The convergence of digital technology and online media has spawned the increasingly popular webisode, and the branding industry is scrambling to understand and capitalize on this new tool. Today, brands and entertainment are part of a flourishing new ecosystem powered by digerati from outside Hollywood and Madison Avenue – and sponsored web series are the new currency.

TV networks and media agencies are developing webisodes at a furious rate. Traditional producers such as Magical Elves, Reveille and Fremantle, are being joined by comparative newcomers, Katalyst, Vuguru, and Electric Farm.

Early entrants learned tough lessons in trying to port television-sized productions and budgets to the web. Successful partnerships now include producers and brands from the get-go. Marketing budgets now grant projects approval previously in the domain of network executives.Continue reading...

Android operating system woos major cellphone makers away from competition. [NY Times]

Can Verizon's Droid dethrone the iPhone? [Ad Age]

HTC smartphone launches big campaign in UK and US. [Brand Republic]

Ford rises above wounded competitors, gains 5% market share. [WSJ]

GM and Chrysler upend marketing strategies. [FT]

"Smart Choices" food label program has been suspended by the FDA. [Chicago Tribune]

Disney issues refunds for "Baby Einstein" products. [NY Times]

Movie studios begin to divulge plans for DVD alternatives. [NY Times]

Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen launch juniors line available at JC Penney. [WWD]

(More headlines: Eisner's web studion, Heineken, VW.)Continue reading...