Daily Marauder

ONLINE SERVICES/INTERACTIVE MEDIA

Twitter co-founder Biz Stone says that the company is hiring a manager to develop accounts for businesses that will have more features but cost a fee to use. Stone did not disclose a launch date. Twitter is growing rapidly, but is yet to specify how it will make money. (Iwantmedia 3/26, http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/03/23/daily52.html 3/23)

The rise of “feisty online alternatives” is helping speed up the decline of celebrity magazines, says a report by media bankers DeSilva + Phillips. Even powerhouse People magazine is vulnerable. Web sites like Perez Hilton “should be acquisition targets.” (Iwantmedia 3/26, http://www.foliomag.com/2009/outlook-celebrity-magazines-may-never-recover-recession 3/25)

The new iTunes pricing scheme is set for an April 7 launch, says the Los Angeles Times. They do good work over there. Apple hasn’t revealed this date publicly, but April 7 is supposedly what Cupertino is telling record labels. Remember: prices now top out at $1.29 for popular songs. (http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/03/26/popular-songs-on-itunes-go-to-129-on-april-7 3/26)

AT&T and Comcast are announcing their initiatives to work with the music industry to combat online piracy. The Internet service providers are sending letters to identified customers informing them that infringement has taken place on their account — but with no action outlined. (Iwantmedia 3/26, http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/content_display/industry/e3ic48b7a3a3eb3111d72b05ffcdd8d793b 3/25)

ZeeVee has updated its Zinc online video browser, which includes an on-demand library as well as content from Netflix and CBS. The browser’s new Beta 3 iteration organizes Internet-based content with a user-friendly interface that can be accessed via TV or other video screen. ElectronicHouse.com (3/24)