Denison was officially recognized on Oct. 21 as a Digital Media Friendly Texas community, completing what the state calls a “Grand Slam” of four separate Friendly Texas certifications. The Texas Economic Development and Tourism Office, working with the Texas Film Commission, announced the designation after the city completed a multi‑step certification process.
What the certification means for Denison
The Digital Media Friendly program is designed to attract digital‑media production to Texas and to create jobs in fields such as video games, animation, extended reality and visual effects. Certified communities are promoted to companies looking for new locations, and the program links Texas digital‑media workers with job listings and networking resources. It also provides training for local governments and nonprofit groups on digital literacy.
For Denison, the designation adds a new economic‑development tool that complements its existing Music Friendly Texas, Film Friendly Texas and Tourism Friendly Texas titles. By marketing the city as a hub for digital creators, the city hopes to draw studios, developers and freelancers who can contribute to the local tax base and provide well‑paying positions for residents.
Mayor’s perspective
Mayor Robert Crawley praised the achievement, saying the certification offers “an incredible opportunity to showcase the people and experiences that make Denison special” and could open doors for economic growth and partnerships. He noted that the city’s strong community spirit and supportive local government make it an attractive destination for creative talent.
Local leaders see the certification as a way to diversify Denison’s economy, which has traditionally relied on manufacturing and tourism. By adding a digital‑media focus, the city can provide new career pathways for young people and retain talent that might otherwise leave for larger metros.
How the program works
Communities that apply must demonstrate a commitment to digital‑media development, including existing infrastructure, workforce readiness and a plan for future growth. The Texas Film Commission evaluates applications based on criteria such as broadband availability, local education programs, and partnerships with industry stakeholders. Once certified, communities receive marketing support from the state and access to a statewide network of digital‑media professionals.
Denison’s successful application reflects its recent investments in broadband expansion, collaboration with local schools on tech curricula, and the presence of a growing creative community. The city’s downtown area already hosts several small studios and co‑working spaces that cater to artists, developers and designers.
Looking ahead
City officials plan to leverage the certification by hosting industry events, offering incentives for new studios, and expanding training programs in partnership with nearby colleges. They also intend to promote Denison’s quality‑of‑life advantages—affordable housing, good schools and a family‑friendly environment—to attract talent from across the state.
As Texas continues to position itself as a national hub for digital media, Denison’s “Grand Slam” status puts the city on the map for companies seeking a supportive, cost‑effective location. The next few months will reveal how quickly new projects and jobs materialize, but city leaders are confident the certification will be a catalyst for sustained growth.
Original reporting: DenisonWeekly.news — read the source article.
