PayPal On Thursday announced partnerships with two of the biggest point-of-sale (POS) terminal providers and the expansion of its in-store payment system to an additional 15 retailers. Together, the moves strengthen PayPal’s bid to be a key player in the digital wallet arena. The company has signed agreements with VeriFone, the No. 1 POS terminal company, used by 80% of the top 200 retailers, as well as Equinox, the No. 3 competitor in the space. PayPal had previously partnered with Ingenico, allowing it to roll out its payment technology through the three top POS terminal providers. “While retailers still …

In twist on the new controversial commercial skipping feature for Dish Network consumers, the major broadcast networks have decided, in turn, to zap a new Dish Network commercial – one that touts Dish's ability to zap TV network commercials. Dish’s new AutoHop feature – attached to its new “Hopper” DVR unit – allows viewers mass deletion of primetime commercials among the four major TV networks. Viewers can screen the primetime programming the next day. Dish now says three of the networks – CBS, Fox and NBC – have rejected TV ads for Dish’s Hopper whole-home DVR, the device that features …

Bazaarvoice said Thursday it has entered into an agreement to acquire ratings and reviews platform PowerReviews. Founded in 2006, the company built a client base of more than 1,100 retailers, primarily small and mid-size in North American, as well as Gap, REI, Staples and Toys 'R' Us. At the closing share price on May 23, the value of the transaction is approximately $151.9 million, including the assumption of vested and unvested options, but excluding the potential cash proceeds that may come from the exercise of these options. Bazaarvoice will finance the transaction with cash on hand, and is expected to …

Fox network has filed what analysts believe will be the first of many TV network lawsuits against Dish Network for its new commercial skipping feature called AutoHop. And, in return, Dish has countersued Fox, as well as NBC, CBS, and ABC.

Scott Hess has joined Publicis' Spark Communications unit as senior vice president-human intelligence and research, a new position at the Chicago-based media shop. Hess joins from vice president of insights for TRU, a youth research unit of WPP Group.

Internet radio service Pandora Wednesday reported first-quarter revenue of $80.8 million, up 58% from a year ago, while posting a widening loss of 12 cents per share. Excluding a one-time charge, it would have had a loss of 9 cents a share. The results topped Wall Street expectations of a loss of 17 cents a share on revenue of $74.4 million. Advertising sales accounting for the bulk of Pandora’s revenue, at $70.6 million, up 62%, while subscriptions and other income sources made up the remaining $10.2 million. Driving higher ad sales was growing usage. Total listener hours grew 92% …

Social media agency We Are Social (WAS) has been appointed by iconic car brand Jaguar to manage its global social media account after a formal review, the client has confirmed. Other contenders were not disclosed. WAS has been awarded a two-year contract and will be responsible for developing and implementing Jaguar's global social media strategy. In addition WAS will continue the day-to-day oversight of the client's community engagement programs on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, and will work alongside Spark44, Jaguar's creative agency, to support brand activity, product launches, events, and the integration of social media across Jaguar's overall digital presence. …

Through a new exclusive partership with Fandango, AOL’s Moviefone will allow users to buy tickets online, on mobile devices and tablets at 20,000 screens nationwide. The deal doubles the number of screens for which Moviefone previously offered ticketing through Movietickets.com. “This move bolsters our already extensive web and mobile offerings, including our Moviefone iPad App, and enhances the overall Moviefone experience for our audience,” said Jay Kirsch,” SVP and General Manager, AOL Marketplace. Besides being able to order tickets via mobile, Moviefone users will be able to access Fandango’s paperles ticketing option, allowing people to buy tickets on their …

Target said today it’s expanding its adoption of the shopkick mobile service to stores nationwide following a test launch in seven cities last year. Users of the shopkick app can earn points for shopping at Target that can be redeemed for awards including Target gift cards, Facebook credits and iTunes downloads. People earn points, or “kicks” automatically as soon as they enter a participating store. As they shop, they have the chance to earn additional kicks by using the shopkick app to scan products from cleaning supplies to electronics and toys. Users can also redeem kicks for special in-store deals …

Nielsen rival Rentrak this morning announced a deal with credit card giant MasterCard that it says will integrate Rentrak's TV audience data with MasterCard's "consumer trends and insights" derived from billions of payment transactions. Rentrak said the deal is intended to provide advertisers and agencies with "deeper insights into media consumption and aggregated consumer buyer behavior to help them reach their intended audiences more effectively.".