Mediatwits #103: When Traditional Companies Incubate, Invest in Startups

Published: Nov. 22, 2013, 7:41 p.m.

From Hearst to Warner Bros., many media giants are opening their doors to startups, creating incubators within their companies to develop media startups, or starting venture arms to invest in them. Many of these startups focus on content and advertising for digital environments. The relationship is symbiotic: while startups receive funding and a platform, traditional media companies gain an infusion of new ideas. This week, we’re joined by Joe Anto of Digital First Ventures, a venture capital firm housed inside of Media News Group and 21st Century Media, Johnny Ryan of The Irish Times’ Fusion incubator, and David Austin of Turner/WB’s incubator, Media Camp. We’ll also be joined by our roundtable regulars American University’s Andrew Lih and Monica Guzman from the Seattle Times and GeekWire. As usual, PBS MediaShift’s Mark Glaser will host.