NYers in media get city help as industry struggles

NEW YORK — Media freelancers in New York City are getting a new workspace downtown.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg is proposing ways to help the media industry keep print, television and Internet media afloat in tough times. The billionaire is the founder of his own media company, Bloomberg LP.

One proposal is a downtown workspace for freelancers in fields like production, journalism and video.

The space will accommodate 50 freelancers at a time and is being partially funded by a $100,000 grant from the city.

Costs are still being worked out. The city estimates it could cost $25 for a one-day drop-in and $200 to $400 a month for full-time space.

The city also is creating a new media training program for midlevel employees who have been recently laid off.