuboTV. “Live sports in particular perfectly lends itself to enhanced viewing experiences.”
Future Today is partnering with YouTube’s Brat TV to launch a dedicated streaming channel featuring Brat TV’s video series and content geared towards teenage audiences. The new AVOD channel, free on Roku and Fire TV, offers more than 85 hours of original programming.
Discovery+ is launching a “Black Voices” hub, with programming spotlighting the African American community. The hub will live on the platform year-round with curated series, documentaries, and specials. “Black voices should be celebrated 365 days a year,” said Lisa Holme, Group SVP of Content and Commercial Strategy for Discovery. “We are proud to bring universal and relatable stories to the platform that highlight and represent the Black community across genres that we know will resonate with viewers.”
The Judy Justice FAST channel is joining over 50 other FAST channels on IMDb TV, including recently added channels for “The Price is Right: The Barker Era” and “Supermarket Sweep.” Launch date: Monday, January 24.
Users of Vizeo SmartCast TV’s now have access to Sling TV. “We are delighted to provide SmartCast users with access to premium channels like ESPN and Showtime as well as live sports, news and entertainment through the Sling TV streaming app,” said Katherine Pond, Vice President of Business Development at VIZIO.
Filmhub and Struum have partnered to accelerate the distribution of content featured at the 2022 Slamdance Film Festival. The companies are offering every filmmaker exhibiting at Slamdance the opportunity to both extend the reach of the film while also capturing every dollar realized by both Filmhub and Struum in its first year of distribution. The services will forego the usual profit share while also making the film available to Struum subscribers. FilmHub also announced a $6.8 million seeding round led by a16z.
NextGen television service Evoca is expanding to bring Altitude Sports and 60 other popular TV channels to Denver and across the Front Range for $25 per month plus a receiver. Beginning in February, Evoca subscribers in Denver and Colorado Springs will have access to Evoca Replay, a new feature providing viewers with access to full recordings of games from the previous three days. |
ACCOUNT MANAGER
UPtv
ATLANTA, HYBRID
Manage assigned portfolio of video providers in alignment with company goals. Develop & maintain strong corporate, division/regional & system relationships. Achieve content distribution & marketing goals across account portfolio. Min of 2-5 yrs’ B2B sales & client relationship management exp; exp in cable television distribution a plus. Full info HERE (2/7)
AD SALES – NATIONAL
UPtv
NYC, ATLANTA or CHICAGO, HYBRID
Maintain agency accounts including upfront and scatter order entry, inventory moves, and product allocations and Electronic Data Interchange, flowcharts, change notices, handling program changes, booking billboards for marketing sponsorships. Communicate daily with Traffic Department. BA in Communication or equivalent from a four-year college. Full info HERE (2/7)
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER
UPtv
ATLANTA, HYBRID
Oversee day-to-day management of campaigns and ensure brand consistency. Develop social media campaigns; drive brand awareness, and engagement. Work with brand managers to create and implement social media strategies monthly. Proven track record of using social platforms to drive conversation and conversion. Full info HERE (2/7)
MEDIA SALES PLANNER >>
FUSE MEDIA INC/NYC, NY: Create and manage national sales proposals, monitor on-air schedules on a daily basis, prepare post analysis for clients and resolve contract discrepancies. Obtain, organize and analyze research and competitive information. Monitor stewardship of all accounts. 2-4 years of experience in a media sales company, or advertising agency preferred. Full info HERE (2/6)
SHOOTER/PRODUCER/EDITOR >>
OVERTIME/BROOKLYN: Shoot and produce digital video content. Operate as a one-person band getting your own video, audio, and necessary coverage. Act as the primary liaison with our subjects and must always represent the core values of our brand in the field. Credits in digital/doc/reality programming & experience shooting on the Sony FS-7 or adjacent models. Full info HERE (2/6)
SUPERVISING PRODUCER >>
OVERTIME/BROOKLYN: Manage a team of producers/shooters, and editors. Impart technical expertise of shooting and editing equipment to team members. Oversee serialized content from casting through picture lock. Direct large projects and live events. At least 6+ years of video production experience on long-form content. Full info HERE (2/6)
EDITOR >>
OVERTIME/BROOKLYN: Create and edit original mid-from and long-form video feature stories for Overtime’s YouTube page and social platforms, using creative storytelling and editing to produce the best possible video. Ensure we're creating the best video content up to Overtime standards. Credits working in long-form doc/reality programming. Full info HERE (2/6)
MARKETING MANGER >>
CLEAR CHANNEL/NYC: Prepare ideas & strategy for sales pitches. Develop strategic marketing plans that identify & direct marketing activities toward opportunities for revenue growth. Serve as an expert in media strategy, research insights & product innovation. 3-5 yrs of Marketing and/or Advertising experience. Business Acumen, Results Focus, and Problem Solving req. Full info HERE (2/5)
ACCOUNT DIRECTOR, AD SALES
TV ONE
CHICAGO
Communicate the value and brand strength to advertisers and agencies. Create compelling presentations and proactively keep clients informed of pertinent account and network information, as well as marketplace conditions. Make in-person visits to advertisers and agencies. Minimum 4+ years national advertising sales or equivalent sales experience. Full info HERE (2/4)
AD SALES PLANNER
TV ONE
NYC
Maintain client relationships and process client requests. Negotiate client rates and provide weekly budget reports. Provide quarterly agency/account budget tracking reports and summaries. Analyze and report average unit rates on a weekly/monthly basis. Min of 2 yrs of relevant advertising/media and min one yr direct response experience required. Full info HERE (2/2)
BROADCAST MANAGER >>
AMERICAN KENNEL CLUB/NYC, NY: Primary contacts for AKC.tv & AKC productions. Manages the production calendar, including national broadcasts, livestream events, weekly shows, & studio productions. Tracks & monitors the process with AKC clubs for televised events, including contracts & payments. 2+ yrs of exp in broadcast management, communications, marketing, or related field. Full info HERE (1/28)
DIRECTOR III, SALES >>
NEXSTAR MEDIA GROUP/CHAMPAIGN, IL: Provides leadership for the broadcast/digital sales teams. Makes decisions regarding hiring, evaluating, promoting and terminating of employees. Manages recruitment, Training, evaluation, and development of sales professionals. Develops and cultivates client relationships alongside Account Executives. 3+ yrs exp in selling TV, Video and Digital. Full info HERE (1/28)
SENIOR ANALYST, TV AUDIENCE RESEARCH
E.W. SCRIPPS COMPANY, ION & BOUNCE
ATLANTA, NYC
Report & evaluate existing metrics, develop new metrics and reports, & provide strategic recommendations to assist with driving decision-making & measuring performance for key stakeholders. Perform analyses for network programming & competitive analysis for programs on other networks. Minimum 3+ yrs Media and/or TV audience research experience. Full info HERE (1/27)
ACQUISITIONS SPECIALIST >>
VIACOMCBS/LOS ANGELES: Forecast & develop delivery schedules & confer with creative teams, management & production company production personnel to handle special requests & production scheduling issues. Collaborate daily with program suppliers to coordinate the delivery of program content. Min 3 yrs in acquisition and delivery of media assets used to produce marketing. Full info HERE (1/27)
DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMMING
CIRCLE MEDIA
NASHVILLE TN
Development, as well as enhancement, of workflows for a linear broadcast, and FAST/AVOD OTT channel. Establish the goal setting and success of the long-term programming analysis and moving Circle Media towards a “rated” channel and ensure successful and timely program delivery. Point of contact for all live events in the Linear and OTT feed. Full info HERE (1/26)
SR. DIRECTOR, INTERNATIONAL, LEGAL & BA
A+E NETWORKS
NY or REMOTE
Focus on international commercial transactions, including content sales, program license, output agreements as well as international compliance, regulatory matters. Provide counsel on formation, structuring, maintenance, of JVs and partnerships. 7+ yrs legal exp including IP, domestic/int. content licensing, linear/on-demand rights and distribution. Full info HERE (1/26)
SENIOR SALES PLANNER >>
REELZ, NY: Create/revise upfront/scatter media plans, account stewardship & serve as agency liaison. Should be comfortable presenting and cultivating agency relationships. A min. 5 yrs ad sales/agency exp. Strong written and verbal communication skills, strong media math skills. Proficient in Wide Orbit, MS Suite. Full info HERE (1/26)
JUNIOR SALES PLANNER >>
REELZ/NYC, NY: Create upfront/scatter media plans, account stewardship & serve as agency liaison. Maintain agency accounts including upfront and scatter order entry, campaign changes, and product allocations. Assist Account Executives and work closely with the Director of Inventory Control. A min 2 yrs ad sales/agency exp. Proficient in Wide Orbit, MS Suite. Full info HERE (1/26) |
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