Arick Wierson - The Politics of NYC Media Group

The Politics of NYC Media Group

Although his success with NYC TV is well documented, Wierson, like his boss Michael Bloomberg, has been criticized for his was known for his aggressive management style, risk-taking, and disregard for formalities. His close personal ties to Bloomberg extends to his spouse, Fabiana Mesquita-Wierson, was one of the top executives at Bloomberg, LP; based in Brazil, she had been the executive responsible for expanding Bloomberg's operations throughout Latin America. In fact, it is rumored that Bloomberg named Wierson's daughter, Isabella, takes her first name because Bloomberg suggested to Wierson and his wife that they call her "Izzie" while Mesquita-Wierson was still pregnant.

The relationship between the Wiersons and Bloomberg was similar that of NYC TV co-founder Seth Unger, who's wife, Allison Jaffin, works at City Hall and the Bloomberg Family Foundation through a special waiver granted by the city's ethics board. Critics have voiced concerns that Wierson and Unger, both long-time members of Bloomberg's circle of trusted aides and loyalists, pushed the television channels and radio stations to further Mayor Bloomberg's political agenda with programs such as City Scoop - winner of a NY Emmy in 2009. The central contention has been that NYC TV was simply a very slick and well-oiled sales machine. In a 2006 article on the network, the NY Times' Winnie Hu wrote, "NYC TV is largely an invention of the Bloomberg administration, which has aggressively attempted to apply the latest technology and business practices from the private sector to all levels of city government. Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who began Bloomberg Television as part of his media empire, knew better than most the value of a city television station, his aides said."