AT&T 3g Coverage

AT&T has been known for promoting their efficient 3g coverage. Unfortunately, their coverage is not currently available everywhere. Florence is one of those areas that does not offer 3g coverage. I am not doubting the quality of AT&T as a phone service, but some of their newest commercials and advertisements include statements that are not necessarily true for every location. I am an AT&T user, but lack service in many places (even my apartment). Also, those who have the Iphone can not use every feature without access to a working 3g network. The company previously stated that towers around the area would be updated by February 2009, but now they are saying that it will not be until "first quarter 2010".

The mobile market is one of the most competitive today. All phone companies have had to step up their game to survive the economic recession. AT&T is known for using celebrity endorsements and humorous content to promote their products. They also do not hesitate say slanderous comments about their competitors.

Do you think AT&T's advertisements are misleading to the public? Also, do you think their advertising methods are an effective way to promote their products or do you think they are merely trying to mask some unfortunate truths about their phone service?

New Compurters Feature Face Detection Logins

The latest computers have become so innovative that they now include a new face detection login feature. Instead of typing in a password to log on, when a user turns the computer on it automatically scans their face and immediately logs the user in to their personal settings. The function can be turned on or off depending on the user's preference.

Do you think this new way to personalize your computer is a good development in the right direction for security purposes?

The end of television as your parents knew it?

This is a watershed moment in the history of television. General Electric and Comcast have announced a deal to sell 51% ownership in NBC-Universal to Comcast. GE will retain 49% ownership. All sorts of observations, comments, complaints and allegations are already appearing as to what this sale will mean to future television viewing. I can't identify all levels of impact but here are some observations:
1. Comcast could have a greater ability to influence (restrict) the amount of free online content. Their motive is to collect not just eyeballs that are sold to advertisers, but to generate revenue through subscription services.
2. Cable subscriptions could lead to anywhere, anytime television. A cable subscription could lead to a "mobile" or online license to view content.
3. Content may appear on proprietary websites. Instead of sending programming to Hulu.com or elsewhere, the programming could be warehoused on a Comcast site--available only to Comcast cable subscribers.
4. Ownership diversity shrinks further. Larger scale will be needed across all media industries to compete. As companies get larger, the number of owners will shrink.
5. Over-the-air television will likely operate but the need for the sheer number of free TV stations may shrink--especially if more and more programming migrates to on demand availability.
6. Appointment viewing shrinks; there will be less emphasis on watching a program at a specific time when it can be found at any time through a subscription service. (This trend is likely even without the Comcast/NBC-U deal.)
7. This is a pivotal moment for the Federal Communications Commission as it looks at historic regulatory trends and economic analysis to determine marketplace competition and how it should respond to this business deal.
8. Expect the Justice Department to examine the deal--just as they did the XM/Sirius deal (approved), the DirectTV/Dish merger (not approved) and don't forget about the DOJ breakup of AT&T--a reverse strategy to current media trends.
9. Expect another big deal in the next 18 months.

See these articles in The Washington Post:

http://ComcastNBCU-Friday.notlong.com AND http://WashPost-Friday2.notlong.com

The Death of Discourse!

"I'm an addict. I just get lost in Facebook," Newton said. "My daughter gets so PO'd at me, and really it is kind of pathetic. It's not something I'm particularly proud of. I just get so sucked in."

Newton (that's not her real name; she's embarrassed by her Facebook use and requested anonymity) says she spends about 20 hours a week on the social networking site, half the time for work -- she runs an online business -- and half just for fun. She's tried to cut down on her Facebook use but failed.

"I can go a whole day without Facebook," she said. "But I've never made it through an entire weekend."

Although there are no statistics on "Facebook addiction" -- it isn't an actual medical diagnosis -- therapists say they're seeing more and more people like Newton who've crossed the line from social networking to social dysfunction.

(CNN) -- One day recently, Cynthia Newton's 12-year-old daughter asked her for help with homework, but Newton didn't want to help her, because she was too busy on Facebook. So her daughter went upstairs to her room and sent an e-mail asking her for help, but Newton didn't see the e-mail, because, well, she was too busy on Facebook. "Last Friday, I had three clients in my office with Facebook problems," said Paula Pile, a marriage and family therapist in Greensboro, North Carolina. "It's turned into a compulsion -- a compulsion to dissociate from your real world and go live in the Facebook world." Watch more on Facebook addiction »
So how do you know when your Facebook use has turned into a compulsion? You can take Pile's "Facebook Compulsion Inventory" to find out.

Pile and the other therapists interviewed for this article were quick to say that Facebook itself isn't the problem and that the vast majority of its 200 million users probably function just fine.

She says problems arise when users ignore family and work obligations because they find the Facebook world a more enjoyable place to spend time than the real world.

To read the rest of the article to fund out if you are addicted to facebook, here is the link http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/04/23/ep.facebook.addict/index.html

I think that websites like facebook and twitter are a contribution to the death of discourse, among many other things. I personally know a lot of people whose relationships have been ruined because of Facebook, and i also know people who prefer to talk through facebook rather than actual person-to-person communication. Is this an issue with anybody else? How do you think people can realize that this website is another factor with the death of discourse?

Hunting Killer Trends

An increasingly digitized world makes it easier for artists and fans to have direct relationships, without the labels taking their cut. Artists like Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails have seen the writing on that wall, releasing albums themselves, online, to varying degrees of financial success. These are the early days of what may be a new paradigm for media.

The emergence of social networking sites like Facebook could be the biggest disruptive influence of all. A few keystrokes and mouse clicks now let people spread the word about cutting-edge artists and events to hundreds of others in seconds. In turn, all of those people have the ability to share that news with their friends, too. This ever-increasing free flow of information among consumers and creators could become the greatest threat to old-school media companies' marketing-driven business models.

As often and vehemently as they've resisted innovation in the past, I seriously wonder how today's media companies can survive in the face of digital delivery. Perhaps many of them shouldn't.

What do you think about digital distribution trends? Which companies will get wiped out by this paradigm shift? Which are most likely to survive? Are there even more disruptive innovations on the way? Will companies like Apple and Google be able to keep on innovating?

No Recession for Sony!

Sony is leading the way for 3-D T.V. Sony has already said it targets revenue of more than $11.4 billion from 3-D related products, including televisions, disk players and game consoles. I think this is pretty cool, and I can't wait to get one!

To read more, just click here:http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703499404574559250877354862.html

"Netbook or Notebook?"

Netbooks are rapidly evolving and they are usually marketed as companion devices. The original netbook was the Asus Eee PC 7 inch model which lead to 9 inches and now the most popular 10 inch screen model. This new netbook is growing in demand because they are cheaper , weighs less, and more portable. The netbooks don’t compete with desktops when it comes to memory, battery life, and power. Some individuals aren’t worried about these qualities making the netbook very appealing.
“Ultrathins” are Intel’s new line of PC’s that offer more powerful processors than netbooks. “The argument is that these new PCs really provide a "full PC" experience whereas netbooks don't.” Then there is the new netbook called Acer Aspire One 11.6 inch which are a great match for people on the road. They are less than 3 lbs, fit conveniently on an airplane tray, take advantage of multi task gestures, and is rated 8.5 on battery life. So what will people give up are they going to go with the new netbooks or powerful PC’s.

Check out the website at: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/PrimalScreen/slim-pc-blurs-line-netbook-notebook/story?id=8977274&page=2

AT&T files lawsuit to Verizon

I read this article in USA today yesterday actually, I thought it was really interesting. AT&T filed a lawsuit against Verizon for Verizon's new commercial that says "There's an a map for that!"

AT&T says it is a spin off of their commercial that says "There's an app for that!" AT&T also says that Verizon's new commercial is inaccurate. 

You can check it out for yourself here:

http://www.usatoday.com/tech/techinvestor/corporatenews/2009-11-12-adfight12_ST_N.htm

Also here is a link to the commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37NKnDRPFKU

Iphone has another new app.

Theres yet another new Iphone app. out. I know theres a lot of apps out there but this could actually come in handy if you rent movies regularly.Do you think it will become a top rated app.? Check it out.




It doesn’t rent movies online or offer streaming and downloads, but the new iPhone app Movie Gallery launched Nov. 16 allows consumers to get instant movie recommendations, search for movies by title, actor or genre, watch trailers and find a Gallery or Hollywood Video store location.

The free app called “DidjaC” is available at the Apple App Store, HollywoodVideo.com and
MovieGallery.com.




http://www.homemediamagazine.com/movie-gallery/movie-gallery-bows-iphone-app-new-web-sites-17607

"Google hopes Go will give a browser a boost"

Google is trying to revamp the computing industry to help their business succeed and the web itself. Google is trying a new project "Go programming language." Go will be run directly within a web browser linked with "Googles Native Client software." The program will run faster than todays JavaScript. According to the article, "Go is only experimental at this stage, but Google hopes to use it to produce some of the software running on its vast array of servers." Google is trying to improve and make things different with Go by making it helpful to run certain software. With all the money Google could revenue from this performance it is a big push for them to do well.

Check out the article at: http://news.cnet.com/8301-30685_3-10395355-264.html?tag=newsLeadStoriesArea.1

another new way to rent movies.

There are tons of ways to rent movies now a days, but NCR Corporations and MOD have found yet another way to do this. How do you think this would change the way we rent movies now?

NCR Corporation (NYSE: NCR) and MOD Systems®, Inc., have taken the first step in changing the way consumers purchase, rent and play entertainment titles on electronic devices. NCR and MOD Systems today announced a digital kiosk download pilot that transforms the movie rental experience into a simple, three-step process: choosing from more than a thousand movies and TV shows stored in a kiosk, quickly downloading the title to a secure digital (SD) memory card, and playing the movie on a home television.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/ncr-mod-systems-begin-digital,1034895.shtml

-Anthony Parasiliti-

Backpack MoJo

As soon as I figure that TV stations are going to settle on backpack journalist in place of the gender-biased term one-MAN-band, a new phrase comes along. MoJo for mobile journalist.

Check out the trend, in use at more and more TV stations.

http://www.tvnewscheck.com/articles/2009/11/05/daily.14/

Outrunning their headlights?

A friend of mine has a saying, "Don't outrun your headlights." There's been discussion about radio being a declining medium--maybe even a dying medium. Can a commercial-packed hour of broadasting compete with commercial free, select-your-own music played from CDs or MP3 players? Nielsen has released study results showing that radio reaches 77% of adults daily. That's impressive--though TV has a 95% reach. Radio does even better among 18-34 listeners, reaching 80%.

The numbers are impressive but there is overlap among iPod/MP3 listeners and radio. What will happen as the iPod/MP3 technology becomes more widely available and easier to use? Does the data represent the strength of radio or signal the beginning of the end? Home broadband will enable listeners to download programs--which might just signal a shift of "radio" programming to a new distribution platform--the Internet to the MP3 player to the auto.

Read for yourself.

Radio is Red Hot is the name of a promotional campaign the RAB adopted several years ago to promote radio as an advertising medium. I have shortened the original URL with this name. Unfortunately, I couldn't include a question mark in the URL--not allowed.

http://bit.ly/RedHotRadio

Comcast Said to Be Close to Gaining NBC Universal

General Electric and the cable giant Comcast have moved closer to a deal giving control of NBC Universal to Comcast, and a formal announcement could be made sometime next week, people briefed on the talks said Sunday.

After a series of meetings last week, the two companies reached a tentative agreement on Friday over the main points of a deal, these people said. Comcast would own about 51 percent of NBC Universal, contributing several billions of dollars in cash and its own stable of cable networks to the new venture.

G.E., which currently owns 80 percent of the entertainment company, would retain the other 49 percent and would contribute about $12 billion in debt to the new entity, though it is expected eventually to sell its ownership interest over several years.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/business/media/02nbc.html?_r=1ears.

DVR, once thought to lower television ratings, is actually helping

Digital video recorders or "DVR" is a growing addition to homes across the country. Once thought to be the demise of television ratings, it is said that DVR may actually increase them. With more and more people turning to the internet for their television content, stations are actually pleased that people are using DVR because it records the shows exactly as they are aired, including commercials. When people use On Demand or internet feeds to watch their favorite shows, they are missing the commercials, which are so very important to the network. While one would think that consumers would simply fast forward through the commercials, according to the article, some people are still actually watching the commercials. Now whether the reason for not fast forwarding may be to actually see the adds, or just to have a chance to grab something from the kitchen, it keeps the sponsers happy regardless. Therefore, networks are now giving DVR a chance and realizing that maybe it is not so bad after all.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/02/business/media/02ratings.html?_r=1

Online ONLY TV Viewers Growing

http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/2009/10/ranks-of-online-only-tv-viewer.php

Check out the link above link, as it has to do with the growing rate of online "ONLY" TV

viewers. The reasoning behind their switch was saving money on their monthly television bills,

as well as the convenience, and hatred of commercials. Do you actually think that the numbers

will get high enough to where we will put away the traditional television sets??

MySpace ends its fight against Facebook
By BLOOMBERG NEWS
October 23, 2009

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NEW YORK - MySpace’s battle with Facebook is over, and the News Corp.-owned website is focused on a “fundamentally different’’ experience providing entertainment content, said Chief Executive Officer Owen Van Natta.

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“I really don’t view Facebook as a competitor,’’ Van Natta said in an interview yesterday. “I personally have a Facebook account, and I use it to communicate with my friends and my family. And I have a MySpace account that I use primarily to interact with other people in and around content.’’
MySpace introduced music features yesterday for artists and fans, part of an effort by Van Natta, 39, to focus on building entertainment programming since joining the company in April. Van Natta, the former chief operating officer of Facebook, is trying to reverse what researcher eMarketer projects will be a 14 percent drop in advertising on MySpace this year.
Van Natta said he’s building the MySpace user experience around the “socialization’’ of entertainment, including leveraging exclusive licensing deals with the world’s biggest music labels. Videos and online games are also a focus.
MySpace Music Videos will be a clearinghouse for videos from all the major record labels, the Los Angeles company said yesterday. It will include artist catalogs, as well as user recommendations on what to watch, a browsing tool, and a video player with “Buy’’ buttons.
Videos from the MySpace catalog also will be played on other social networks including Facebook as a result of the company’s recent acquisition of online music-sharing service iLike, Van Natta said. A new MySpace Artist Dashboard will provide a free data and analytics tool for musicians.
“The licenses that we have gotten through our partnerships are different from everybody else out there,’’ Van Natta said.
© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.

- I personally, think that Van Natta has a valid point, yes facebook is not as "industry based" as myspace , but i do believe that facebook will head that way. Myspace did not originally come with music and band groups and websites and technology blogs, but later turned into that when facebook came out to provide something different; I believe facebook too will change and adapt and become a huge compeitior if it is not already with myspace.

End of the world as Hollywood knows it

This morning's TV Week update carries a story and link to a interesting piece on CNET about the changing Hollywood entertainment industry. I keep telling my classes that changing public interest and access to entertainment content will change the media business.

The simple explanation: audiences access so much free content (yes, some is low production value user-generated content--such as YouTube) that they are not as motivated to buy or consume some higher production value content. Mainstream companies are making alternate content available through online distribution. Higher end content, currently free, may become subscription service--if not watched on broadcast or cable television. We talked on Thursday about Chase Carey's expectation that Hulu.com will become a subscription service.

Here's the CNET article:
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-10378654-261.html

Movie scrapped because of budget or risky business?

So Universal pictures decided to scrap a Kate Blanchett movie. The Excuse? Budget issues. There could be some truth to it if it weren't for the fact that the film, based on the non-fiction book about the end of British rule in India (to be filmed in India), also touched on an issue sensitive to the Indian government, mainly, the alleged affair between Edwina, the wife of British officical Lord Mountbatten, and the newly appointed (first) prime minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru.

No scenes of physical intimacy between Nehru and Lady Mountbatten are allowed, no gestures or actions or words of love or affection between the two .

BBC correspondent Soutik Biswas on the Indian government's objections.

Atonement director Joe Wright told Variety magazine he was 'between a rock and a hard place' because the studio wanted to make it a love story while the Indian government wanted to make it more about the history.

Wright wanted to film in India to make the film rich in heritage and authenticity while giving Indian citizens the opportunity to be used as extras in large crowd scenes.

So here is the question I pose to you classmates;

Should a country's government censor the script of a movie filmed in their country?

Let me use an example that doesn't involve non-ficition. Eli Roth was allowed to film his horror film epics 'Hostel' and it's subsequent sequels in Barrandov Studios, Prague and in Český Krumlov, Czech Republic even thought the film is set in Slovakia. As a result, the Slovakian government was appalled and mortified at the rough portrayal of their country while Roth argued the ferocity of the location was to add to the ambience, adding that even though Texas Chainsaw Massacre is set in Texas, it doesn't discourage people from going to Texas.

BBC News Article

BBC's Soutik Biswas's blog on the matter

Hostel on wikipedia

New Smartphone to give iPhone some competition?

Verizon is rumored to release the new DROID smartphone on October 30th. While the iPhone currently holds the title as the most technologically advanced phone, it has been said that the DROID may give Apple a run for their money. Other wireless providers have introduced touch screen phones, but none so far have been able to compete with the iPhone.

The DROID will have a competitive price of somewhere between 100 to 200 dollars. While this phone will never replace the iPhone, it is said that this comparative product will give Apple a "jab in the ribs". Honestly, as soon as this product is released there will likely be a buzz about it for a while but only until the "next big thing" is introduced. Apple has already had huge success with the new 3G iPhone. it is only a matter of time before they will introduce a new model or a revised version.

Who is to say that the Verizon DROID will even be successful? It may be like the other Smartphones that were said to be able to compete with the iPhone, yet paled in comparison. Only time will tell!

http://www.eweek.com/c/a/Mobile-and-Wireless/Verizon-Droid-Smartphone-Could-Give-iPhone-a-Jab-in-the-Ribs-211155/

First HDTV, now 3-D TV

It took more than 15 years to roll out digital HDTV in the U.S. The transmission switch from analog was just completed this summer and TV manufacturers are already thinking of the next innovation: 3D-TV.

You recall from class....we talked about Hollywood's fascination with 3D movies.

Hitachi has developed a 3-D set that does not require the goofy glasses. The bad news: there's no word yet on when the sets will be available to consumers and at what price. It will also be interesting to follow the development. Will another company come out with a competing 3-D format, like BlueRay and HD-DVD or Betamax and VHS. Here's a brief entry for the Hitachi set.

http://blogs.zdnet.com/home-theater/?p=1724&tag=nl.e539

A book started for children, now a movie for who?

This weekend was a big one for the movie industry. “Where the Wild Things Are” was No.1 with $32.5 million, according to ABC News. Surprisingly, the movies success came from adult audiences and not families. 43% of the audience was people 18 and older according to Warner Bros. There was a disagreement between the Spike Jonze the director and Warner Bros. The director wanted to convey a movie that was right on with the book. Warner Bros. wanted a more family approved film. They ended up compromising and supported the director by doing a campaign for “Wild Things”.
The movie is a about a little mischievous boy who imagines running away to a land of wild creatures. He envisions his own world away from reality; I believe that is why this movie was such a big hit with the adult audiences. People want an escape now more than ever. If people go out they want something enjoyable like this movie. It takes adults back to childhood memories and might give them a burst of spirit; I think that’s why it did so well with the older audience. The little boy becomes the king of the wild things and declares activities they begin to take part in. The movie brings the sounds and pictures to life, it creates what each child imagines when they read the book. A five minute to read book and transformed it into a 94 minute film full imagination, creativity, love, and excitement.

Check out the article about the movie at: http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=8856757

Jay Leno

Was it a good or bad idea that Jay Leno moved to prime time?


http://boards.soapoperanetwork.com/topic/32523-is-jay-leno-killing-nbc/





-Anthony Parasiliti-

Multimedia Equipment and Software

Want to do some content production on your own computer? You can spend a small fortune buying hardware and software but there are many very user-friendly programs that are free or cost very little.

The Freedom Forum, based in Washington, D.C., a nonpartisan foundation dedicated to free press, free speech and free spirit for all people, offers some suggestions on their website.

Here is the link:

http://freedomforumdiversity.org/resources/2009/08/24/update-free-or-cheap-multimedia-software-and-websites/

Or, click this shortened URL: http://multimedia-recommendations.notlong.com

Digital revolution

Three U.S. scientists will share the Nobel Prize in physics and their work has direct impact on media production and the digital environment. The innovation that seems to gather the most news attention is the development of fiber optics--the ability to transmit pulses of light over long distances through tiny strands of glass, smaller than a human hair. Fiber optic technology would lead to digital transmission of data--the pulses of light representing zeros and ones that are the heart of digital communications.

The other development is the invention of the CCD or charge-coupled device. The CCD became the heart of the digital camera and all modern video cameras. I have in my office three old pick-up tubes; these were vacuum tubes that were the heart of a television camera. One tube for each of the three primary colors--red, blue and green. The CCD would replace these and lead us to a generation of light weight, high performing and low cost cameras, from professional video cameras to cell phone cameras. The CCD converts the image into an electronic signal and replaces the old tubes. What is also especially nostalgic is that the CCD came from Bell Labs, the research lab that dates back to the founding of Bell Telephone and is responsible for numerous advances that have improved communications and made life more interesting. Once the CCD could record the image, think for a moment about the relatively "easy" step of converting this from light to electronic signal to digital information. Once digital, just like text and music, the video file (albeit a large file) could be edited and transmitted as digital data.

Read more here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8292372.stm

AND here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/science/07nobel.html?_r=1&hp

Sony shows off 3D TV technology

Sony has shown off a new single-lens camera able to capture 3D images.

The majority of existing 3D set-ups use two-camera systems to record images tailored specifically for the left and right eye of the viewer.

The new camera takes a single image that is split by mirrors and recorded on two sensors, resulting in a "smoother" picture, according to Sony.

The prototype camera will be unveiled at next week's Ceatec electronics show in Tokyo, Japan.

Viewers will be able to watch the 3D images using special polarised glasses. Without them, they will just see normal 2D television, according to the firm.

The firm said the camera, which is able to capture images very quickly, is especially suited to sporting events.

Long shot

The new camera is one of a number of developments being put forward by the firm, which hopes that 3D TV is about to take off.

This week, the firm also opened the doors to its European research labs to show off a different 3D camera technology for recording football games.

Broadcasters are focusing efforts on 3D sporting events

The technology uses three fixed cameras to record the entire football pitch. The images can them be mapped and, using software, create a 3D view.

"Each camera films a third of the pitch," explained John Stone, general manager of research and development at Sony Professional.

"Because those cameras are set up at the same focal point, they can be stitched together.

"And because we have the depth information for every shot we can a synthesise a 3D impression be effectively positioning the pixel to different depth positions in the 3D composition."

Mr Stone stressed that while the technology to display images in 3D was in place, it would be some time before it would be common place.

"I'm not sure we're quite at the stage now where we're going to have 3D Match of the Day," said Mr Stone. "But i'm hoping that there's going to be live events televised in 3D from 2010, and that can be edited down into shorter 3D highlights."

More from this article here.

Career Advice

I'm in Indianapolis, Indiana. I've spent the morning and afternoon at a Student Career Workshop sponsored by the Educational Foundation of the National Association of Television Program Executives (NATPE). NATPE is a TV trade association for TV stations and companies that produce and sell content for TV and other video devices. Go to www.natpe.org for more info.

I actually work for the Ed Foundation--have been working with them for about 15 years. NATPE sponsors two career seminars for college students each year. Want some career advice? Take a look at some of the career advice videos we've posted on YouTube. Just do a search with the terms: NATPE Career Advice or click here:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=natpe+career+advice&search_type=

The Beatles Box Set a Bargain or Not?

The Beatles and Yo-Yo Ma, have quality enhanced box sets available this month in stereo and mono. Box sets are being directed to older age groups. This is partly because the younger population is downloading music. They are interested in getting individual songs. The older population is interested in these original box sets. According to Mr. Eisenberg “It preserves a time that we want to remember, that we want to remain in.” Record companies are now targeting the older population with something special, because they have the money and attention span.

The Beatles box set is going for around $200 and the Yo-Yo Ma around $800. Box sets of worldwide celebrities according to the article box sets are leaping into the market “like a rain of bowling balls.” There are many different things to consider with box sets. Listening to all the CD’s is not what having them is all about, it’s that the collector or fan owns it they are in complete control of it. They could be a great gift for someone, and the online charges are less expensive because you’re paying for it once.

What is expensive for one person is a bargain for another. Is this a bargain to you or would you never consider it? Should we re-examine box sets and their value. Will it be a waste to buy a box set because something new will replace it, or are they preserving something classic that will never fade out?

Check out the full article at http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/27/weekinreview/27wakin.html?_r=1&ref=music

Down but hanging on.....

Network television....those over-the-air stations and their affiliated Big Five broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, CW) are doing pretty well, so far this TV season. Ok, we're only four days into the new TV season but here are some numbers.

Once upon a time, before the growth of so many cable channels, the over-the-air networks and their affiliates received 90%+ of all television viewing. The latest number shows a 42% share. There is real erosion but in 100+ channel homes, that's still not a bad percentage of viewers. To simplify the figure: If a group of 100 people were watching television, 42 of this 100 would likely be watching one of the Big Five networks.

Read the full article here:

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=114358

Network Phenom: Little Broadcast Erosion

Wayne Friedman, Sep 25, 2009 06:26 PM

The first four big days of the broadcast season might tell you of something that the networks have not seen in recent years -- very little broadcast erosion. The collective average ratings of the big five broadcast networks was at a Nielsen 15.4 rating among 18-49 viewers, down just 3% from a 15.8 a year ago. Total shares for the five networks were 42 versus 41 through the first four days a year ago.

Entertainment Brands and Extensions

Hasbro Toys is a name most of you will recognize. Hasbro also includes television programs that have developed from the toy lines. Now, Hasbro has hired someone to head a "virtual studio" for the company. It's a virtual studio because they're in the business of developing ideas and figuring out how to get an idea monetized. Others will be hired to handle the actual production--in the traditional production studio setting.

Here's the article link. Look at the product lines owned by Hasbro. Can a board game like Trivial Pursuit become a television/cable or online media event? Look also at the other people hired for this project and where they previously worked.

Hasbro's GI Joe: The Rise of Cobra, has generated about $300 million--equally split between domestic and int'l box office revenue. That movie had a production budget of $175 million plus marketing costs.

http://www.tvweek.com/blogs/tvbizwire/2009/09/stephen-j-davis-heads-up-virtu.php

http://www.boxofficemojo.com/movies/?id=gijoe.htm

Disney Aquiring Marvel Entertianment

DISNEY TO ACQUIRE MARVEL ENTERTAINMENT

Worldwide leader in family entertainment agrees to acquire Marvel and its portfolio of over 5,000 characters

Acquisition highlights Disney's strategic focus on quality branded content, technological innovation and international expansion to build long-term shareholder value

Burbank, CA and New York, NY, August 31, 2009 —Building on its strategy of delivering quality branded content to people around the world, The Walt Disney Company (NYSE:DIS) has agreed to acquire Marvel Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:MVL) in a stock and cash transaction, the companies announced today.

Under the terms of the agreement and based on the closing price of Disney on August 28, 2009, Marvel shareholders would receive a total of $30 per share in cash plus approximately 0.745 Disney shares for each Marvel share they own. At closing, the amount of cash and stock will be adjusted if necessary so that the total value of the Disney stock issued as merger consideration based on its trading value at that time is not less than 40% of the total merger consideration.

Based on the closing price of Disney stock on Friday, August 28, the transaction value is $50 per Marvel share or approximately $4 billion.

"This transaction combines Marvel's strong global brand and world-renowned library of characters including Iron Man, Spider-Man, X-Men, Captain America, Fantastic Four and Thor with Disney's creative skills, unparalleled global portfolio of entertainment properties, and a business structure that maximizes the value of creative properties across multiple platforms and territories," said Robert A. Iger, President and Chief Executive Officer of The Walt Disney Company. "Ike Perlmutter and his team have done an impressive job of nurturing these properties and have created significant value. We are pleased to bring this talent and these great assets to Disney."

"We believe that adding Marvel to Disney's unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation," Iger said.

"Disney is the perfect home for Marvel's fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," said Ike Perlmutter, Marvel's Chief Executive Officer. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney's tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world."

Under the deal, Disney will acquire ownership of Marvel including its more than 5,000 Marvel characters. Mr. Perlmutter will oversee the Marvel properties, and will work directly with Disney's global lines of business to build and further integrate Marvel's properties.

The Boards of Directors of Disney and Marvel have each approved the transaction, which is subject to clearance under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act, certain non-United States merger control regulations, effectiveness of a registration statement with respect to Disney shares issued in the transaction and other customary closing conditions. The agreement will require the approval of Marvel shareholders. Marvel was advised on the transaction by BofA Merrill Lynch.

Read more about this here .

Media is becoming more and more portable.

I was scrolling through Billboard.com and notices an add about how Billboard is starting a subscription with AT&T which will deliver live concert moments of whomever you choose to your phone. we talked in class about how media continues to become more portable, this is defiantly evidence  of media continuing to become more portable.

You can check it out here: http://www.billboard.com/#/

At the Movies

We talked in class about the current movie trend: safe, familiar movies that don't feature big stars and are likely to be inspired by familiar subjects such as children's books, TV shows or movie franchises. Look at the number one movie last weekend...a children's book!

Cost refers to the production budget, in millions. The Informant is a Matt Damon film but it has a very modest production budget. I don't know the reason why but I would bet Damon gets a pay bump if the movie performs to some expected level.

Go to: http://www.boxofficemojo.com/weekend/chart/ for more info.

Last Wknd Screens Ttl Gross Cost

1	N	Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs	Sony	$30,304,648	-	3,119	-	$9,716	$30,304,648	$100	1
2	N	The Informant!	WB	$10,464,314	-	2,505	-	$4,177	$10,464,314	$22	1
3	1	Tyler Perry's I Can Do Bad All By Myself	LGF	$9,877,436	-57.9%	2,255	-	$4,380	$37,749,545	-	2
4	N	Love Happens	Uni.	$8,057,010	-	1,898	-	$4,245	$8,057,010	$18	1
5	N	Jennifer's Body	Fox	$6,868,397

facebook decline ???

http://adage.com/digital/article?article_id=139137

School's out : Are students taking a pass on facebook??

In this article, studies show that about 900,000 high school students and 1.6 million college students have suddenly gone "missing" from the facebook website. The article continues on to state that, " It's unclear and doubtful even that the students actually stopped using Facebook. The network's own date and third-party ComScore date show users under 18 and 18-24 age groups continued to grow through the period. But facebook date for advertisers show the number identifying themselves as being in high school dropped 17 % and those identifying themselves as college enrollees plummeted 22%." Studies show that the reason for the drops in facebook users is mainly because of parents, grandparents,friends of family, and teachers researching and checking up on their facebook users. Apparently, we as teens and young adults do care what others think, or at least 900,000 and 1.6 million college students do. How do you feel, If family friends studied you on facebook, would you change anything? Would you have a facebook if no privacy setting existed? Would your pictures and personal information change?

Radio Capability on the new Apple iPods

Apple just announced that they are adding broadcast radio capability to the new iPod nano. Local radio already reaches over 200 million people each week. I think that the most popular mp3 player connecting to the local radio stations will increase the amount of people listening to the radio. Since kids now a days just ususally listen to their iPods, this can introduce them to even more and new music though their iPods. When they hear a song on the radio using the new iPod, then they can download the song from iTunes instantly. This benefits broadcasters, apple, musicians, record lables, and the American consumer.

The entire letter can be read in PDF format here

Music publishers: iTunes not paying fair share

It seems like everyone I know "shares" music, except me. If you actually meet the writers themselves and see how much of their heart and soul they put into each and every song, you might have the same view as me. Unfortunately, not everyone can meet song writers and artists and witness what an actual talent it is to write and perform music. So when you "share" their music without paying for it, you are truly stealing something the worked very hard to produce.

I saw this article about how writers, producers and publishers are wanting to one day collect a performance fee from Apple.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10355448-93.html?tag=newsLeadStoriesArea.1

When we talk about television, there's the over-the-air TV station content and then there's everything else. Cable channels, premium cable channels (HBO, etc) and even recorded content--DVDs--are seen on the television. Consumers think of the TV as the appliance they view. Here are some thought points for you to consider about television viewing habits and preferences. Certainly you should think about your own habits but focus on understanding what is going on at a larger level. What will consumer changes mean to your job/career prospects?

Click here for the full article...read the tease paragraphs below.

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=113701

Here's a shortened link: http://predictingtv.notlong.com

Predicting TV's Future

Dave Morgan, Sep 17, 2009 03:17 PM

Television is undergoing an enormous technology-driven transformation. This fact is well known to all in the industry -- and is even obvious to all those who watch TV. Yesterday, I spoke about some of the effects of this transformation at the Collaborative Alliance, an important television industry group focused on "advanced TV" issues. The Alliance was created and run by Mitch Oscar of MPG (a regular contributor to MediaPost's TV Board). Here are some of the points that I made, based upon nine months of intensive analysis by my team at Simulmedia of anonymous, second-by-second set-top-box viewing data, representing millions of U.S. viewing households: TV has a "discovery" problem. The explosion of choices

Is Twitter Making A Mistake?

Now I will tell you right off the bat that I do not know jack squat about Twitter. I have talked with a few people who use it and have checked out Twitter's website for information, but I am still not confident in all it provides.

However, looking at an article that I found on Mediapost I wonder if Twitter is going to make a mistake? According to many, Twitter has been significantly growing for a couple of different reasons. First of all, when you go to search for someone, such as the NBA star Shaq, you know it's really him. Secondly, Twitter is not crammed with all that "media garbage". You know...all the gifts....farmtown....mafia wars....ADVERTISEMENTS! MySpace and Facebook are very popular but they are bombarded with all this "media garbage". This is one reason that Twitter seems to have been doing so well.

But this article talks about the possibilities of Twitter placing advertising on it's site. Is this going to be the beginning of a downfall for Twitter? Is this the first of more to come? I realize that you have to make money in order for your company to grow, but are we making a mistake? People like it how it is. Do we need to change it...what do you think?

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=113373

Places to go...

If you're going to work in media/mass comm/PR/entertainment/journalism/online content...whatever you want to call your future work area, you should begin to read about and understand the issues that surround your future career area.

Here are some sites that can link you to news and events about your field. This is not an exhaustive list...these are just a few of the places I go for content.

Browse the websites...or better still, subscribe to their daily or weekly emails.

TVNewsCheck

http://www.tvnewscheck.com/index.php

TVWeek

www.tvweek.com

BroadcastingandCable

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/

Billboard

www.billboard.com

Mediapost

http://www.mediapost.com/

NATPE (National Association of Television Programming Executives)

www.natpe.org AND

NATPE Video Nuze: http://natpe.org/natpe/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=286&Itemid=449

National Association of Broadcasters

www.nab.org

Advertising Age

http://adage.com/

Brand Week

http://www.brandweek.com/bw/index.jsp

Any major newspaper:

The New York Times

www.nytimes.com

The Los Angeles Times

www.latimes.com

The Wall Street Journal

www.wsjonline.com

(Some of the WSJ content is available only to subscribers.)

PC=TV???

The LATimes carries a short article today contrasting Nielsen's report on computer/online television consumption.

Here's the link: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-online-tv9-2009sep09,0,3144574.story

The article title asserts, "the PC is becoming the new TV" as more people watch content online.

The article data appears to be self-reported...people have to remember how often they watch.

What is interesting: nearly 25% of the respondents indicate they watch online TV. And, the sample includes about 10,000 households. The Conference Board is vague as to actual methodology--a real problem when journalists believe the survey results are "facts" instead of responses by a group of survey participants who were selected for participation by a less than transparent means--even if the Conference Board normally gets high marks for what they do.

The two biggest issues for me: the potential end of appointment viewing TV and the possibility that programs may break through network distribution routes to find audiences among online viewers.

Here's the full link for the Conference Board article...it's more interesting than the LATimes article.

http://www.conference-board.org/economics/consumerBarometer.cfm

More than 141 hours per month

You'll hear me talk a lot about the growth of new media distribution outlets....online video and even mobile video viewing. But, television is still king with 141 hours of viewing per person per month! The Nielsen Company's most recent viewership estimate puts online video viewing at an average of only 3 hours and 11 minutes per viewer. How does this compare with you? As you grow older, do you think your viewership habits will change? If so, will you watch more regular TV or do you expect regular TV to change to match the habits of today's 20 - 25 year old viewer?

Read the article here:

http://www.mediapost.com/publications/?fa=Articles.showArticle&art_aid=112844

OR here: http://141hours.notlong.com

Integrated advertising efforts...

It isn't enough to just air music on a radio station anymore. The competition for listeners and advertising dollars had led Clear Channel Radio (the largest group owner of radio stations in the U.S., with more than 800 stations) to launch an effort to sell advertisers a fully integrated media advertising plan.

Click here for the full article: http://www.clickz.com/3634852

In Depressed Radio Ad Market, Clear Channel Innovates with Integrated Approach

By Kate Kaye, ClickZ, Sep 1, 2009

Terrestrial radio hasn't exactly been synonymous with innovation, but industry behemoth Clear Channel could be changing that. When it comes to advertiser offerings, the national radio station network is dedicating significant resources to branching out its integrated media department. The department recently set up a location in New York to complement its original L.A. office, and boasts custom work for brands like Ford and McDonald's.

Radio ad revenues are poised to drop 15 percent in 2009 compared to last year, according to BIA Advisory Services. But Clear Channel appears to be dedicated to leveraging its broad on-air, online, and mobile presence to ensure it remains appealing to national advertisers that are shifting budget allocations away from traditional media.

Fear does not equal persuasion

Imagine being hired to produce a video to incite fear in the viewers? In Wales, the police department wanted a video that would encourage drivers--especially young drivers--not to text while driving. But, a simple "don't do this" message wasn't thought to be enough. And the result? There's doubt that a gruesome video can do enough to change behavior. See for yourself and think of how you could produce a better--more persuasive--message.

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/01/technology/01distracted.html?th&emc=th

Media transitions

We've talked in class about the many media changes underway. These effect not just media businesses but also consumers. Content is more portable than ever--think of MP3 players that store thousands of songs or the Kindle device than can hold hundreds of books. Content is often cheap--or free. Online sites let you watch many of your favorite programs for free, with only limited commercial interruptions. But the technology to consume these free, portable products isn't free and neither is access.

One neat access portal is Apple's iPhone and AT&T's 3G Network. I'm not here to endorse the phone but it provides some neat features. Here's a link to a video review of the phone from David Pogue of The New York Times. Note also that Pogue has other articles and videos with product reviews. And, the NYTimes is working harder than ever to draw eyeballs to their website with new forms of content--all part of the ever changing industry and how consumers consume media.

Lastly, if you're thinking of getting an iPhone, it's expensive for a student's budget. The phone costs about $200, monthly telephone service is around $40 and the required iPhone Internet/data package is another $40 plus taxes! And, the speedy 3G service they advertise is not yet in Florence. Still, technology prices always drop. Think about price drops for laptops, HD TV sets and BlueRay DVD players...

http://video.nytimes.com/video/2009/06/18/technology/personaltech/1194841040529/the-iphone-3g-s.html?scp=4&sq=david%20pugue&st=cse

Intro to Radio-Television-Film Production

Intro-to-Radio-Television-Film Production is a blog created to promote the exchange of ideas about audio and video production for cable, broadcasting and film distribution. Articles you read, post and comment about should deal with these topics, and this is a wide-open arena—industry and technology developments, job and career matters, new programs, the latest film premiers, program content….I hope you’re beginning to get the picture.

Please refer to your assignment sheet for details on blogging and response format.