We’re marking the new year with some updates to our ContentNext Media Index, an index of 100 U.S.-traded companies in the media, Internet content and related sectors.  Two of the most obvious reasons for change: Tribune Company went private and Dow Jones (NYSE: NWS) is now a News Corp. subsidiary. Meanwhile, Digital Music Group merged with The Orchard (NSDQ: ORCD). Also leaving the index: CanWest Global Communications, FinancialContent, Naspers, Tom Online, and Salon Media.

New ContentNextDex members: In addition to The Orchard, the index now includes Activision (NSDQ: ATVI), Giant Interactive Group (NYSE: GA), Motorola (NYSE: MOT), Nokia (NYSE: NOK), Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), and Virgin Mobile USA (NYSE: VM).