News & Opinion

  That’s because Bob Gold & Associates helped the EchoStar business unit beat the holiday crush to position its Slingbox as the perfect gift for sports-nut Dads, college students living away from home and anybody else who craves TV access anywhere and everywhere. Slingbox delivers live TV via the Internet, letting viewers enjoy programming they already subscribe to by tapping into their home channel line-ups remotely. Slingbox allows unsurpassed content portability and picture quality, with SlingPlayer apps for laptops, tablets and smartphones. In collaboration with Sling Media, Bob Gold & Associates opted for an incremental roll-out of its holiday message about Slingbox. First, the agency contacted consumer magazines with “long-lead” deadlines for their holiday gift-guide special issues. We pitched hundreds of such outlets and followed up selectively with primary targets. We next contacted tech correspondents and others at national and local TV outlets, and then we went out to radio shows and podcasters. (Short-lead publications and websites will be contacted closer to the holiday season.) Collectively, this concerted media push already is showing good traction. We will continue to follow up in coming weeks and months in our campaign to deck the holiday halls with Slingboxes!

Suwanee, Ga. – September 9, 2013 – ARRIS Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: ARRS) and Sling Media are introducing a new media streaming device that empowers service providers to offer live (up to 4 simultaneous HD channels) and recorded content for a comprehensive multiscreen experience for their subscribers…welcome to TV anywhere. The ARRIS MS4000 (Media Streamer 4000) is powered by Sling Media technology, and will be available to all service providers deploying the ARRIS Whole Home Solution. The standalone box works with the popular ARRIS MG5000 Media Gateway Series to give subscribers the capability to watch live and recorded content on tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices—in the home and on-the-go. “Sling Media is a pioneer and leader in content place shifting. The MS4000 is a strategic addition to our evolving follow-me TV portfolio that empowers service providers to keep pace with consumer demand,” said John Burke, SVP Corporate Strategy & Development; President Cloud Solutions Business, ARRIS. “The MS4000 combines our joint expertise with the popular Whole Home Solution platform to bring full-featured media streaming solutions to the global stage. Together, ARRIS and Sling Media are empowering service providers to go to market with the kind of media experiences that consumers demand.” A recent Sling Media customer survey found that current users of Sling Media’s retail products, the Slingbox 350 and Slingbox 500, are better connected and watch more live linear and DVR content to more devices in more places than average consumers—a desirable and increasingly demanding demographic that service providers can now address with the MS4000 platform. • Live content (sports and primetime shows) is the most watched form of content for Slingbox owners both inside and outside the home • Nearly two-thirds use their Slingbox frequently, with three-quarters of usage taking place away from home • Apple tablets and smartphones are the preferred devices for accessing content via a Slingbox “Sling Media technology is the best way to extend the entire living room TV experience anywhere and we are delighted to now be working with ARRIS, an industry leader in media gateway and broadband technology,” said Michael Hawkey, Vice President and General Manager of Sling Media. “Together we will deliver an unrivaled multiscreen video solution to MSOs and MVPDs who are looking to add more value to their current customer offerings and extend the entertainment experience beyond the living room TV.” About the MS4000 and ARRIS Whole Home Solution with MOXI The ARRIS Whole Home Solution platform also features a next-generation MOXI UI that makes finding media content as easy as surfing the Web—a perfect complement to multiscreen streaming experiences. The MS4000 will be available for sale in late Q1 2014 to all service providers deploying the ARRIS Whole Home Solution, allowing them to satisfy demand for media streaming on mobile devices. The MS4000 Media Streamer is powered by award-winning Sling place-shifting technology and serves as a companion device for the ARRIS MG5000 Media Gateway. The platform supports in-home and remote streaming to mobile devices, enabling service providers to offer live TV and DVR content experiences…anywhere. Product highlights: • Streaming to mobile devices (tablet, smartphone, PC/Mac) • In-home streaming via Wi-Fi • Support for remote streaming over cellular and WiFi networks • Support for live TV and access to DVR content • Up to 4 simultaneous HD streams • Fully integrated solution incorporating the MOXI UI, MOXI Mobile Application (iOS and Android), and ARRIS Services Portal For a preview of the MS4000 Media Streamer, visit ARRIS at IBC 2013 (Hall 1, Stand 1.D31). More information is available online. According to the Fourth Annual Media Engagement Barometer by ARRIS, people are watching more content, in more ways, on more screens than ever: globally, over half have downloaded a TV program to a mobile device, with over quarter doing so on a daily basis. On average, TV services are watched away from home, four days a week. This fundamental shift to multiscreen viewing has created an opportunity for service providers to address the demand for streaming media services and reach consumers on their favorite devices—wherever they are.

Strategic acquisition will allow service providers to use geo-located network data to improve the customer experience and achieve customer experience-driven network optimization ST LOUIS, MO ¾ September 3, 2013 ¾ Amdocs (NYSE: DOX), the leading provider of customer experience systems and services, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire privately-held Actix for approximately $120 million in cash, subject to customary closing conditions. This acquisition expands Amdocs’ customer experience portfolio further into the network domain to manage customer experience across both networks and IT. The Boards of Directors of Actix and Amdocs have approved the transaction which, subject to the satisfaction of the conditions to closing, is expected to be completed by the end of September. With the acquisition of Actix, the leading independent software provider of mobile network optimization solutions, Amdocs will be expanding its CES (Customer Experience Systems) portfolio with geo-located network data that will drive a variety of optimization use cases. The acquisition will position Amdocs as the first vendor to offer customer experience-driven network optimization based on a holistic view of the customer experience across all networks, BSS and OSS (business and operational support systems). Geo-located network information provided by Actix’s solutions, combined with customer data and capabilities from Amdocs’ market-leading policy management, BSS and OSS systems, will allow service providers to support sophisticated customer experience use cases and take proactive action based on network performance to modify and improve the experience of a specific customer or group of customers. As a result, service providers will be able to differentiate the customer experience and achieve cost-efficiencies with improved automation and optimization of their existing networks, as well as when rolling out new network technologies, such as LTE and small cells. “Together, Amdocs and Actix will continue to pioneer development in network optimization, enhancing our position as the leading provider of network-independent solutions in this area,” said Bill McHale, chief executive officer of Actix. “The combination of our assets, spanning network and IT, will offer service providers the most powerful customer experience driven network optimization solution available.” “With this acquisition, Amdocs will continue to lead the way in customer experience innovation,” said Rebecca Prudhomme, vice president of product and solutions marketing for Amdocs. “Linking network knowledge to customer insight, we will continue to deliver on the promise of our CES 9 portfolio to help service providers unleash the power of experience, while delivering operational efficiencies.” Founded in 1991, Actix has employees located at offices around the world and is deployed at over 350 mobile service providers. In addition to product and solution synergies, Amdocs and Actix share numerous top tier customers. Amdocs does not expect a material impact from the acquisition of Actix, if completed, in fiscal year 2013 or fiscal year 2014 non-GAAP earnings per share (excluding acquisition related costs and equity-based compensation expense, net of related tax effects). The impact on GAAP results will not be known until after Amdocs completes the purchase price accounting for the acquisition. Amdocs may incur acquisition-related expenses in fiscal years 2013 and 2014 to account for certain costs related to the acquisition. Supporting Resources Learn more about the Amdocs CES 9 product portfolio Keep up with Amdocs news by visiting the company’s website ·         Subscribe to Amdocs’ RSS Feed and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and YouTube About Actix Actix creates software platforms that enable mobile operators to deliver better customer experiences, maximize network ROI and generate new revenues by locating, optimizing and monetizing their subscribers’ experience. Actix provides operators with real-time, geo-located, visibility and control over the Radio Access Network (RAN); the most critical part of a mobile operator’s infrastructure. With more than 20 years’ experience as a technology leader in the field of RAN analytics, optimization, Actix works with operators in more than 50 countries world-wide. For more information, visit www.actix.com About Amdocs For more than 30 years, Amdocs has ensured service providers’ success and embraced their biggest challenges. To win in the connected world, service providers rely on Amdocs to simplify the customer experience, harness the data explosion, stay ahead with new services and improve operational efficiency. The global company uniquely combines a market-leading BSS, OSS and network control product portfolio with value-driven professional services and managed services operations. With revenue of $3.2 billion in fiscal 2012, Amdocs and its 20,000 employees serve customers in more than 60 countries. Amdocs: Embrace Challenge, Experience Success. For more information, visit Amdocs at www.amdocs.com

beIN SPORT and beIN SPORT en Español Debut Today Nationwide in HD & SD MIAMI, Sept. 6 – beIN SPORT, the international sports network, today announced its debut on AT&T U-Verse TV®; the fastest growing TV provider in the U.S. AT&T has added both beIN SPORT and beIN SPORT en Español  to its U-verse TV lineup. The programming will be offered in both standard definition and high definition. AT&T U-VERSE TV subscribers will now have access to beIN SPORT’s exclusive coverage CONMEBOL & CONCACAF World Cup qualifying soccer matches, including USA’s clash vs. Costa Rica on Sept. 6, 2013, and round 15 of South American qualifiers. beIN SPORT also has exclusive coverage of Spain’s La Liga, Italy’s Serie A, and France’s Ligue 1 among other leagues and competitions. “We are delighted to be able to add beIN Sport to our robust lineup of AT&T U-verse TV sports programming,” said Aaron Slator, president, content and advertising, AT&T. “This is a definite win for our AT&T U-verse TV customers. They will now have the opportunity to see this exclusive coverage coming to them from some of the most exciting international stadiums and venues in the world.” “The AT&T U-verse content team has just scored another coup for its customers by bringing our networks in English and Spanish to their customers,” said Yousef Al-Obaidly, managing director of beIN SPORT. “AT&T U-verse TV customers are passionate. And our two networks will offer them more soccer and top flight international competition than any other channel.” AT&T U-verse TV will offer beIN SPORT on Channel 662 in SD/1662 in HD, 3120 in SD/3320 in HD.  The Spanish-language channel, beIN SPORT en Español, will be available on Channel 663 in SD/1663 in HD, 3119 in SD/3319 in HD. Below is a schedule of today’s schedule world cup qualifiers: Friday, Sep. 6 -- All times Eastern (ET) On beIN SPORT (English with Spanish SAP) Time Event Competition 4:30 p.m (Live) Colombia vs. Ecuador CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying 6:30 p.m (Live) Paraguay vs. Bolivia CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying 9:30 p.m (Live) Costa Rica vs. USA CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying   On beIN SPORT en Español (with English SAP) Time Event Competition 4:30 p.m (Live) Colombia vs. Ecuador CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying 6:30 p.m (Live) Paraguay vs. Bolivia CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying 8:30 p.m (Live) Chile vs. Venezuela CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying 10:30 p.m (Live) Peru vs. Uruguay CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifying AT&T U-verse TV is the fastest growing TV provider in the U.S.*** and U-verse is a nearly $12 billion annualized revenue stream in only seven years since its initial launch in 2006. AT&T U-verse TV was recently named Frost & Sullivan Video Company of the Year. For additional information on AT&T U-verse - or to find out if it's available in your area - visit www.att.com/u-verse. About AT&T AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse® and AT&T |DIRECTV brands. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

How to Create a Content Strategy (In Only 652 Steps) By Ian Lurie This is a really, really, really long piece. There's no TL;DR version. That's because a content audit has a lot of steps. I've tried to break them down and explain each one, so that a writer who knows their way around a computer or a marketing geek who knows how to write can take this and do a complete audit. http://ow.ly/ozNcX

Cable TV-Broadcaster Dispute Heats Up Interest in Free TV Reception Phoenix, AZ--September 4, 2013 - - Channel Master, a major manufacturer of television antennas and home entertainment equipment, had a huge surge in sales in August, a lift executives attribute to publicity alerting all consumers about ways to maintain their broadcast reception in the wake of the month-long carriage dispute between Time Warner Cable and CBS. Sales of Channel Master’s popular broadcast HD antennas in August were 150% higher than that of July. Its most popular products, the SMARTenna (indoor/outdoor) and CLEARtenna (indoor) and the EXTREMEtenna (outdoor) were its three top sellers for the month. Channel Master also saw website traffic substantially increase in late August on its websites, channelmaster.com and the popular antennachoice.com when Time Warner Cable announced that it would give out free antennas to its customers in three markets Los Angeles, New York and Dallas. “The publicity surrounding the Time Warner Cable/CBS dispute was national in scope and attention. It was one of the best reminders to the general consumer population that much of their most popular programming is produced for free broadcast consumption – and all anyone needs is a good antenna and digital broadcast converter box. We at Channel Master clearly were among the beneficiaries from the dispute,” said Isaac Valenzuela, Channel Master director of marketing. Channel Master is a trusted veteran in the broadcast television space, having created the original patent for the first preassembled aerial TV antenna in 1949. Its product mix has evolved with the times and current offerings include the latest technology, including set-top boxes to enable Internet delivered television, and DVRs. About Channel Master Established in 1949, Channel Master has evolved from a trusted terrestrial antenna manufacturer to a leader in the production of set-top boxes, home networking accessories and digital media devices that connect consumers, businesses and service providers with a multitude of content. Access to streaming media, stored digital content, music and movies on-demand, off-air HDTV channels, and more is possible from Channel Master's expanding lineup and is available from a network of more than 200 distributors and thousands of retail locations worldwide. Channel Master, LLC is a registered trademark and is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. For more information, please visit www.channelmaster.com.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Sept. 4, 2013 – Sprint (NYSE: S) has long been the industry leader in cell phone recycling. Now the wireless carrier has a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® achievement to prove it. This week GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS recognized Sprint for shattering the record for the number of cellular phones recycled in one week: 103,582 cellular phones, more than double the previous record. “We are committed to keeping old cell phones out of landfills and are so pleased that our customers supported us during this record-setting week, as they regularly do throughout the year,” said Jaime Jones, senior vice president of consumer sales at Sprint. Through its standard phone take back programs including Sprint Buyback and other device-collection initiatives, Sprint continues to highlight the importance of phone recycling and reuse with its customers. Junk drawers filled with old phones that eventually find their way to landfills contribute to electronic waste, or e-waste, which continues to be the fastest growing waste stream in the United States. Sprint was the first wireless carrier in the United States to initiate a customer buyback program granting instant credit for eligible devices from any carrier in Sprint retail stores. Today, more than four out of every 10 customers in Sprint retail stores participate in the buyback program. These recycling programs have helped create more than $1 billion in cost avoidance for the company, putting more than $100 million back in customers’ pockets in 2012 alone. Since 2001, Sprint reclaimed enough mobile devices to divert 12.5 million pounds of e-waste from landfills. As part of a network-wide updating and decommissioning project, Sprint projects to re-use and recycle an additional 100 million pounds of e-waste in 2013 and 2014 – part of an effort that should improve service for customers and significantly reduce Sprint’s electricity consumption and carbon footprint. “Sprint continues to demonstrate its commitment to mobile phone recycling programs and the benefits they bring to Sprint customers, the wireless industry and the environment,” said Kate Pearce, analyst at Compass Intelligence which ranked Sprint No. 1 overall for its Buyback program the last two years among national carriers. “Its Buyback program and other reuse/recycling initiatives continue to be examples of leadership for the industry.” As part of its industry-leading Electronics Stewardship Policy which highlights Sprint’s efforts to work with only certified recyclers to achieve their aggressive recycling goals, Sprint aims to collect an average of nine devices for every 10 devices sold by 2017. Sprint has also taken industry-leading steps to promote environmental sustainability in production of new devices and packaging. Sprint is the only carrier to partner with the U.S. EPA, as part of the agency’s Sustainable Materials Management Program, and has been ranked No. 3 on Newsweek’s Green Rankings for two years in a row – the only wireless carrier to crack the list’s top 25.

What: Enjoy the gripping regional soccer showdown between Jordan and Uzbekistan for the right to continue in the World Cup qualification playoffs, live and exclusively on ONE World Sports. Jordan and Uzbekistan—who each finished third in their respective qualifying groups after the final full round of games in June—will battle for the right to play a South American team for a berth at 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil. Also only on ONE World Sports: live action from Nippon Professional Baseball—with games pitting Chiba Marines vs. Saitama Lions and Yomiuri Giants vs. Yokohama Baystars—as well as a North American’s Soccer League match featuring the NY Cosmos vs. the Atlanta Silverbacks under the lights at Hofstra University. When:            ONE World Sports, the English-language global sports network, will carry all of this world-class action live on Sept. 6, Sept. 7 and Sept. 10. Friday, Sept. 6 Time (EDT) Event Competition 5 a.m. (Live) Chiba Marines vs. Saitama Lions Nippon Professional Baseball 12 p.m. (Live) Jordan vs. Uzbekistan 2014 World Cup Brazil-Asian Qualifiers/Playoff Saturday, Sept. 7 Time (EDT) Event Competition 5 a.m. (Live) Chiba Marines vs. Saitama Lions Nippon Professional Baseball 7 p.m. (Live) NY Cosmos vs. Atlanta Silverbacks North American Soccer League Tuesday, Sept. 10 Time (EDT) Event Competition 5 a.m. (Live) Yomiuri Giants vs. Yokohama Baystars Nippon Professional Baseball 10 a.m. (Live) Uzbekistan vs. Jordan 2014 World Cup Brazil-Asian Qualifiers/Playoff Where: ONE World Sports is available via DISH Network, Cablevision’s Optimum TV, Mediacom Communications and Google Fiber.

Penthera Selects Bob Gold & Associates to Lead Its Groundbreaking PR...  http://ow.ly/ohiWA