Large company expands, creates editing jobs in Connecticut
Posted on May 21, 2014
The expansion of ESPN is creating more editing jobs in Connecticut.
ESPN has created a new digital Center 2 building, a project announced two years ago as part of the Governor’s First Five economic development program.
The new facility increases the company’s digital capabilities and will create at least 200 jobs in the state over the next three years.
Digital Center 2 is a 194,000 square foot, multi-platform digital production facility that includes four studios, six production control rooms and 26 edit rooms.
The facility will be the new home of ESPN’s flagship program SportsCenter beginning in June. ESPN employs nearly 4,000 in the state and is Bristol’s largest taxpayer.
In exchange for creating a minimum of 200 jobs by 2017 and making capital expenditures of at least $175 million in the facility, ESPN is eligible for up to $10 million in Urban and Industrial Sites Reinvestment Tax Credits (URA). The credits, which must be earned, are provided over a 10-year period.
The URA program is administered by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
“ESPN is a leading employer in our state, and the company’s willingness to continue to expand and hire here demonstrates that Connecticut really is a great place to grow and invest,” said Governor Malloy. “ESPN’s new digital center will create hundreds of new jobs for residents and reinforces the company and our state’s well-earned reputation as a hub for sports digital media and broadcasting.”
“ESPN appreciates the support of Governor Malloy and the state as we continue to grow in Connecticut,” said Ed Durso, ESPN’s Executive Vice President/Administration.
“Public-private partnerships with leading companies like ESPN can have tremendous direct and indirect benefits for our state,” said DECD commissioner Catherine Smith. “In addition to the jobs and new capital investment, this project strengthens the state’s competitive position in the growing digital media sector.”
