New York (February 22, 2015) American Weekend Entertainment (AWE) today announced the launch of a news wire service for music, offering publishers unique editorial content that will grow readership, extend engagement with compelling cross-channel promotion, and provide no-cost monetization opportunities.

Focused on the demographic sweet spot of legacy print publishers, AWE will create unique, premium video editorial packages for daily newspapers and digital extensions simultaneously. Heading up the editorial team will be music journalist and author Alan Light, who has held high-profile positions at Rolling Stone, Spin, and Vibe magazines, and original MTV VJ Mark Goodman, who has also hosted on VH1, WMMR, KROQ, WPLJ and currently on Sirius XM. Both are recognized leaders in music and video journalism for the last thirty years.

“The service we are providing at AWE is a long time coming – it is groundbreaking. I’m thrilled to be part of a group that has the same enthusiasm and love of music I experienced at MTV. It was that enthusiasm and vision that helped MTV become the music business game-changer that it was; I expect no less from this team!” said Goodman.

Added Light, “Right now, there’s a significant gap between the access everyone has to music and the guidance most people get about what to actually listen to. With a team that’s proven its ability to deliver great music coverage, there’s a real opportunity for publishers to connect music fans to the information they crave and the artists they love.”

The company was founded by experienced print and digital publishing pioneers, as well as several members of the original MTV team. AWE will connect consumers with the pulse of their music from trusted sources, and deliver exciting promotions and contests, giving publishers a unique product that is both informative and revenue-generating, and provide brands an opportunity to reach their target audiences in novel ways.

“From the start, AWE has been focused on creating a unique music product for publishers that was easy to integrate, created by trusted music media innovators, with novel monetization opportunities and absolutely no upfront costs,” said SVP of Affiliate Sales David Sheehan.

About American Weekend Entertainment

American Weekend Entertainment creates and distributes exclusive, music-based editorial packages that include text, images, video, promotions and live events, providing turnkey workflow and sales opportunities for publishers.

 

MARC MONTOYA

chief REVENUE advisor

With over three decades in the competitive, continually evolving world of digital media, Marc has held executive positions at such prominent media companies as Nexstar Media Group Match.com, AOL, Yahoo!, Broadcast.com and Belo Broadcasting. Marc’s ability to anticipate trends and innovate has enabled him to develop and transform businesses through the power of digital and traditional broadcast video

JENNIFER PHELPS

Production Manager/Operations
Jennifer is a persuasive and passionate executive with an extensive career in Music, Film, Television and Advertising. She has worked with many award winning icons in the entertainment world in developing strategies, executing plans and analyzing results. Skilled in contract negotiation, strategic brand building, budgeting and strengthening relationships with power brokers, artists and management, she is also adept at Project Management and identifying strategic partnerships.

GENE SICARD

EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION

Gene’s experience brings an eclectic musical and production background to AWE. He trained as a classical musician and singer at the Manhattan School of Music, sang baritone with the New York City Opera, and later became a producer, composer and arranger for Atlantic Records.

Beginning in 1985, Gene owned and operated several production houses catering to major advertising and corporate clients. His musical training and experience has provided him with a finely tuned ear and great directorial expertise, which is reflected in his craftsmanship. Gene has a recognized style featuring strong creativity, high energy, and an emphasis on intricate production techniques.

TED UTZ

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, LONG-FORM CONTENT

Ted is an accomplished entertainment executive with experience in start-ups, major-market station management, artist development and management, business and programming development. Having direct experience in the Traditional, Digital, On-site, Social, Mobile and ‘Cross-Platform‘ media business, he has created innovative solutions for competitive and technical challenges facing customers and strategic partners. Specializing in revenue development through building and maintaining excellent relationships with clients, vendors, and staff, while ensuring seamless communication between internal and external groups and all essential vehicles of content distribution.

Ryan Fisher

Twitter/YouTube Intern

Ryan is currently a Senior at SUNY Fredonia with a Major in Music Industry and a Minor in Communications. His goals are to get a job in the music industry either with live performances or social media.

Paloma Pimentel

Talent

I am Paloma Pimentel, I am bilingual and speak English and Spanish. I am a senior at college, a practicing communicator and journalist. I have been to 19 countries and have a multi-cultural understanding of people and societies. I hope one day to become a communications expert.

mel adler

president

Mel is an accomplished media entertainment executive with over twenty five years experience in multimedia sales, management, production and distribution for both large scale companies as well as start up environments.

A strong hands-on professional, he has developed and activated marketing programs for many fortune 500 brands including Microsoft, Mercedes, L’Oreal, Hennessy, Citi, and Kraft while at companies like CBS Interactive Music, Clear Channel Interactive, National Lampoon, Tribune and iHeart Radio.

An early adopter of cross-platform and branded integrations, Mel has also executive produced programs for broadcast television and streaming web including South Side Johnny Live (NYE Special), ‘Cool Notes’ Jazz, Segway Music Countdown, and iHeart Radio’s Jingle Ball.

“The Dark Side of the Moon cover intrigued me when I  bought it in April 1973.  I was 19 at the time and Pink Floyd was becoming a mainstream success with a growing fan base, myself included.  The mind-blowing music coupled with lyrics exploring themes of alienation, loss, and materialism struck a personal note which echoes within me to this day.”   MA