Also: BBC's geo-journalism experiment | MySpace's branded video channels | Young women are the dominant force online | Future appoints digital head | Jodie Marsh | John Sweeney
Another day, another lawsuit. Warner Music is suing social music site Imeem for copyright infringement, claiming it has built a user base of 16 million that capitalises on the illegal use of free music.
Imeem users create their profile, and then upload and share music. Though there is a warning for users not to upload copyrighted music, Warner claims the site is "no innocent infringer" - which I suppose means that Warner might view other sites in that way. Warner is claiming $150,000 for every copyrighted work on the site and is using Imeem's "play count feature as part of its evidence. Ouch. (Reuters)
BBC's geo-journalism experiment
The BBC's experimental project with mobile journalism is live: the Geo-stories project is the result of a collaboration between the BBC's Innovation Labs, Nokia (who donated the handsets) and tech firm Ymogen. Ymogen began working with students from the University of Brighton in December 2006 - as I wrote about here - to explore how content could be combined with location and time data to create stories on GPS-enabled devices. Stories include an urban conservation project where Londoners meet up in specific locations to revamp a communal space, and another that measures how the mobile is interrupting the flow of our lives.
MySpace launches branded video channels
MySpace is expanding the branded channel model to its video section, partnering with various high-profile media brands including Reuters, the New York Times and National Geographic. The branded channels will cover news, politics and a range of topics including cookery and entertainment. Content will include an offbeat news round-up and 30-second daily news bulletin from Reuters, and behind-the-scenes footage and video premieres from the Young Hollywood channel. (Release)
Young women are the dominant force online
Young women are now the most dominant online group in the UK, according to Nielsen//NetRatings. Young women between 18-34 account for 18% of UK web users compared to 14% of males at the same age. The over 50s now account for a quarter of web users. (Release)
Future appoints digital head
Future publishing has recruited Richard Foster as its new digital director to lead development of its print and online titles, including bikeradar.com and t3.co.uk. Foster was formerly UK managing director for Revenue Science and also did a stint at the Guardian. Future announced a swathe of new appointments and internal promotions last week including Robert Price to the new position of chief executive of Future UK and Simon Wear to chief operating officer.
Jodie Marsh. Nuff said.
What is the world coming to? Jodie Marsh is to be the subject of a new reality show the object of which is to find her a husband. At this point, I wanted to cut off a limb, so if you want to read more there's a website clogging up the internet somewhere.
Gratuitous link of the day
A John Sweeney homage, courtesy of Rich and Mark. A bit shouty.
