New York steps up to bolster and grow its media industries

So concerned is New York about the state of its media industries and the fundamental changes that are going on that Mayor Michael Bloomberg has announced plans to focus money and help on innovation, research, retraining and new technology, according to a story in Advertising Age.

"New York City is the media capital of the world," Mr. Bloomberg said in a statement, after all, "but with the industry undergoing profound changes it's incumbent on us to take steps now to capitalize on growth opportunities and ensure we remain an industry leader."

The intervention includes:

• New York City Media Lab, a research centre for media companies, universities and other to collaborate on research networking, lectures and workshops; it is hoped to get it up and running by January;
• Issuing tax-exempt bonds to help finance projects between $1 million and $10 million to make informational technology purchases or retrofit existing buildings for high-tech servers;
• Starting a media and tech fellowship program aimed at startups and innovation; 20 recipients a year would be selected based on experience, demonstrated innovation and business plans that would create jobs in New York;
• Helping start-ups and small tech firms to do business with the city, encouraging bids for city IT contracts;
• Hosting an annual software competition called NYC Big Apps;
• Starting a centre for media freelancers in lower Manhattan, outfitting a 5,000 square foot space with work stations and services for up to 50 freelancers and 1,850 part-time and drop-in workers;
• Creating a training program to give opportunities at entry level jobs in new media. The program, called Jump Start New Media will include a training "boot camp" and 10-week unpaid "apprenticeships" with new media companies. It willb e offered to about 50 participants;
• Recruiting across Asia, the Middle East, Silicon Valley and greater Boston for business to locate in New York.
  

The city has set up a related website at MediaNYC2020.com.