Say hello to MySpace karaoke

Ad Networks and Analytics:

• Rise in revenue from its ad network were just enough to offset drops elsewhere at AOL.
• Analytics platform Media6Degrees raised $2 million in financing from Coriolis Ventures.
• Blinkx is licensing a toolset called Advanced Media Platform to publishers. The platform lets users manage video search ad inventory.
• New deals with both BlueLithium and Marchex will significantly expand the reach of WidgetBucks' widget-based ad networks.

Ad Buying, Planning and Selling:

• Meredith Corp. rearranged its Meredith 360 division to better integrate ad campaigns across media.
• Katz Radio Group created the Katz 360 Sales division to consolidate online radio ad sales with other operations.

Ad Agencies and Marketing Execs:

• Joe Duran has left Microsoft, where he's been for almost a decade, to become CEO at Media6°, an analytics firm that provides social media guidance to marketers.
• WPP Group's agency Grey added Don McKinney to its executive ranks as ECD, director of digital development.

Cross Media:

• Hearst-Argyle's Boston affiliate WCVB-TV will be testing a TV-to-internet ad clicking system from Backchannelmedia. It enables web-like ad interaction from a TV set.
• InStyle.com is prepping for the launch of a weekly video series covering celebrities.
• Playboy is signing deals with YouTube, Veoh and others to create the Playboy Audience Network, a place for short-form video content.
• Following it decision to stop streaming Gossip Girl online, the CW seeks other ways to encourage TV-based viewing of popular shows.
• NBC has 2,200 hours of online video coverage planned with partner Microsoft for the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games.
• Reactrix was chosen by Clear Channel to install its StepScape ad displays in airports where Clear Channel manages ad placement.

Mobile:

• Sprint Nextel is a potential acquisition target for Deutsche Telekom, which could use it to make T-Mobile the world's largest wireless carrier.
• With so many mobile analytics products available, it will be tough for AdMob to differentiate its newly launched service in the marketplace.
• A passel of iPhone users reported getting free wireless access at Starbucks locations. AT&T has not formally commented or confirmed the availability of wireless at Starbucks.

Online Content:

• Crave Online bought two professional hockey fan sites.
• Christian video-sharing site GodTube raised $30 million to fund its crusade.
• AbsolutePunk.net, a site for punk fans, was acquired by BuzzNet.
• Channel One, the educational content network, completed a switchover to all-digital delivery, bringing more flexibility for ad rotation and last-minute ad-swapping.
• Believe it or not, FunnyOrDie does intend to make money. It is reportedly mulling sponsorships, co-branded content and more to drive revenue to the site.
• Ypulse.com, a youth-oriented blog run by Anastasia Goodstein, added a co-editor to its ranks: teen fashion writer Casey Lewis.
• Hulu made a promotional channel on YouTube.

Publishing:

• IDG is bucking the trend and translating print properties online. Its focus in the computers and technology may have helped the titles find audiences.
• The Associated Press has unveiled its Mobile News Network.
• The LA Times and Seattle Times have had some measure of success at keeping local advertisers, even online.

Social Networks:

• MySpace is reportedly charging application developers to for apps to appear on its "Featured Apps" page. Prices are said to run between $50,000 and $100,000 for a week of placement.
• MySpace launched a karaoke feature.

Tools and Software:

• Yahoo has added widgets publishers can use to show what's popular or relevant on Yahoo Buzz.
• Hearst and Jango are partnering on a new widget people can use to share celebrity music playlists.
• Microsoft released the Popfly Game Creator to facilitate the creation of casual games.
• Microsoft also signed deals with Hyundai and Kia to bring voice-control technology to those cars.
• Users of Hewlett-Packard's MediaSmart can view YouTube videos on those devices.

Virtual Worlds:

• LEGO announced plans to create its own virtual world.