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Nielsen is reporting that nearly 40 million Americans watched the Inauguration of President Barack Obama on television. While the largest television audience recorded during an inauguration came for Ronald Reagan in 1981 (41.8 million viewers), a pure TV rating is hardly accurate in measuring the event. The figure does not take into account online video, which drew millions of Americans, many of whom were at work.
Despite the current economic climate, Apple’s quarterly profits hit $1.61 billion, compared to 1.58 billion year over year. The numbers were up on increased iPod sales, as well as stellar quarters from the iPhone and its MacBook division. The Street was happy, with Apple’s stock up 9% on the positive report.
Intel plans to cut at least 5,000 jobs. Intel has eliminated roughly 20,000 jobs over the last three years and believed that they had done enough downsizing to weather the recession. The latest news also finds the worlds largest chip manufacturer set to close several factories.
TiVo released a study that found that 60% of commercials viewed during DVR playback were for theatrical film releases. The announcement noted that a trailer for the film Forgetting Sarah Marshall received a household rating of 12 during an episode of the Office last year. The study makes a case that viewers will actually watch commercials, rather than fast forwarding, if they are interested in the content.
Sony will slash production of flat screen televisions in Japan as it restructures its electronics business. The move comes as flat screen TV sales are falling. The company also plans to close 2 of its Japanese factories, with other restructuring news expected to come today during a conference with Sir Howard Stringer.
Starcom MediaVast is teaming with a handful of media companies for “The Pool”, a group set to create standards for online video advertising. The team, which also includes Microsoft, Yahoo, CBS Interactive and Hulu, is set to experiment with different ad formats in order to develop a proper marketplace for online video advertisements. An industry standard is desperately needed in order for media companies to take advantage of the developing medium.