E-News : February 4, 2008
News of the Week
ABM Launches New Web Site and High-Definition Video Player
American Business Media unveiled its new Web site this morning, at www.AmericanBusinessMedia.com, in order to better represent the continual digital transformation and modernization of the business information industry.
ABM’s new site will debut a high-definition Dragonfly player, offering improved clarity and full-screen playback quality for its Video Network broadcasts, in addition to interactive features, easier navigation, additional member resources and the prominent placement of industry headline news and event information. In our first featured broadcast on the new site this morning, ABM's CTO Joshua Kuvin speaks with Cindy Braddon, VP of Government Affairs for The McGraw-Hill Companies and chair of ABM’s Information Policy Committee (IPC), about one of the most challenging hot-button issues on the hill, net neutrality.
Be sure to check out our new look and let us know what you think!
Oracle Speaks to ABM's IT Committee
Last week, Jillayne De Young, industry director of media and entertainment at Oracle, addressed American Business Media’s Information Technology Committee. Oracle reigns as the industry standard in data management and will continue to do so, forging companies into the future. Oracle is the high-end, high-quality insight and technology company that businesses need to establish and maintain their functioning at the highest levels. De Young discussed the unique initiatives of Oracle and how they can help grow your business. “Today,” she began, “consumers are definitely in control and they want everything personalized.” Oracle strives to meet these needs on a customized level.
De Young has more than 20 years of industry experience, beginning in the IT department at Forbes and quickly transitioning into software technology. Having spent two years with Oracle, she contributes industry insight and direction to companies, helping them to streamline processes and understand how to work more efficiently, effectively and innovatively.
As De Young explained, Oracle “takes companies from the Dark Ages to the forefront” of technology standards, adding, “we have to determine how we can help companies increase their bottom line. Ultimately, it’s about how we can help companies make more money.”
De Young presented Oracles primary core initiatives:
- Media Date Management (MDM), which assists customers in understanding how to achieve cohesion among all media platforms;
- Advertising Management, in which De Young encourages customers to take advantage of technologies in selling; and
- New Account Management.
“Although we’re all in the media and entertainment industry, we’re all different, we all have different needs,” De Young said. There is no “formula” that works for everyone; instead, plans of action have to be specific to the company.
Rather than a standard template, Oracle begins with guidelines about how different parts of the company should integrate when taking on a new client. “We’re leveraging what they’re doing right and what they could improve,” De Young notes.
Oracle’s Insight Program acts as a diagnosis for customers, examining the most critical business challenges to identify feasible, credible and affordable solutions that help achieve strategic goals. Oracle determines a road map for each company, and helps them by projecting an ROI on their products. Available exclusively to select companies, the Insight Program works for companies by giving industry perspective, discovery analysis, solution design, solution presentation and commitment to companies and their industries.
For more information on the discussion with Oracle or about the IT Committee, please contact Jenna Lisanti at j.lisanti@abmmail.com.
ABM's "Outside the Cube" Talks to Tomorrow's Leaders
As ABM continues to address a mass audience with its digital expertise, the Association’s new video initiative “Outside the Cube,” premiering next Monday, will be targeted to the millennium generation with content that aims to raise the visibility and stature of the business information industry among tomorrow’s professionals and leaders.
“We are thrilled to present ‘Outside the Cube’ on YouTube and 11 other video-sharing sites, such as Google Video, blip.tv and MySpace,” said Gordon T. Hughes II, ABM’s president and CEO, “and we invite you to share in our new millennium-oriented communications vehicles.”
Be sure to tune in to www.AmericanBusinessMedia.com next Monday morning for the premiere of ABM’s new “Outside the Cube,” featuring Committee & Council Coordinator Wally Koval. Or just choose it in the list of videos featured on the ABM homepage Dragonfly player to watch on-demand.
ABM Resources
Case For Series
A set of 10 concise brochures which are a must-have for results-oriented advertisers and salespeople, the newly-revised Case For Series consists of 10 sections containing data, research and narrative that make the case for bold advertising in business media. An indispensable resource for all sales personnel, the Case For Series provides valuable information that proves the powerful impact of business media. Separated into nine topic areas, the Series explores the value of b-to-b through sections on integration, magazines, e-media, events, rich data, custom media, impact techniques, continuity and metrics.
Copies of the Case For Series are available via ABM’s online store.
Neal Central
ABM Announces 2008 Jesse H. Neal Award Finalists
ABM is proud to announce the official finalist selections for the 54th Annual Jesse H. Neal National Business Journalism Awards, the industry’s most prestigious and sought-after editorial honors. Of thousands of entries, 104 have made it to the final round. Award recipients, including the Grand Neal winner, will be honored during the Neal Awards luncheon, March 14, at The Waldorf=Astoria in New York City.
Click here for the list of 2008 finalists.
Established in 1955, the Jesse H. Neal Awards recognize and reward editorial excellence in business-to-business publications. They are named after American Business Media's first managing director, who remained active in promoting the business press throughout his life. Past Neal winners and finalists have tackled controversial topics including corruption, kickbacks and political conflicts of interest.
A limited number of complimentary press passes are available for working journalists. Contact Editor Kate Patton at 212.661.6360, ext. 3315, or k.patton@abmmail.com for more information.
The 2008 Jesse H. Neal Awards are sponsored by PARS International Corp.
Government Affairs
Major Advertising Mailer Calls for Large Periodicals Rate Increase
When the Postal Service filed its cost and revenue data by class of mail for its 2007 fiscal year (ending September 30, 2007), it showed that, as a class, Periodicals failed by a wide margin to cover the postal costs directly attributable to the class. In comments filed with the Postal Regulatory Commission last week, ValPak – a major mailer of advertising coupons – contended that in light of the requirement in both the old and the new postal laws that each class of mail produce revenues at least covering its attributable costs, the Commission should exercise its authority to find the Periodicals rates illegal and direct that they be increased by a double-digit percentage to bring them into conformance.
ValPak contended that the Commission may and must take this action even though such an increase would be several times larger than the increase permitted under the applicable CPI rate cap. Alternatively, it said, if the Commission finds that it cannot require an increase above the cap (as ABM had previously contended), it should at least demand that the entire CPI-based increase be targeted on “low-volume, high-cost magazines that are circulated nationally.” Such an increase, of course, would hit ABM member publications especially hard.
ABM will file reply comments by the February 13 deadline and will show that the shortfall cited by ValPak fails to take into account that the present Periodicals rates with the 11.8% average increase were in effect for only two and a half months of FY 2007, that the new rate design will likely have cost-reduction effects and that the new flat sequencing system to be deployed this year will have a further impact on lessening Periodicals costs. ABM will also repeat that the new postal reform law does not permit “piercing” the rate cap even if there is a revenue shortfall and that the effect of an excessive increase on Periodicals, which make up less than 4% of mail volume, would have a nearly immeasurable effect on other mailers.
For more information, please contact ABM’s Washington Counsel, David Straus, at 202-585-6921 or dstraus@thompsoncoburn.com.
ABM Event Report
Learn a Holistic Approach to Selling Digital Media at Digital Velocity 2008
When it comes to selling digital media, an abundance of questions arise. Is the answer relationship or consultative sales? Outside or inside? Training or replacing sales staff? Is there a best sales model for today's transformational all-media publishing companies? So on March 4 & 5, during American Business Media’s Digital Velocity 2008: Real Experts, Real Applications, Real Time, experts from small, large and Internet publishers will share their implementable and successful sales models, while exploring and exposing the unexpected but critical components of a winning customer-driven sales organization during the interactive panel, “Selling Digital Media – A Holistic Approach to Revenue,” Wednesday, March 5, from 9:35 AM to 10:45 AM. We’ve extended the room block deadline until this Thursday, February 7, so register now!
Join moderator Tom Cintorino, SVP of digital media at PennWell Corporation, and panelists Jim Chrzan, VP of sales for Summit Business Media; David Kent, CEO of Rigzone; and Brian Quinn, VP of advertising sales for The Wall Street Journal Digital for an in-depth discussion on developing a holistic approach to boosting your digital revenue.
Digital Velocity 2008 will demystify the high-level strategies needed to boost your revenue and provide tangible ways to execute in today’s fast-paced environment, straight from the experts. Register now for the most comprehensive and powerful digital event of the year!
Discounted rooms are still available at the Hilton New York on the nights of March 3 and 4 … We’ve extended the room block deadline until this Thursday, February 7. To reserve, contact Lauren Gabriele at l.gabriele@abmmail.com or 212.661.6360, ext. 3322.
For complete information on sessions, speakers and registration, click here.
Digital Velocity 2008 is sponsored by Aequor Technologies, Audit Bureau of Circulations, BPA Worldwide Interactive, CDS Global, Convera, DataJoe, Dragonfly, Inform Technologies, InXpo, The Jordan, Edmiston Group, Nxtbook Media, Omeda, Texterity and Unisfair.
Learn from Nielsen's Chairman/CEO About How New Investors Are Changing the Face of B-to-B
During these uncertain economic times, innovation is a critical key to success. And the latest information on maximizing current revenues and new digital revenue-building technologies is knowledge you need to stay ahead of the competition. That’s why you can’t miss American Business Media’s Spring Meeting 2008 – New Paths to Success: Meeting the Challenges of Leading an Innovative Organization, May 4-7, 2008 at the La Quinta Resort & Club in La Quinta, CA. Join us on the West Coast this spring to find out how ABM and its members are talking about new approaches to attract advertisers, increase audiences across all platforms, and deliver new streams of revenue and profit.
On Monday, May 5, David Calhoun, Chairman/CEO of The Nielsen Company, will discuss how new investors are changing the face of business information companies and the importance of developing new owners for new times.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn straight from an industry insider about transforming your leadership during a time of industry transformation. ABM’s Spring Meeting 2008 will bring together the top business leaders from around the world under one roof; Click here to register or for more event information.
ABM Announces Important New Addition to Forrester Sales Tools:
THE POWER OF INDUSTRY-SPECIFIC EVENTS
Industry-specific events rank #1 for helping business decision-makers find out about new products and services.
This is just one of the significant findings from American Business Media’s new Forrester Research study, one of the most comprehensive in the business media space. The study provides a critical analysis of the trends and impact of business-to-business media on both end-users/decision-makers and marketers in light of digital media growth and business media’s potential for supporting the b-to-b sales process.
And the statistic above is one of the key reasons ABM has decided to release a new addition to our Forrester presentations, The Power of Industry-Specific Events, providing yet another way to communicate the power of our industry’s media properties. Click here to access the consolidated presentation.
Act now and access this important industry research, or contact Richard Bertin at r.bertin@abmmail.com for more information.
Marketing & Media Buying
ABM's Multiple Versions of New Forrester Study Available Now
Recently, we’ve released some of the significant findings from American Business Media’s new Forrester Research study, one of the most comprehensive in the business media space. And industry professionals are finding it an invaluable tool for analyzing the trends and impact of b-to-b media on both end users/decision-makers and marketers.
Now, ABM is bringing you six versions of the Forrester study to best fit your specific needs and emphasize the power of our industry-specific media properties:
- The complete version
- The complete version broken out by the 21 industry categories
- One ideal for brief presentations at agencies and to clients
- One confirming the power of industry-specific Magazines
- One confirming the power of industry-specific Events
- One confirming the power of industry-specific Digital Media (Available approximately March 1)
Contact Richard Bertin at r.bertin@abmmail.com for more information.
Advertising During Times of Economic Uncertainty
Some of your clients concerned with the state of the economy may require additional justification for advertising during times of uncertainty. The 2001 Yankelovich/Harris study includes data from the last period of economic uncertainty to address this issue.
Refer to those charts, which build a compelling argument for advertising during times of economic instability, via the Research & Marketing section of ABM’s Web site.
Education Spotlight
Top Ten Reasons Why YOU Should Hire a BPEF Intern in 2008
10) Your competitors have taken BPEF interns in the past … Why let them have all the fun?
9) Your workload is so heavy, you have contemplated sleeping under your desk for the night. BPEF interns can provide that extra brain you need around the office.
8) BPEF interns bring a fresh, young perspective to your business.
7) For the past two decades, nearly all BPEF interns have moved on to full-time positions within American Business Media member companies.
6) You are helping to mold the future of business media and promote your brand by giving a student the opportunity to learn more about the business information industry.
5) You can’t quite figure out how to utilize the latest online video/social networking/blogging applications being released on a daily basis. BPEF interns can fulfill your digital needs.
4) You have an excuse to get out of the office this August and come to the Scarsdale Golf Club to hit the links and network with other professionals, all in the name of charity for BPEF.
3) BPEF interns are recruited from among the top tier of business and journalism schools across the country, and truly are the best and brightest.
2) BPEF interns do more than editorial. Their skill sets include marketing, graphic design, video editing, Web production and more.
1) You really are making a difference in a student’s life and career. (And who can resist that warm, fuzzy feeling inside?)
It’s time to face the facts: today’s students are at the forefront of the digital transformation occurring in the world of business information, and American Business Media members have recognized that our future is dependent on this next generation of trained professionals.
Last year, the Business Press Educational Foundation (BPEF) placed 30 students in business media internships, and this year, BPEF is counting on ABM member participation to help make the 2008 program an even bigger success. So request your intern today. And you never know … Your BPEF intern could be your future CEO!
For the 2008 BPEF Intern Request Form, click here.
For more information about the program, contact Jenna Lisanti at j.lisanti@abmmail.com.
eMedia Update
Information Policy Committee Chair Weighs in on Net Neutrality
This week we turn the lens towards Capitol Hill where ABM’s Information Policy (IPC) Committee met last week to take on one of the most important issues affecting business media companies, net neutrality. The Association’s CTO Joshua Kuvin sat down with Chair Cindy Braddon to get the latest on the IPC’s efforts to ensure that ABM member companies stay informed.
The launch of ABM’s new Web site features a brand new version of the Dragonfly video player to improve the viewer experience. The new player will support high-definition video and improvements in picture clarity. The video player is compatible with both Mac and Windows, but to optimize its best performance, make sure you have the latest version of Adobe Flash Player 9; just click here to access the update and download it to your computer!
Be sure to tune in to www.AmericanBusinessMedia.com this week to gauge the impact net neutrality will have on ABM member companies. Or just click on ‘Cindy Braddon’ in the list of videos in the Dragonfly Player on the ABM homepage to watch whenever you want … It’s the beauty of on-demand.
Top Media Moves
Investcorp has acquired Randall-Reilly Publishing Company from Wachovia Capital Partners.
A new PR industry job board, a unique college PR guide and an unconventional blog are among the new and unique reader-centric features just launched by PR News Online.
A new report from AdMedia Partners found that 67% of senior advertising and marketing executives expect to approach or be approached about an M&A deal this year, and 39% expect to complete one or more mergers or acquisitions this year.
During the Software Information Industry Summit, IDG Communications’ CEO Bob Carrigan urged companies not to overregulate social networks.
Event Calendar
Integrated Sales Training Webinar:
Positioning Your Audience as Your Best Asset
February 21, 2008, Your Desktop
If you’re like most media salespeople these days, you’re always looking for new ways to convince your advertisers, exhibitors and sponsors to make investments or greater investments in your integrated media programs, often losing sight of your #1 customer – your audience. Stephen Pia of Coach Media will show you how to serve as your audience’s voice box, positioning them in a way that drives deeper relationships and more profitable, longer-term deals with your advertisers, sponsors and exhibitors.
Click here for more information …
Member Event of the Week
Business OnLine's Online Marketing Summit
February 21-23, 2008, San Diego, CA
Click here to find out more.
To see your event featured here, please contact us at info@abmmail.com.
Job of the Week
Inside Sales Representative, Digital Media - Putman Media
Blog of the Week
Committee Watch
The following is a list of upcoming ABM Committee and Council meetings. All meetings are at ABM's New York offices, and time listed is EST, unless otherwise noted.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
2:00 PM EST