Media & Digital Content

Located across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. and the news emanating from the nation's capital, Arlington is home to many nationally recognized, award-winning news, media and digital content providers. Arlington's access to Capitol Hill, the White House, and other federal agencies is a primary reason why these companies chose to operate here. When breaking news occurs, Arlington’s close proximity to the news source itself makes it an ideal location for media organizations.

 

Arlington's Media & Digital Content Ecosystem

Why Arlington

Close to the Action

Arlington is located within minutes from national and international news and policy makers.  More than 170 foreign embassies and diplomatic missions are located in the Washington DC area.  Direct access to news makers is easily accomplished by a car trip, metro ride, and even by foot.

Worldwide and Regional Accessibility

An Arlington location means you are within reach of three international airports: Washington Dulles International Airport;  Ronald Reagan National Airport, and Baltimore-Washington International Airport.  Reagan National Airport, located in Arlington, is within five miles of the U.S. Capital and is frequently used by lawmakers for traveling back and forth to their home states.  Arlington’s metro rail system is also connected to Amtrak, carrying passengers along the east coast through major cities such as New York City, Philadelphia, and Boston. 

Welcoming Business Environment

In 2019, Virginia was named as the Top State for Business by CNBC for its world-class workforce, high-performing education system, and business friendly regulations. Additionally, Arlington was ranked as the second easiest place for business operations by Arizona State University's Doing Business North America report, which highlighted the County's regulations for employing workers, paying taxes, and starting a business.

Highly Skilled Workforce

The Greater Washington Region has more than 250,000 people working in technical fields such as computer science, information systems, engineering, and data analytics.  Media and digital content companies locating in the area will have access to employees experienced in content development and production, news analysis, and data analytics in order to optimally engage with audiences and maximize revenues. As one of the world’s major news centers, the Washington region is home to award-winning journalists, writers, and editors experienced in creating valuable content to be delivered across multiple platforms.

 

Resources

• New Media Alliance
• National Press Club
• Telecommunications Industry Association
• White House Correspondents' Association

Incentives

Arlington's Industrial Development Authority (IDA) Performance Grants

• To help recruit or retain large, priority economic development projects typically over 50,000 square feet in size.
• Eligible industries include large office users, corporate headquarters, fast-growing tech companies, and important research, federal or nonprofit organizations.
• Award amounts are determined by the project's estimated fiscal benefit to Arlington County based on the company's industry, square footage, capital investment, and number and salary of jobs.
• Grants are only used when Arlington faces active and realistic competition with another jurisdiction.

Arlington County Gazelle Grant Program

• Designed to be a deal-closing incentive program for fast-growing or "gazelle" technology companies considering multiple jurisdictions for a business location or expansion.
• The Gazelle Grant program offers a grant of $10,000 to $150,000 for select technology companies and tech catalyst organizations like business incubators, accelerators and venture funds. Companies must meet the following base criteria to qualify:
  • Be a growing, for-profit technology company or tech catalyst organization with proven business and financial success;
  • Be a company new to Arlington or an existing Arlington company with at least 30% job growth over a three-year performance period;
  • Commit to at least a three-year office lease in Arlington with a move-in date in the next 12 months; and
  • Show proven capital-raising ability.

 

For more information on these programs and a full list of incentives offered by Arlington County and the Commonwealth of Virginia, please click here.

 

Learn More

For more information on Arlington's media & digital content industry, please contact Adam Henry, CEcD, Business Development Manager, at (703) 228-0809 or [email protected].