Hellgate Network

A behind the scenes look at the ABC Radio Network News operation in 1969, shortly after the launch of the 4 Network concept.

Duration : 0:6:49

(more…)

A behind the scenes look at the ABC Radio Network News operation in 1969, shortly after the launch of the 4 Network concept.

Duration : 0:8:3

(more…)

FRONTLINE WIRELESS has reportedly shutdown operations following a failed attempt to bid in the upcoming wireless spectrum auction. The company missed Thursday’s deadline for submitting the $128 million auction deposit after being unable to acquire funding. A company spokesperson released a statement saying “Frontline is closed for business at this time. We have no further comment.”

KEVIN MARTIN said the date for the transition to all-digital broadcasts is a “hard date” with no chance for delay. Speaking at a CES Q&A the FCC Chairman also revealed that the Commission is investigating Comcast for recent findings that the service provider intentionally throttles Internet connections. The FCC itself is now under a formal investigation that was launched yesterday by the House Energy and Commerce Committee. It seeks to address complaints about Martin’s leadership and the internal workings of the Commission.

THE DATAPORTABILITY WORKGROUP received a major boost yesterday when Facebook, Google and Plaxo all announced plans to join. In doing so the companies are committing to open standards and interoperability for online data. In related news, Google, IBM and VeriSign are reportedly in talks to join OpenID, the foundation dedicated to creating a single login and password for users across as many online services as possible.

GOLDEN GLOBES sponsors have begun to withdraw from the stripped-down “news conference” version of the awards ceremony. Overall, the debacle will cost NBC between $10 million and $15 million. Meanwhile, fear is mounting that the Oscars will face a similar fate — putting ABC’s $80 million payday for the broadcast in peril. In other strike news, Jon Stewart derided the Writers Guild on-air for not cutting a deal with him, even though he had convinced Viacom to sign-off on it. The WGA affirmed that it will not negotiate with individual shows.

MICROSOFT has bid $1.2 billion for Fast Search and Transfer, a Norwegian company that creates software to search internal corporate data. Jeff Raikes, president of Microsoft’s business division, says the acquisition will make Microsoft “the clear leader in enterprise search.” Analysts believe that the acquired technology could also help Microsoft compete with Google in the consumer search market.

VIACOM announced online syndication deals with Veoh, Dailymotion, iMeem, MeeVee and GoFish. Content from Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and other Viacom properties will soon be available on the video sites.

SPRINT confirmed an April launch for its WiMax service and unveiled prototype devices that connect to the network.

* Get the full story at http://www.Media30.com *

Duration : 0:2:33

(more…)

A behind the scenes look at the ABC Radio Network News operation in 1969, shortly after the launch of the 4 Network concept.

Duration : 0:8:46

(more…)

COMCAST plans an imminent release of the first system that allows television ads to be targeted to the individual household level. The system will reportedly be deployed this June to over 100,000 homes in Baltimore. The technology is being developed by INVIDI, a company that has recently seen major investments from WPP, Motorola and others. One thing is certain: this June, the privacy police will be working overtime in Baltimore.

AT&T will launch a live mobile TV service based on Qualcomm’s MediaFlo in May. The service will offer eight channels with full-length content from Comedy Central ESPN, MTV, FOX, NBC, Nickelodeon and more. Two handsets will be supported at launch, LG’s Vu and Samsung’s Access. If you live outside a major metropolitan area, however, you may not be covered by the new service. The MediaFlo network won’t be fully deployed until February 2009, when analog TV shuts down and Qualcomm takes full possession of its spectrum.

GOOGLE is seeing continued decline in clicks on search advertisements, according to new data from comScore. During February, Google saw ad clicks fall 3% from January’s totals. That marks two consecutive months of decline. Google maintains that clicks aren’t the sole indicator of business success but Wall Street isn’t buying it. The company’s stock has fallen 40% since November. I’ve got a different question. How accurate are ComScore’s numbers and are they third party verified?

MTV.COM drew major traffic on Tuesday, serving up 1.8 million streams of a new episode of The Hills. The episode drew 4.8 million viewers when it premiered on MTV the night before. The online blockbuster comes at a fortuitous time for the network. MTV will host an upfront on May 8th, during which it will focus on its multi-platform capabilities.

THE FCC released the details of a plan that will allow satellite TV providers to phase in their support for local HD channels between 2009 and 2013.

WARNER MUSIC is hoping to tax your Internet access bill in exchange for unlimited music. Saying the music industry has become “one big tip jar,” Jim Griffen, Warner’s new digital guy, wants everyone to pay into a pool of money to save the industry. I see, the industry can’t get enough voluntary subscriptions, so they’re going to try to make everyone pay. Good luck with that.

CBS has begun testing online HD streaming using clips from “CSI,” “How I Met Your Mother” and other network shows. Clips are currently offered in 480p, with plans to offer 720p and 1080p soon. There are no full length shows posted yet.

Read more at http://www.ShellyPalmer.com

Duration : 0:2:21

(more…)