CNM Newsmakers

Following is an edited version of a letter circulating among new media stakeholders written by Delvinia Interactive Inc. head Adam Froman seeking support for a new model upon which to base the annual Canadian New Media Awards (see story in this issue). Having seen the recent article in the Globe and Mail...I am looking for your thoughts about a proposal to help restore the declining New Media industry. Having seen the recent article in the Globe and Mail...and also the presentation to the by a collection of associations regarding the state of the new media industry..., I feel that it is clearly the right time to regroup and establish a national body which will assist in representing the interests of the new media industry on a national level. This year, we celebrated the 4th Canadian New Media Awards (CNMA) which is an independent initiative, led and controlled by the Canadian New Media Industry. The annual awards program was created because industry deserved an event to galvanize, celebrate and bring together the many professionals working in the New Media industry. The CNMA has been one of the few national events that has brought together key players from across the country and in my opinion, has helped to build the profile and recognition of many companies and individuals both to those within the industry, and has also assisted those seeking information about the industry. Since the CNMA must continue to evolve with the needs of the industry and the Awards categories themselves, it is no longer feasible to run the awards and accompanying events on a voluntary basis, as I have for the past four years. The challenge now is to build an infrastructure that will allow for the growth of the CNMA on a continual basis, as opposed to a year by year scramble for funds and organizational assistance. I am proposing to establish an Academy for New Media which is built on the foundation of the non-profit organization we have already established for the CNMA. This would be a member-driven national organization where companies and individuals join to support the Canadian New Media industry. The membership dues will fund the administrative needs of the organization which oversees the CNMA and manages the changes from year to year. If we believe in the growth of the New Media industry we must band together and make the commitments necessary to sustain The Canadian New Media Awards, and explore the potential of other events such as an annual Policy Conference and on-going workshops. This would provide a foundation for a national organization to emerge representing the interests solely of new media. The Academy would not be a lobby group, but it would provide the key elements for a strong national lobby for new media. My vision has always been to see the Canadian New Media industry create sustainable regional and national initiatives which would be truly representative of the voices of those who have committed themselves to making interactive digital media their career. I have been heartened by the fact that the mainly volunteer effort that I have put forward has resulted in a successful event, which I am passionate about and have greatly enjoyed... The intent is not to compete with regional associations, but in fact to support them. We have researched pricing models and the following is what I feel does not conflict with supporting your regional association, but enables an individual or a corporation to join both... We need to act quickly on this since I need to understand whether I am planning a 2004 Canadian New Media Awards. Without this supporting infrastructure, I cannot see it proceeding. My hope is that you will decide that the CNMA is an endeavour worth your support...

CNM Newsmakers

Broadcast | October 10, 2003

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