09/30/15: Google launches new Chromecast and smartphones; AOL and Verizon announce content and partnership deals; Comcast launches streaming service



CYNOPSISDIGITAL
09.30.15

Good morning. It’s Wednesday September 30, 2015, and this is your first early morning digital briefing.

TODAY’S TOP NEWS

Apple has hogged the tech spotlight lately, but Google is simply not to be outdone. The company has unveiled two new Android phones, the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X. In addition to other new features, both phones can shoot video in slow motion and in 4K Ultra HD.  And according to Google, the 6P has larger pixels than its predecessor, improving its indoor photography abilities. The phones’ exact release date hasn’t been announced.

Google also announced a new Chromecast device. Like the first model, the updated Chromecast 2.0 will plug into the back of a TV set and cast content from the Chromecast app to the screen. But there are some significant updates. The new Chromecast features a revamped design, along with improved Wi-Fi and connectivity features. And along with the updated Chromecast comes a new Chromecast app for iOS and Android, which allows for much easier navigation: Tapping on a show within the app will take the user directly to the appropriate app – be it Netflix, YouTube, etc. – and start streaming the show right away.  (Learn more new features here.) Chromecast 2.0 will cost $35.

And yes, even more from Google: The company announced the new Chromecast Audio, which can plug directly into any speaker set and cast streaming audio services such as Spotify and Pandora over Wi-Fi. No Bluetooth required.

AOL + VERIZON

AOL kicked off some major new developments at Monday’s AOL Future Front event. Speakers included The Huffington Post‘s Ariana Huffington, AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, and Brian Angiolet, Verizon‘s SVP of Consumer Products.  Some celebs hopped onstage as well, including Olympic snowboarder Shaun White and rapper Snoop Dogg (or is it Snoop Lion now?). Both White and Snoop are creating content for Verizon’s Go90 streaming platform, for which AOL is handling all ad sales (more on that soon). The night ended with a highly emotive performance from the Alabama Shakes, followed by a DJ set from the Dogg (lion?) himself. 

Brian Angiolet‘s address was particularly notable. Verizon‘s SVP of Consumer Products detailed some new features of the Go90 service, which has been living in a beta phase for most of September. Among the most intriguing: Go90 allows users to easily isolate specific moments from videos they’ve been watching, and then share them with friends. As a reminder, Verizon is currently partnered with the NFL for a streaming deal. And it’s easy to see football fans getting giddy over the prospect of sharing their favorite plays at will.    

Some more news from AOL and Verizon: Verizon has partnered with multi-national advertising group Publicis for a yearlong deal. The deal, which places Publics as Go90‘s exclusive advertiser for fully three months, is worth close to 50 million dollars. More than 10 Publicis clients will advertise on the service. As mentioned, AOL – owned by Verizon – will handle all advertising sales for the service.

So why was Snoop Dogg hanging out with a bunch of corporate executives? Well, as it turns out, he’s creating and starring in a reality sports series centered on the Snoop Youth Football League, his football league for underprivileged children. No specific release date has been set for the series.

And in yet more AOL news, the company has signed Toyota Motor as the official launch sponsor of AOL’s content partnership with NBCUniversal. First announced in April, that partnership will allow AOL to stream video content from NBCUniversal’s properties on AOL’s streaming platform On. Toyota will work with AOL on branding, sponsorship and the development of original content.

OTT + SVOD

Comcast, welcome to the streaming game. Comcast has launched a beta version of Watchable, a new digital video platform that will be compatible with iOS and Xfinity X1, and accessible on watchable.com. The service features videos and TV shows from about 30 Comcast partners, including AwesomenessTV, BuzzFeed, and Discovery Digital Networks. Watchable is ad-supported, and free.

Remember when airplane passengers had to share a single screen? Those days are long, long gone. Netflix has teamed up with Virgin America: On a select number of planes, the airline will allow Netflix subscribers to access the SVOD service without paying their hefty Wi-Fi fee. Amazon Prime made a similar deal with JetBlue earlier this year.

Such is the current state of cord-cutting: Even Showtime doesn’t need you to subscribe to Showtime. The CBS-owned premium network’s stand-alone SVOD service, which gives users VOD and live streaming access to the network’s programming, has launched on multiple Amazon and Google devices. The service is now available on Fire tablets, Fire TV, and Fire TV stick, as well as Android phones, TVs, tablets, and Google‘s Chromecast.


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MUSIC

Spotify, Pandora, Apple MusicAmazon? Yesterday, Amazon announced that Prime Music, its streaming music service, will add albums from Universal Music‘s catalogue. That includes the likes of Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Ariana Grande, and many more. Until now, many have criticized Prime Music for carrying too many old titles that draw little interest from listeners.

VIRTUAL REALITY

Well that’s a surefire way to engage students. On Monday, Google announced its Expeditions Pioneer Program: During the 2015/2016 school year, the company will bring virtual reality kits to classrooms in multiple countries. The kits will allow teachers to take pupils (eye pun very much intended) on virtual tours of famous locations, including the Great Wall of China, the Great Barrier Reef, and even Mars.  The kits will include ASUS smartphones, a tablet for teachers to direct a virtual tour, a router that allows Expeditions to run without an Internet connection, and either Google Cardboard viewers or Mattell View-Masters, either of which can be used to turn phones into VR headsets.  

NEW PROGRAMMING + DEALS

Lorne Michaels‘ production company Broadway Video, best known for producing Saturday Night Live, has announced Mas Mejor, an upcoming digital production studio aimed at Latinos. SNL alums Fred Armisen and Horatio Sanz will be taking on major roles, working with emerging talent – including Vine star David Lopez and stand-up comic Gina Brillon – to develop short-form comedy content for the studio. Mas Mejor launches in January 2016.

Netflix just nabbed some new content. The service has acquired streaming rights to the CW‘s telenovela-style dramedy Jane the Virgin, as well as CBS‘s sci-fi series Zoo and USA‘s upcoming drama Colony. The deal terms haven’t been made public.

BRANDS

This summer, Evolve Media‘s CraveOnline Media relaunched its flagship website, CraveOnline.com. The relaunch featured a complete design overhaul, and a shift in editorial direction under new Executive Editor Andrew Pogany. The male-lifestyle site now focuses exclusively on the 25-34-year-old demographic. CraveOnline is celebrating the relaunch tonight, with an 8pm gala at the NYC club Provocateur.

CONTENT PROGRAMMING

NBA Digital, which is jointly managed by the NBA and Turner Sports, is going multiplatform with NBA Real Training Camp. The show, a backstage look at Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers, will be simulcast on the NBA TV Facebook page, along with NBA TV and NBA.com. The broadcast will mark the first time a live sports program has been simulcast on Facebook.


A CYNOPSIS MESSAGE


Next up? Our Cable Network Fall Preview!

Cynopsis is launching a new cable FALL PREVIEW GUIDE, a dynamic online resource with embedded video on Cynopsis.com that will help you keep track of what’s new and what’s coming back this season.

Our guide provides a look at the fall slates, while providing sponsors with a rich, advertiser-friendly custom environment that promotes their new shows.

CHECK IT OUT HERE ! .


RESEARCH

Millennials do pay attention! That was one of the main takeaways from Viacom‘s Attention Study, released today, in an interactive exhibition that will run at the company’s New York headquarters through October 8. The experience includes biometric research on how different television show genres impact attention; a multitasking test, which neuroscientists say only 2.5% of the population can do effectively, and more. The goal, of course, is to frame a new conversation to help marketers create more engaging experiences for their audiences. Taco Bell VP Media & Brand Partnerships Juliet Corsinita gave the presentation a big thumbs up. "We are always interested in deeper levels of connection," she told Cynopsis. Top of mind for TB these days? "Big events. Live sports are of interest and anything with music. Plus gaming, which is new for us. People want to be part of the athleticism of sports, and gaming allows you to become personally invested."

EXECUTIVE MOVES

Hulu has hired Ben Smith to a newly created role. Previously a product manager for Sonos and Microsoft‘s Xbox team, Smith will serve as Hulu‘s SVP and Head of Experience. As Head of Experience, Smith will oversee the four teams that make up Hulu’s Experience division: product, user experience, digital video production, and customer support.


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FUTURE INDUSTRY LEADERS

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Register today to attend the Rising Star Cocktail Reception


DIGITAL SPOTLIGHT

Marriott Content Studio, which has been producing original branded content for Marriott since the studio’s launch in 2014, has released a five-episode animated web series. Hot Shoppe, produced in partnership with Believe Entertainment, explores the history of the Marriott brand. It’s available on the company’s YouTube page, and it’s a memorable bit of branded content. Watch the first episode here.

See you tomorrow,
David Teich
09.30.15

Roberta Caploe: Associate Publisher @ robertacaploe
Diane K Schwartz: Senior Vice President, Media Communications Group

Cynopsis Ad Sales: Mike Farina | VP, Sales | 203-218-6480
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CYNOPSIS JOBS For More jobs, visit Cynopsis.com


JOB OPENING: 2nd ASSISTANT ACCOUNTANT/NBCU/Stamford: The 2nd Accountant Assistant will be responsible for processing and auditing all card payments, consult with staff regarding receipt discrepancies and obtain approvals, etc. Full info/apply HERE (10/7)

JOB OPENING: AD SALES PLANNER/Crown Media Family Networks/NY: Provides support to Ad Sales by working with Acct Execs to service clients. Including sales plans, power point presentations, media schedules, media kits, tapes and traffic concerns. BS req and Min 1-2 yrs exp. Full info/apply HERE (10/7)

JOB OPENING: GLOBAL TECH EVAL/A+E Networks/Stamford CT: Tech Eval &QC network television programs. Uphold specs &SOP. Frame rates, vectorscopes audio meters. Full Info/Apply HERE (10/7)

JOB OPENING: REGIONAL ACCOUNT DIRECTOR/NCM/Seattle or Portland: Cinema advertising sales. Outside sales exp necessary w/demonstrated closing ability. 3 yrs media sales exp pref’d. Exc comm & presentation skills. Full info/apply HERE (10/7)

JOB OPENING: ASSOCIATE WRITER/PRODUCER/Cartoon Network/ATL: Write promos and package video content for on-air, & internal creative. Concept ideation, copywriting, producing, executing. 2 yrs exp.  Passion for comedy & kid’s culture. Basic editing skills a plus. Apply HERE  (10/6)
 
JOB OPENING: DIGITAL MARKETING CONTENT COORDINATOR/[adult swim]/ATL: Work with many depts. to identify & produce contnt for digital & linear platforms. Creative. Passion for internet culture. Social media expertise. Adobe creative exp preferred. Apply HERE  (10/6)
 
JOB OPENING: MANAGER, AD SALES FINANCE/NYC: The Ad Sales Finance Manager is responsible for core ad sales finance processes and is a key player on the team supporting a variety of brands within the NBC Sports Group. Full info/apply HERE (10/6)

JOB OPENING: CREATIVE DIR/A&E/NY: Manage the day-to-day leadership and motivation of the A&E On-Air creative team to create innovative campaigns at the highest creative standards. Minimum 7 yrs of cable/brdcst on-air promo exp. Apply HERE (10/6)
 
JOB OPENING: SR MORNING SHOW PRODUCER/THE WEATHER CHANNEL/ATL: Lead our new digital-only morning show. Resp for editorial content, creative, & production of a unique show for DIG audience. Resumes to [email protected] (10/6)

JOB OPENING: SCHEDULING COORD/AMC and SundanceTV/NYC: Work w/sched team behind The Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, Rectify, etc. Entry level, intersect w/multi depts. Detail-orientated w/passion for brdcst/cable TV ind. Full info/apply HERE (10/4)

JOB OPENING: DEPUTY EDITOR/NBC Asian/NYC: The Deputy Editor will report directly to the verticals Editorial Manager. Responsibilities include: Edit, produce, publish daily content for Asian American. Full info/apply HERE (10/3)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, CONSUMER MKTG/TV One/Silver Spring: Dvlp new mktg ideas & strategies to help increase the AA P25-54 demo. Strong knwldg cable ind relating to African-American demographics. BA Mktg, bus admin or comm + min 8-10 yrs exp ntwk TV mktg. Full info/apply HERE (10/3)

JOB OPENING: SR MGR CONSUMER MKTG/ TV One/ Silver Spring: Dvlp/mng consumer mktg & promo campaigns to drive awareness, reach & ratings for ntwrk initiatives. Strong knwldg cable ind w/African-American demo. BA Mktg, bus admin or comm + min 5-8 yrs exp ntwk TV mktg. Full info/apply HERE (10/3)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL EDITORIAL DIRECTOR/KXAS/Fort Worth: Responsible for local coverage strategy on all digital platforms incl social media & mobile offerings to drive revenue. A min of 5 yrs exp brdcst TV, Cable TV &/or Web-Internet mngmnt or operational role. Full info/apply HERE (10/2)

JOB OPENING: COORDINATOR, AD SALES MARKETING/Travel Channel/NYC: Seeking strong communicator to support development and activation of client-specific marketing solutions and maintain communication tools. www.scrippsnetworks.com #5029 (10/2)

JOB OPENING: SALES ASSISTANT/REELZ/NYC: Daily maint of accounts. Booking orders, pulling reports & brand allocations. Work closely with traffic dept, planners & AEs all areas scheduling & inv management. Sintec exp. a plus.Full info/apply HERE (10/2)

JOB OPENING: DIRECTOR, SOCIAL MEDIA/DISCOVERY DIGITAL NETWORKS/SF: Lead/implement social media strategy, mng a team of Specialists, grow daily audience & awareness for DDN. 6 yrs exp social media, multi-platform expert, strong mngmnt skills. Apply Here (10/1)

JOB OPENING: DIR, BRAND MARKETING/USA/NYC: Direct consumer mktg efforts. 7-10 yrs of consumer mktg media exp. Trad & digi mktg for TV network req. Dev strat,campaign planning, budgets & employees. Full info/apply HERE (10/1)

JOB OPENING: EDITORIAL STRATEGY/NBCU/NYC: 8 yrs editorial exp. w/interactive media, mgr editorial projects; creating & maintaining editorial voice for USA. Content strat, editorial ideation & planning. Full info/apply HERE (10/1)

JOB OPENING: DIGITAL PRODUCER/SPROUT/NYC: Manage portfolio of dig projects in interactive, gaming & dig media; Exp w/Agile/Scrum framework & full dev cycle, from concept to delivery; Min. 5 yrs exp. Full info/apply HERE (10/1)

JOB OPENING: ANALYST, PROGRAM RESEARCH/Bravo/NYC: Knowledge of Nielsen, proactive thinker and good communication skills needed; 1-2 years relevant exp preferred. Cable ntwk exp a plus. Full info/apply HERE (10/1)

JOB OPENING: PHOTOGRAPHER/NBC CT/New Haven: NBC Connecticut is looking for a photojournalist for our New Haven, CT studio. As a Photojournalist you will be responsible for videotaping and editing local news events Full info/apply HERE (10/1)

JOB OPENING: PRODUCER/NYC: Strong journalistic, writing, shooting, pitching & producing skills needed; at least 5 yrs editorial experience at network level preferred. Full info/apply HERE (10/1)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH & STRATEGY MGR/Insight Strategy Group/NYC: Highly skilled rsrchrs & strategist to, Ind mng teams & proj delivery across all aspects of proj lifecycle. Grad deg + 3-5 yrs exp mkt rsrch, or in brand/mktg consulting role. Email HERE (10/1)

JOB OPENING: RESEARCH AND STRATEGY DIRECTOR/Insight Strategy Group/NYC: Highly skilled rsrchrs & strategist to translate bus. objectives into qualitative/quantitative rsrch plans.Grad deg social sciences mktg or related field. 5-7 yrs exp mkt rsch provider. Email HERE (10/1)

JOB OPENING: SR ANALYST/Benenson Strategy Group/Santa Monica: Support new business initiatives, focusing on media/ent ind. 3+ yrs exp comm, consulting, mkt-rsrch, etc. 1+ yrs exp ent rsrch on behalf of movie studios, TV ntwrks & streaming svcs pref’d. Full info/apply HERE (10/1)

CASTING CALL: Companies can showcase their casting notices/casting calls here. For information on rates and specs for posting a casting notice, please email Trish at [email protected]

EXPERT SERVICES ADS: These ads are for companies or people who offer an expertise in the field of media by way of production, voice over artistry, writing, set development, etc. For information on rates and specs for posting an Expertise Service ad email Trish at [email protected]

INTERNSHIPS – These positions are for credit only – nobody gets paid here. These ads are always posted for free, and students work for school credit only. For more information on the specs for posting an Internship ad, email Trish at [email protected].

SITUATION WANTED ADS, POSTED BY THOSE LOOKING TO BE HIRED… There is no charge for placing your Situation Wanted ad… for more information contact Trish Pihonak at [email protected]

E-mail [email protected] or call Trish Pihonak at 203-899-8459 for rates and specs for Job Openings.

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