Agency

Broadband in the business world in developed countries has become a common utility. But broadband availability is still very poor in developing countries, says the Information Economy Report 2006.

Some 12% of internet users say they have downloaded a podcast so they can listen to it or view it at a later time. However, few internet users are downloading podcasts with great frequency; just 1% report downloading a podcast on a typical day.

It’s that time of year when everyone begins to look forward to- or dread- their holiday office party. Even those who are excited by the prospect of an upcoming party are wary about how they should act. Some, however, seem to completely throw caution to the wind, and then wonder what they should have done differently once they’re sitting in their supervisor’s office the next day.

comScore Networks released a study which provides insight into the demographic characteristics, interests and media usage habits of online consumers who own digital music players (DMPs), including devices such as MP3 players, iPods (and starting Microsoft’s new Zune music player). Based on findings from comScore’s new Plan Metrix media planning tool, the study revealed that these tech-savvy consumers, who typically have an above average income, represent an attractive target for consumer electronics advertisers.

Ann Fudge, who became one of the most attacked and controversial advertising leaders on Madison Avenue, while heading Young & Rubicam, has “chosen to retire” before December 31, 2006, according to a company announcement.

The Human Rights Campaign and the Gay and Lesbian Medical Association announced a first-of-its-kind tool to rate the healthcare industry on how it treats its gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) patients and to educate the GLBT community about what to expect from healthcare providers and facilities.

On Friday, December 1st, Latinos in Los Angeles will come together to observe World AIDS Day. The event is organized by BIENESTAR, the largest Latino community based organization in the United States committed to meeting the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS and those most at risk for HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Bristol-Myers Squibb Company in cooperation with the National AIDS Fund launched the third annual “Light to Unite” campaign in support of World AIDS Day. This year’s “Light to Unite” program shines a light on the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in underserved communities throughout the United States.

As World AIDS Day approaches on December 1, 2006, commemorating the thousands that have died of AIDS in the last 25 years, the Latino Coalition Against AIDS, a broad coalition of Latino political, government and community leaders, calls on policymakers, the health industry and community leaders to address the growing concerns of HIV infected immigrants and the potential barriers to effective drug treatments and prevention programs that have been successful in delaying the onset of AIDS for other communities.

It’s the season for shoppers going wild — and according to a recent consumer survey by eToys.com, most shoppers say they will lose control of their wallets. According to eToys.com, 45 percent of those polled set a budget, and then spend beyond it. Thirty-five percent said they don’t set a holiday spending limit, while only 19 percent set a budget and stick to it. A mere 2 percent spend less than they budget. For those who think the holiday season seems to start earlier, the research indicates that many consumers get a head start on their shopping.

Latino celebrities autographed Gibson guitars at the 7th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards at Madison Square Garden to raise money for a national Hispanic literacy initiative.

The three-signed guitars will be listed on eBay from Wednesday, Nov. 22 through Saturday, Dec 2. The proceeds from the charity listing will support Lee y Seras (Read and You Will Be), a national, research-based initiative that helps parents and communities in building early literacy skills among Latino children.

GfK Omnibus Services, a division of GfK Custom Research North America, announced results from its 2006 Hispanic OmniTel Retail Study revealing where Hispanic Americans are shopping and why.

Is the manufacturing workforce still diminishing? How much are manufacturers investing in plants and equipment? This survey detailing manufacturing activity includes employment and payroll, number of production workers and wages, cost of materials, value added by manufacturers, value of shipments, total capital expenditures and other measures of manufacturing.

The Commission will be conducting 10 economic studies as part of its review of its media ownership rules. Each of these studies will be peer reviewed.

Lopez Negrete Communications conceptualized and organized a television special for client Wal-Mart and Latin Grammy nominees RBD, that aired on Univision Network on Thanksgiving day. The concert was filmed at the Toyota Center in Houston to a sell-out crowd. RBD’s third in-studio album “Celestial”.

The holiday season is a time for gathering and celebrating with friends and family, gift-giving and general cheer and rejoicing. To commemorate this time of year, the U.S. Census Bureau presents the following holiday-related facts and figures from its data collection.