By Tali Arbel, Technology Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --Federal regulators have delayed a vote on requiring cable and satellite TV companies to make free apps to bypass the need for cable boxes.
Consumers could potentially save a few hundred dollars a year if they don't have to buy or rent a cable box and instead use apps for streaming gadgets they already have, such as Roku or Apple TV. The Federal Communications Commission also wanted to promote gadgets that would let people search easily for video from online services such as Netflix and YouTube, not just TV channels.
The plan has drawn criticism from the TV industry, Hollywood studios and dozens of lawmakers.
The FCC's could make it easier to find popular TV from sources other than cable, putting further pressure on the TV industry, said Nicholas Economides, an economics professor at New York University's business school. Traditional TV distributors have already been losing subscribers in the past few years.
The FCC canceled a vote Thursday; Chairman Tom Wheeler and the two other Democratic commissioners say they are still working on the plan, which had already been changed substantially to make it more amenable to companies that create TV shows and movies, like Disney and Fox. Three votes are needed for approval.
One complaint from industry groups was that the FCC would have power to oversee licensing agreements with tech companies that would make such gadgets.
Jessica Rosenworcel, one of the Democratic commissioners whose vote Wheeler needed to pass the measure, has said she was concerned that the FCC didn't have the authority to oversee such licensing agreements.
Mike Pierantozzi joins Movers+Shakers as exec creative director
Creative agency Movers+Shakers has appointed Mike Pierantozzi as executive creative director. In this new role, he will help guide the creative direction of Movers+Shakers’ socially-native campaigns. Pierantozzi will report to co-founder and chief creative officer Geoffrey Goldberg.
With nearly two decades of experience as a copywriter, creative director, and multi-platform storyteller, Pierantozzi brings a wealth of knowledge from his work with major brands including Kraft, Unilever, IBM, and Walmart. He has led the creation of award-winning campaigns for agencies like Red Tettemer, Ogilvy, The Brooklyn Brothers, TAXI, Saatchi & Saatchi, and most recently, Vayner, where he spearheaded culturally iconic work for Planters including “Death of Mr. Peanut.” He led the National Down Syndrome Society and Luvs account, whose “First Kid. Second Kid” campaign was awarded by the Effies, ADC, Clios and LIAs.
Outside of the office, Pierantozzi practices what he teaches brands. He’s gone viral multiple times on his own TikTok account, featuring comedic interactions with his son and a trombone. He’s accumulated 15K followers on TikTok.
“Mike brings a rare and awesome combination of deep social and platform experience, a keen eye for excellent storytelling, and a humble and kind approach to leadership,” said Goldberg. “Mike’s got a knack for turning brand stories into cultural movements, making him the perfect fit for Movers+Shakers. He’s got the kind of bold vision and attention to culture that fits perfectly with our mission to push creative boundaries and drive industry firsts. Plus, as a creator himself he has the innate ability to make people stop, laugh, and share--which is exactly what we’re about.”
“I’ve... Read More