New Media Age articles from November 2005

New Media Age archives from November 2005

Nike adds video podcasting to digital-only marketing strategy.
November 3, 2005... Global sports giant Nike is to place alternative digital platforms, such as mobile and podcasting, at the core of its digital marketing strategy as it increasingly produces film content exclusively for its digital marketing. The company...

Nokia shuns linear ads for N70 promo.
November 3, 2005... Mobile phone manufacturer Nokia has become the world's first brand to shun conventional TV advertising in favour of a standalone red-button campaign that doesn't rely on any linear airtime. In what represents a major shift of power in the...

Operators launch replacement for Simpay.(planning for new contract)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... The UK's mobile network operators have embarked on a mobile payments initiative, codenamed X-Pay, to go up against credit cards. The new system will be a boon for companies such as record labels and magazine publishers because it will...

MSN plans AdCenter UK launch for early next year.
November 3, 2005... MSN is to launch its AdCenter search marketing technology in the UK early next year, stepping up its battle with Google for the booming spend in search marketing. Speaking at last week's Engage conference organised by the Internet...

Capital FM steps up multi-platform strategy with podcasts.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Capital 95.8 FM is stepping up its strategy to become a multi-platform broadcaster with a new podcasting service providing listeners with on- demand access to its most popular shows. The launch of the service comes just days after the...

Sony uses major cross-media ads to push new Bravia range.
November 3, 2005... Sony is launching a major digital marketing push to promote its new Bravia range of next-generation LCD TVs, as part of its biggest cross- media campaign of the year. The pan-European online activity includes a specially created blogging...

Ofcom considers first industry regulation for red-buttons ads.
November 3, 2005... The iTV ad industry is facing the prospect of regulation for the first time under new plans being considered by communications watchdog Ofcom. The move could come as a major setback for brand owners looking to take advantage of the...

RNIB slams Ryanair over unfair service.(Royal National Institute for the Blind, Ryanair Holdings PLC, case)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... The Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB) will take further action against Ryanair this week following a complaint raised against the airline by a visually impaired customer who, the RNIB believes, may have been discriminated against...

Carphone Warehouse plans portal to rival mobile operators.
November 3, 2005... Mobile retail giant Carphone Warehouse has begun the development of a mobile content portal to go head to head with content portals from mobile operators such as Vodafone Live! and O2 Active. The retailer is understood to be planning to...

Energy-saving campaign rolls out online.(Energy Saving Trust)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Charity the Energy Saving Trust has begun the digital promotion of its new campaign for energy-saving week. The digital marketing element of the #5m consumer campaign was prepared by Tullo Marshall Warren's new media arm, Digital TMW. ...

BREAKING: Atomic Hooligan uses viral to push new single.(Pure360.com, contract)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Dance music act Atomic Hooligan is pushing its new single with a viral video email and online ad campaign. 14,000 people will receive an email promoting 'Seven Ten Split', which features a snippet of the break-beat DJ duo's new track....

BREAKING: Citibank offers new banking chat room.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Citibank is endeavouring to snatch market share from competitors by offering a new banking chatroom facility. The New York financial giant is attempting to convert more UK surfers by allowing them to speak to a banker online while they fill in...

BREAKING: I-points relaunches rewards Web site.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Loyalty programme i-points has relaunched its rewards Web site to simplify navigation and make it easier to track consumer behaviour. A major digital campaign is being launched which will involve sending online shopping guides to consumers,...

IN BRIEF: BBC launches online Film Network showcase.(British Broadcasting Corp.)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... The BBC has launched its online Film Network showcase for UK filmmakers onto mobile. The site was launched to coincide with the Nokia Shorts film competition, part of the Raindance film festival. The move extends Film Network's strategy of...

IN BRIEF: Enpocket moves HQ to benefit from US growth.(Mike Baker and Dave Barker promoted)(Peter Larsen resigned)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Enpocket, one of the UK's first mobile marketing companies, has moved its headquarters to the US, citing faster growth in the US market than the UK. US COO Mike Baker becomes company CEO, while current London- based CEO Peter Larsen is...

IN BRIEF: DNA creates online ads for anti-smoking drive.(British Heart Foundation)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... The British Heart Foundation (BHF) has taken its latest anti-smoking drive online with a series of creatives highlighting the dangers of blood clots. The ads, created by interactive marketing agency DNA, are set to the Frank Sinatra song...

IN BRIEF: CreatorMail wins TUI UK account after pitch.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Travel group TUI UK has appointed CreatorMail to run email marketing campaigns across a number of its brands. The appointment followed a pitch against six other service providers and is for a 12-month rolling contract. CreatorMail will...

Industry frustrated as Google misses best practice deadlines.(Google UK Ltd.)
November 3, 2005... Google has missed its promised deadlines for releasing details of the tiered best practice payments being made available under its new Third Party Program, creating frustration among leading search marketing agencies. As NMA went to...

Modem Media seeks search marketing staff via acquisition.(Modem Media (UK) Ltd.)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Modem Media is eyeing the acquisition of a search marketing company in the UK, as the sector continues to suffer from a skills shortage. Norm Johnson, MD of Modem Media in the UK, said he has already met all the main players in the UK and...

Childline uses mobile to take donations.(Opera Telecom, contract)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Children's charity Childline has launched a campaign to let people donate via their mobile phones. The charity, which provides a free 24-hour helpline for children, believes mobile will provide an easy way for people to donate as well as...

ISPA hits out at proposed Bill on child pornography.(Internet Services Providers Association)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Allegations that 20% of ISPs are ignoring the problem of customers accessing child pornography have been criticised as speculation by industry trade body ISPA. Labour backbencher Margaret Moran MP told Parliament last week, "We need more...

Arcadia focuses online as key growth area for Topman brand.(Arcadia Clothing Ltd.)
November 3, 2005... High street fashion group Arcadia is stepping up its commitment to online activity, with its major brands, including Topman and Topshop, seeing it as a key growth area. High street menswear chain Topman has recently been meeting with...

Bulldog takes over MSN home page in biggest campaign.(Bulldog Communications, Microsoft Network L.L.C.)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Bulldog, the much-criticised broadband arm of Cable & Wireless, is to take over the MSN home page this week in its biggest online campaign to date. The one-day push is part of a multi-million-pound cross-media campaign to promote the...

Sky relaunches mobile service as value add for TV subscribers.(Sky Mobile, Sky Television PLC)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Sky is relaunching its mobile application Sky Mobile under new brand Sky by Mobile in the next few weeks. It plans to integrate its mobile TV service, announced this week in association with Vodafone, with existing download video clips....

Ekay plans expansion through AIM listing.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Ekay, an ad agency targeting the SME sector, is planning to list on AIM by the end of the month. It will use the money raised to buy online agencies. The company specialises in media planning/buying across online, print, broadcast and...

IN BRIEF: Betfair buys gambling software company.(Aglet Technologies)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Betfair has bought a gambling software development company as part of its plans to bring its poker platform in-house. The company has bought Aglet Technologies, a Danish software firm which has developed the Poker Champs platform. The firm...

IN BRIEF: Manchester Metropolitan launches campus site.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Manchester Metropolitan University (MMU) has launched a new site designed to convey the facilities, lifestyle and atmosphere on offer at the campus. In what it claims is a first for the university sector, the site features a virtual tour that...

IN BRIEF: BBC launches range of 'Spooks' games.(BBC One, YDreams Entertainment, Magic Lantern Group Inc., contract)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... BBC One is launching a range of Java-based games based on its high- rating drama series Spooks. Created by interactive production company Magic Lantern and YDreams Entertainment, the package contains standalone games to download and a series of...

IN BRIEF: Tesco ahead of rivals in email marketing use.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Tesco is trouncing its supermarket competitors in its use of email marketing, sending out more campaigns in the six months to September than the next nine brands in the grocery sector. According to data from Interactive Prospect Targeting's...

IN BRIEF: Reading Room opens office in Melbourne.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Digital communications agency Reading Room has opened an office in Melbourne to support its growing business in the Pacific Rim. The office is the agency's second in Australia, joining Sydney, which opened in 2001. Reading Room recently won a...

IN BRIEF: Army launches officer recruiting Web site.(Publicis Dialog Europe, United Kingdom. Army, contract)(officerqualities.mod.uk)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... The Army is launching an online marketing campaign aimed at recruiting officers. Publicis Dialog has created a bespoke microsite allowing users to explore their potential to become an officer by engaging in a number of online scenarios that...

IN BRIEF: MRM Partners rebrands for global recognition.(MRM Partners Worldwide)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... MRM Partners (UK) is rebranding itself as MRM Worldwide (UK) in recognition of the increasingly global nature of its business. The agency sees the Asia-Pacific region as the non-UK market with the highest potential. In China, where it's...

Cahoot uses digital activity to test entry into mortgage market.(Grand Union, contract)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Cahoot has cranked up its digital marketing activity with a drive to promote its entry into the mortgage market. The Abbey-owned brand has enlisted agency Grand Union to run the initial campaign, and is tracking the results before a...

Bristol-based E3 on recruiting trail for London office opening.(E3 Media)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Bristol-based E3 is staffing up by nearly 50% as part of an aggressive expansion programme that will see it set up a London office in order to target clients in the area. The agency is currently recruiting an individual at director...

KLM overhauls site to improve use and aid cross-promotion.(KLM Royal Dutch Airlines)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Dutch airline KLM has conducted a major overhaul of its site to offer travellers more convenience and content, while giving the carrier increased opportunities for cross-promotion. In keeping with rival BA, the KLM site now includes a...

InBev pushes Beck's via digital campaign.(Draft London, contract)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Belgium-based brewer InBev is launching a three-pronged digital marketing campaign to promote its recently acquired Beck's beer brand to UK consumers in the run-up to Christmas. The company has appointed design and marketing agency Draft...

E4 uses online ads for Magic Week to attract male viewers.(Holler Digital, contract)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Digital entertainment channel E4 is going online to woo back its 'post- pub' male audience with a marketing blitz to push its Mental Magic Week. Beginning on Monday, the series of programmes will feature bizarre Jackass-style magic shows...

ANALYST SPEAK: Broadband providers must work on price.
November 3, 2005... The European broadband market is currently experiencing strong competition over access price and speed, to the extent that alternative network operators are undercutting wholesale prices in order to acquire market share. Overall, the...

IN BRIEF: Eagle Eye Technology partners with Glue4.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Mobile specialist Eagle Eye Technology is partnering with digital TV company Glue4 to allow anyone with a Web, digital TV or mobile site to deploy consumer services across all three platforms. The first joint project will be the deployment of...

IN BRIEF: Fotothing adds slideshow features to blogging site.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Photo sharing and blogging site Fotothing has added slideshow features to its site. Free users can now create multiple click-free photo Flash albums and view the work of other users as a slideshow, while premium users can also add and...

IN BRIEF: Blinkx in agreement with Akimbo TV company.(Akimbo Systems Inc.)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Rich-media search engine Blinkx has entered into an agreement with US broadband TV company Akimbo, which delivers video-on-demand to TVs via an Internet connection. Under the agreement, Blinkx will index Akimbo's database of 5,200 programmes...

Mazda turns to eye-tracking to assist revamp of European site.(Mazda Motor Europe GmbH)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Car manufacturer Mazda is using eye-tracking technology to help with a complete revamp of its pan-European Web presence this month, in a project that's being undertaken by digital design agency Syzygy. The usability testing was undertaken...

DA Group's Yomego characters to be available through iTouch.(partnership)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Mobile content and application developer DA Group is linking up with mobile services company iTouch UK in order to develop what's claimed to be a unique personalised video messaging system. Under the agreement, DA's Yomego character...

O2 promotion uses Mobiqa's mobile ticket technology.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Mobile network operator O2 used Mobiqa mobile ticketing technology to offer music fans entry to a secret gig by Maximo Park last week, as part of its NME Rock 'n' Roll Riot Tour. O2 ran an exclusive text-to-win competition for Maximo...

Broadband users focus on cost to decide on service provider.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... More than one in five broadband users has switched broadband service provider within the last year, according to Yankee Group's 2005 European Connected Consumer Survey. The report says the tendency to change providers has risen by almost...

IN BRIEF: Sales of smartphones to triple by 2010.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Sales of smartphones are expected to triple by 2010, according to a report by Informa Telecoms & Media. It also predicts that they will account for 17.4% of all mobile sales within five years, a rise of 7% from current levels. Europe, which...

IN BRIEF: 'War of the Worlds' most pirated film in September.(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Steven Spielberg's adaptation of War of the Worlds was the most pirated film online for the second consecutive month, according to Internet security company BayTSP's report for September, with 51,291 downloads. The main sources for online...

ANALYSIS: IAB uses big names to reach big brands.(Interactive Advertising Bureau UK Ltd. conference)
November 3, 2005... With speakers like Bill Gates and Sir Martin Sorrell, the IAB's Engage conference sought to persuade traditional marketers that the Internet is where they need to be In just a few years' time there'll be no point in talking about...

Ad networks will have to offer more options.
November 3, 2005... Ad networks are on the rise, prompting new entrants and more mature business practices. But advertisers have very specific needs which they'll need to satisfy The fact that a respected industry figure like Tim Brown, until recently MD of...

Comment: Blurring content and ads ignores what consumers want.(Column)
November 3, 2005... "Larger Web sites are fairly strict when it comes to permitting unconventional forms of advertising. Smaller sites not only allow for more imaginative ads but are often great contributors to the overall creative process." That's the...

Is Web site production affected by cultural characteristics?(survey)(Column)
November 3, 2005... RAFEE FROM THE US I've become increasingly sensitive to the diverse design and functionalities of Web sites from around the world. It comes from working for a global company. The world we live in is shrinking each day as consumers unite to...

Letter: Opportunities in shifting employment market.(Letter to the Editor)
November 3, 2005... I read your recruitment supplement with interest (NMA Explains, 27.10.05). It certainly highlighted some interesting trends that are taking place in the digital market on the people front. Could these, in part, be a result of the growing skills...

Letter: IAB members seek to improve ad networks.(Letter to the Editor)
November 3, 2005... Your article on the code of conduct being drawn up by sales houses (NMA 13.10.05) failed to mention that this code is in fact an IAB initiative being driven by member networks. The first meeting of the networks took place on 13 October...

Letter: Car brands can get further online.(Letter to the Editor)
November 3, 2005... Your article about Jaguar and its use of the Internet as a primary advertising focus was particularly interesting (NMA 27.10.05). It's further evidence of the Web providing direct benefits for automotive brands, such as advanced test drive...

OPINION: Publishers can tap into the joys of social bookmarking.(Column)
November 3, 2005... Social bookmarking is starting to shift the way people search, use and profit from the Web. People and brands are acting as search engines. My bet is that social browsing will be a familiar concept within a year. What is social...

AD WATCH: Capri-Sun makes ads fun but fails to speak to its audience.(new technology in advertising agencies)(Column)
November 3, 2005... Priceless. You spend six months quietly re-engineering Wunderman's Interactive creative department, and just as you're about to emerge blinking into the light at the Digital Podge, you end up very publicly sitting in judgement over work...

PROFILE - ABIGAIL CHISMAN: Trendsetter.(Biography)
November 3, 2005... Conde Nast has seen a lot of success with its online publishing models. Clare Goff talks to Abigail Chisman about the most popular trends in interactive developments Conde Nast, the home of Vogue and Vanity Fair, is an unlikely advocate...

STRATEGIC PLAY - THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: Collating the facts.(management of electronic publishing services)
November 3, 2005... As a leader in the online publishing world, The Wall Street Journal is taking steps to strengthen the link between its offline newspaper and Web site. Greg Brooks reports The Wall Street Journal has over 110 years of publishing heritage...

SPECIALIST AGENCIES: Sticking to the path.(forecast of the digital agencies)
November 3, 2005... With competition among agencies higher than ever, some have found that specialising in a vertical market makes them stand out. Ben Bold assesses the pros and cons Every year the NMA Top 100 Interactive Agencies 2005 guide illustrates an...

STYLE MAGAZINES: Style conscious.(forecast of electronic periodicals)
November 3, 2005... Printed style magazines have struggled in recent years. With purely online titles being much cheaper to publish, is this the future for a niche market? Claire Armitt reports Following the demise of many style magazines in the traditional...

Breaking down walls.(wireless communications services stop entertainment industry for mobile entertainment)
November 3, 2005... Mobile entertainment content is being restricted in the US by operators' adherence to the walled garden model. But things are beginning to change, finds Andrew Darling Mobile entertainment is flourishing in the US, although in many ways...

SANDISK OFFERS MOBILE CONTENT ON FLASH CARDS.
November 3, 2005... An interesting move in the US was memory-chip company SanDisk's releasing mobile content. Before last year's CTIA event, it had indicated it was interested in producing DRM-enabled flash cards, and this year it announced its first customer:...

Operators need to simplify how data service costs are covered.(mobile industry)(Column)
November 3, 2005... BARRACK ON WIRELESS 3G is probably the most talked about element of mobile. Whether it's analysts discussing the cost of licences and the return on that investment, or operators vaunting the launch of new handsets and services, 3G is of...

Telegraph scores with fantasy football - if you can get into it.(Daily Telegraph PLC, Iconmobile, partnership)
November 3, 2005... Telegraph Fantasy Football Text `fantasy' to 83200 Agency: Iconmobile Platform: WAP The Telegraph has always led the way with Fantasy Football since its launch in the paper 11 years ago. It then found a natural home online...

WIRELESS: Payment due.(survey on mobile billing)
November 3, 2005... Premium rate SMS was never intended to be a way of charging for mobile content, and has proven to be a poor billing method. Andrew Darling looks at the alternatives The premium mobile content industry is haemorrhaging as much as #3.2bn...

Moves: Syzygy.(Scott Bedford, Alison Wiesner, Ben Long appointed)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Scott Bedford has moved from agency.com to become creative director at interactive agency Syzygy. At agency.com he worked on online ad campaigns for BT, Dulux and Cahoot having previously worked at Proximity London and Carlton Interactive....

Moves: Universal McCann.(Laura McDonnell and Paul Mears appointed at Universal McCann UK Group Ltd.)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Universal McCann has recruited two digital account assistants to work in its interactive department. Laura McDonnell and Paul Mears will work on accounts including Virgin Atlantic, H&M, Nickelodeon, More Than and Intel. Copyright:...

Moves: Ministry of Sound.(Jonathan MacDonald joined Ministry of Sound Holdings Ltd.)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Ministry of Sound has appointed Jonathan MacDonald as head of digital and commercial. He has a background in music, having been co-founder and CEO of Musician's Channel on Sky before moving to video streaming company Mydeo, where he was head...

Moves: Pavilion.(Paul Carysforth appointed)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Paul Carysforth has moved from Moonfish to become head of digital media at North-West agency Pavilion where he will head online marketing campaigns and concentrate on improving services available to clients. He has seven years' digital...

Moves: Wheel.(Stefanie Wulfestieg appointed)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Digital agency Wheel has hired Stefanie Wulfestieg as new business development director. She will work to improve sales and report to MD Ewen Sturgeon. Wulfesteig will also attempt to extend Wheel's presence in Europe via the LB Icon Group....

Moves: Opera Telecom.(Shawn Brown appointed)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Mobile company Opera Telecom has hired Shawn Brown as director of international broadcast and development where he will seek to secure more international business and build contacts within the broadcast industry. In his previous role as...

Moves: Ambergreen.(Siobhan Tyrrell appointed at Ambergreen Internet Marketing)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Search marketing company Ambergreen has recruited Siobhan Tyrrell as account director. She will handle a number of search marketing campaigns including Marks & Spencer, Mercedes Benz and MyTravel. She moves from Irish digital agency Strata3...

Moves: Tamar.(Adam Graham appointed)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Interactive media agency Tamar has recruited ex-3wmedia director Adam Graham as project manager. He will oversee projects for Budget, Endsleigh and bed retailer Dreams. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors

Moves: JAM.(Tom Brady appointed)(Brief Article)
November 3, 2005... Tom Brady has joined digital design agency JAM to become account director. He joins from Randommedia where he worked with clients such as eBay, BBC and Sony Computer Entertainment Europe. Copyright: Centaur Communications Ltd. and licensors...

Site inspection: Gadgetcandy.(gadgetcandy.com)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 3, 2005... Gadgetcandy gadgetcandy.com Owner: Future Agency: in-house Content 18/25 Usability 18/25 Branding 20/25 Monetisation 15/25 Total 71/100 Gadgetcandy is the brainchild of publishing house...

Site inspection: Sensory Perspective.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 3, 2005... Sensory Perspective sensoryperspective.com Owner: Sensory Perspective Agency: Karl Sinfield Content 15/25 Usability 15/25 Branding 15/25 Monetisation 15/25 Total 60/100 Have you ever woken up...

Site inspection: BritList.(britlist.com)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 3, 2005... BritList britlist.com Owner: BritList Agency: in-house Content 10/25 Usability 17/25 Branding 15/25 Monetisation 12/25 Total 54/100 BritList is a patriotic homage to the humble local...

Fulfilment: 101cd.com.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
November 3, 2005... 101cd.com Founded: 1999 Selection CDs, DVDs, computer games, imports and out-of-print stock, along with associated merchandise, such as calendars. Technical problems: None. Navigation There are easy-to-use, very...

BBC makes first wave of iTV programmes available online.(British Broadcasting Corp.)
November 10, 2005... The BBC is making some of its biggest iTV programmes available via the Internet for the first time, in a move that will significantly broaden the appeal of its red-button services. As part of an ongoing attempt to make more of its content...

Lads' mags race to offer PSP content.(Sony PlayStation Portable, Maxim)(Brief Article)
November 10, 2005... FHM is ahead of rival lads' mag Maxim in offering downloads for the new Sony PSP handheld platform, with plans afoot for both to launch dedicated PSP channels in 2006. Emap-owned FHM.com will offer free content including High Street...

Mobile aggregators must take responsibility, say operators.(mantaining the consumer confidence)
November 10, 2005... The continuing damage that scams and questionable practices are doing to consumer confidence in the mobile content industry has led operators to call on the aggregator community to step up their responsibility. Operators believe the...

O2 seeks closer contact with i-mode customers.(Brief Article)
November 10, 2005... O2 is stepping up its interaction with customers through new Web sites supporting its i-mode service and its Mobile Review initiative encouraging independent ratings of its handsets. Launching later this month, the i-mode site invites...

EMI Catalogue runs viral quiz for release of 'Rock School' DVD.(EMI Music UK, Channel Four Television Company Ltd., contract)(Brief Article)
November 10, 2005... EMI Music UK subsidiary Catalogue is rolling out a viral quiz to promote the release of Channel 4 show Rock School on DVD later this month. The quiz sets players a series of questions to see if they rock as much as the show's presenter,...

Google faces fresh criticism over bonuses for top-rank third parties.(Google UK Ltd.)(Brief Article)
November 10, 2005... The controversy around Google's tiered Best Practice Funding (BPF) scheme has moved on to the additional 'kicker' rebate that the search engine is offering to those third parties boosting their spending the fastest. This kicker will be...