MySpace

FOX has drawn much criticism over its decision to censor certain parts of this Sunday’s Emmy broadcast. The network “bleeped” Sally Field’s acceptance speech when she used the word “goddamn.” However, a 2004 ruling by the FCC specifically declared that “goddamn” was not indecent. Comedian Ray Romano received similar treatment, when the network dropped the Continue Reading →

BRIGHTCOVE has decided to stop developing its YouTube-like Internet video portal, and shift its focus entirely to white-label video services for content publishers. The portal will now “run itself” at Brightcove.tv, while Brightcove.com is retained for growing the core technology business. Brightcove technology serves video on some of the Internet’s top destinations, including The Wall Continue Reading →

VERIZON has filed a lawsuit looking to overturn the FCC’s rules for the upcoming 700 MHz spectrum auction. The lawsuit claims that the auction rules are “arbitrary and capricious,” and overstep the powers of the Commission. The auction is scheduled to begin on January 16, 2008. VIACOM is finally getting into the social-networking game. This Continue Reading →

HULU will acquire MOJITI, a Beijing-based startup. Mojiti allows users to annotate videos, leaving comments at specific points for others to see. Its technology will be used extensively on Hulu.com, the joint online venture of News Corp. and NBC Universal. The deal is estimated to be worth $10 million. MYSPACE has signed a deal with Continue Reading →

ABC is seeking partners to more widely distribute its online programming, signaling a change in its go-it-alone strategy. The network is in talks with several web sites, including AOL, Comcast, MSN, and MySpace. ABC isn’t opening up completely, however. It is insisting that all partners use its own video player, to ensure that viewers have Continue Reading →

Adobe, maker of the Flash Media Server and its associated ubiquitous player, has announced that it will support the H.264 format. I know what you’re thinking — I lost you at “H.” I mean, seriously, could there be a more geek-centric thing to write about? Stay with me, that’s all the tech we’re going to Continue Reading →

 CABLELABS has approved a new technical standard for IP video, in conjunction with major movie studios and consumer-electronics makers. It brings together Paramount, Sony Pictures, Walt Disney, Warner Brothers, Hitachi, Intel, Panasonic, and Toshiba. The specification will allow set-top boxes and other devices to transfer cable signals throughout home networks, and should spur growth Continue Reading →

THE NTIA has contracted IBM to provide $120 million worth of services for the “Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Coupon Program.” Services will include consumer education, coupon distribution, and financial processing for coupons. The contract begins immediately, and will expire in September 2009. FOX INTERACTIVE MEDIA will begin managing websites for 160 Fox-affiliated stations. The sites will Continue Reading →

OXYGEN MEDIA has sold the first ads through the Online Media Exchange to Intel. A dozen networks registered for the eBay system in time to consider Intel’s slot request. However, there were no other bidders. This was Intel’s first ad purchase on Oxygen. YAHOO has pledged to challenge YOUTUBE‘s dominance in online video. Yahoo will Continue Reading →

GOOGLE is reportedly courting wireless operators to carry handsets customized for Google products. The search leader has spent hundreds of millions of dollars on the cellphone project and developed prototype phones. The phones are said to feature all Google mobile applications and a sophisticated new web browser. The company is not seeking an exclusive provider, Continue Reading →