16 December 2011
FRANCE 24 has recently concluded a distribution agreement with BOXEE, a new multimedia over-the-top TV offer available via software, set top boxes or applications for tabs and mobiles.
Mainly used in the United States and in Canada, the BOXEE platform will now include a dedicated FRANCE 24 application in its global catalog, allowing users to get access to the channels programs in English (reports, talk shows, debates, etc.).
With more than one million users throughout North America, BOXEE will soon offer the complete FRANCE 24 VoD catalog, including all the programs in French and Arabic (first semester 2012).
For more information about FRANCE 24 distribution in the U.S and throughout the world :
15 December 2011
DigitalGlobe (NYSE: DGI), a leading global provider of high-resolution earth imagery solutions, today announced that Vizrt (VIZ: NO) has launched a new online service enabling designers to quickly find, preview, and add DigitalGlobe imagery into their broadcast graphics packages using Vizrt’s Viz World production software. The subscription-based service, titled “DigitalGlobe Online,” is available now.
“We are approaching a point where having access to high-quality satellite and aerial imagery in newscasting isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a must-have,” said Havard Myklebust, executive vice president of marketing. “Using Viz World, design teams can now integrate the highest quality, most up-to-date DigitalGlobe images for use in their interactive, touch-screen graphics packages. Unlike other solutions, this can include fresh imagery from high-risk regions where it is either too difficult or too dangerous for journalists to access on the ground.”
Using the familiar and intuitive Viz World interface, subscribers can quickly search the DigitalGlobe archive to find and preview the imagery that best suits their needs. They can then immediately begin using the imagery to create high-accuracy maps of a region, adding dynamic touchscreen-based drawing tools and controls that give on-air talent the freedom to move, resize, highlight, and animate areas of the map.
In addition to using archived imagery, subscribers will also be able to use newly captured imagery of crisis events taking place worldwide. This allows production teams to consistently monitor high-risk events as they unfold, then quickly begin using images from before, during and after the crisis to maximize newscast impact and accuracy.
“Providing on-demand access to our imagery through Viz World gives broadcasters one more critical tool for transforming good shows into must-see events,” said Andrea Bersan, international vice president at DigitalGlobe. “With direct access to the largest, most consistently updated repository of high-resolution imagery available today, production teams can be confident they are using the latest imagery available, with worldwide coverage and maximum accuracy.”
About DigitalGlobe DigitalGlobe is a leading global provider of commercial high-resolution earth imagery products and services. Sourced from our own advanced satellite constellation, our imagery solutions support a wide variety of uses within defense and intelligence, civil agencies, mapping and analysis, environmental monitoring, oil and gas exploration, infrastructure management, Internet portals and navigation technology. With our collection sources and comprehensive ImageLibrary (containing more than one billion square kilometers of earth imagery and imagery products) we offer a range of on- and off-line products and services designed to enable customers to easily access and integrate our imagery into their business operations and applications. For more information, visit www.digitalglobe.com.
About Vizrt Vizrt creates leading-edge content production tools for the digital media industry — from award-winning 3D graphics & maps through integrated video workflow solutions and online publishing tools. Vizrt’s product suite is used by the world’s leading broadcasters, publishing houses and telecom operators, including: CNN, CBS, Fox, BBC, Sky, ITN, ZDF, SVT, Star TV, Network 18, TV Today, CCTV, NHK, The Globe and Mail, The Telegraph, Welt Online, Etisalat and Telia Sonera.
15 December 2011
InterMedia, the global research-based consultancy, announced Thursday the appointment of Dr. Ali Fisher as Associate Director of Digital Media Research, effective immediately. Dr. Fisher is widely known for his work in identifying how information flows through both online and offline communities, and the influence of relationships on human behavior.
Dr. Fisher will be based in InterMedia’s London, U.K. office and lead the ongoing development of the company’s global digital research practice, providing clients with comprehensive and targeted digital media insight that drives decision-making. InterMedia’s digital research practice builds clients’ understanding of social media and other digital information environments, and how to engage successfully with people active in them.
“Ali brings unique approaches to analyzing online communication patterns, in social media and elsewhere. His published and blog writings have become must-reads for members of the strategic communications community as well as for practitioners of constructive engagement in other domains,” said Robert T. Coonrod, CEO of InterMedia. “We are very excited that Ali will help lead our expanding team of analysts covering new and social media strategies,” Coonrod added.
For the past four years, Ali Fisher has been Director of Mappa Mundi Consulting, working as an independent public diplomacy strategist and researcher. He specializes in providing insight to enhance organizational strategy and evaluation through network analysis. Ali is also an honorary research fellow in the School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine at the University of Birmingham, U.K., where his research has focused on the flow of health-related information through digital platforms. In addition, his research has been used in projects focused on law enforcement and counter-terrorism.
Prior to 2008, Ali directed the Counterpoint think tank at the British Council and was a lecturer in International Relations at the University of Exeter, U.K.. He completed a Masters in U.S. Intelligence Services and his PhD at the University of Birmingham. In addition to his commercial work, Ali regularly produces work for academic publication.
Dr. Fisher is co-author with InterMedia COO Susan Gigli of the article, “Networked Audiences,” which appeared in the Summer 2011 issue of The Channel magazine. The article features 10 essential tips for media companies seeking to engage with audiences in the digital world.
15 December 2011
The Associated Press announced today that Markus Ickstadt has been appointed to the board of Associated Press Germany GbmH where he will serve as its managing director, effective immediately. Ickstadt will also retain his role as sales director for AP’s wider business in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
In his new role, Ickstadt will lead AP’s business in Europe’s largest media market. Together with APs existing German team, he will work to strengthen AP’s cooperation with Germany’s broadcasters and the partnership with the German domestic news agency, dapd.
Ickstadt joined AP in 1997 and has held various commercial roles in London. Prior to AP, Ickstadt spent five years as a journalist in Berlin for various German broadcasters, including the global Deutsche Welle TV.
Commenting on his appointment, Ickstadt said: Germany has always been, and remains, one of our key markets. I am delighted to be able to work with our outstanding team to further strengthen AP’s presence in the country in which I was born and raised. Germany is a sophisticated and fascinating news media market — AP has been working there for more than 80 years, and together with our partners, we look forward to a bright future and continued success there.
APs vice president commercial for EMEA and Asia, Andrew Shaw, said: Markus has played a key role in developing APs German business for over a decade during which time he has built solid relationships with our many customers and partners. His appointment demonstrates APs commitment to the German market, and belief in its potential for further growth.
Ickstadt replaces Nigel Baker as managing director of Associated Press Germany GmbH who had held the role since 2009. Baker leaves the AP to join the Thomson Media Foundation as chief executive.
15 December 2011
During the annual Mindshare Media Summit that was held at the Address Dubai Marina Hotel on November 1st 2011, attended by a number of executives from large multinational media groups, communication and advertising agencies, a panel session was held to debate the future of digital media, opportunities and challenges, and the impact of technology on TV content. Participating in this panel was Mazen Hayek, Group Director of PR & Commercial/official Spokesman of MBC Group, and Jonathan Howlett, SVP International Sales at BBC Worldwide. The panel was moderated by Greg Brooks, Content Strategy Director at C Squared.
Tackling this issue at the panel, Mazen Hayek started by stressing on the importance of investing in content, both traditional and new (digital), elevating it to world-class standards, and delivering it to the viewers and Arab readers across various platforms, whether they be fixed, mobile or interactive platforms. He further added that the challenge lies in expanding the advertising market in the MENA region and developing it, noting that the total annual regional ad spend is approximately 1% of total worldwide ad spend, and therefore perceives a potential to double the size of the market in comparison with the already economically and technologically advanced markets.
This in return will provide the necessary capabilities to invest in content that is of high quality, nurture human resources and talents while building knowledge economies, to eventually benefit companies and individuals working within the content industry.
In conclusion, Hayek stressed that advertising is the backbone of information in all its forms, and that TV will remain the main source of entertainment and information- as well as education in the region, pointing to the role that new media plays, and confirming that content remains as the pedestal, wherever and however displayed: on screen, on mobile, online, in print or any other platform and device.
15 December 2011
OASYS, the pioneering developer of IT-based automated playout solutions, has appointed Nick Lim as Director, Americas and Asia Pacific Sales, effective immediately. Based in the United States, Mr Lim will be responsible for expanding OASYS distribution network and developing sales opportunities in the target territories.
Mr Lim has over 30 years of sales and marketing experience in the IT and television industries, working for companies such as IBM, Dynatech, Pluto Technologies, SeaChange and Front Porch Digital. Most recently, he operated his own marketing consultancy, representing manufacturers in content management and distribution, including OASYS. Mr. Lims speciality is the development of worldwide sales and marketing infrastructure.
Mark Errington, CEO, OASYS, said, Were delighted to welcome Nick to the OASYS team. He already knows our company and products, having represented us in the Middle East. His knowledge of the industry and the global markets will enable us to expand our presence in the Americas, Asia Pacific and the Middle East.
Nick Lim said, “Throughout my career, I have contributed to the growth of technology innovators who create new paradigms in functionality and value. OASYS, with its 20 years in business, continues to innovate, providing broadcasters a powerful, compelling and flexible platform to reach their audiences.”
