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Multimedia Graphic Network, Inc. (commonly referred to as MGN Online) is an American TV News Graphic Production Company based out of Cardiff by the Sea, California. MGN acts as a Graphic Content Hub for News Industry Professionals to download HD Graphics to use within their daily production for News Stories. The company is known to supply its Affiliates with a variety of graphical choices including: Still, Animated, Motion, 3D, Element Cutouts, Photos, and Maps.

History
MGN was founded in April 1982 by Gill Davis, when ink markers and cut paper were the standard method for producing News Graphics. MGN launched a service showcasing 3-dimensional art utilizing an airbrush, which was photographed and 35mm slides were mailed to customers. Although by today’s standards this may seem archaic, at that time this was considered to be superior to any other graphic content available.

The biggest shift in news in the early 1980’s was the use of microwave technology Electronic News Gathering ENG. This evolutional new technology enabled local television stations the ability to produce and report news live from the field. This shift prompted MGN to focus not only on generic News Graphics, but also on “Today’s Top Stories”. In 1986 MGN launched the first Daily News Graphics Service, produced on a Quantel Paintbox, recorded to ¾” tape, then driven to an uplink facility for satellite distribution. Another option was offered in 1989 when MGN started the first Digital Library of News Graphics, burned onto a CD-ROM then mailed to customers. In 1995 MGN launched “MGN Online”, the first World Wide Web News Graphic Service where customers could download digital content. This was a major shift in News Graphics delivery where MGN Affiliates could instantly select content from an expansive database of images.

Expanding their library of Graphics, Elements and Photos, in 2002 MGN added Animated Graphics and in 2003 they included Spanish Translations to their graphic captions. Striving to provide any new technology available, in 2008 they produced High Definition (HD) Graphics, in 2010 Motion Photos, and later 3D Graphics. BMO (Build-My-Own) was introduced to MGN Online users in 2012 as an innovative software application aimed to assist novice artists in the production of professional grade News Graphics. The application allows users to produce broadcast quality graphics in just a few simple steps.

MGN Online has grown to service a variety of industries from TV, Web Radio, Newspapers, Universities and multiple other Digital Platforms. All their Affiliates obtain unlimited download access to their elaborate graphic and photo archives, including custom request services. MGN’s mission is to render high quality professional content to Media Industry Professionals and to cultivate an environment of creativity and self-sustainability.

Products

 * Graphics, Elements and Photos Over-the-Shoulder News Graphics for Television Broadcasts and Website use.
 * BMOpro Build My Own Pro is a quick and easy way for newsroom personnel to build custom Graphics, Maps and Charts.
 * MyArchive is a free Content Management System (CMS) with unlimited database storage for MGN Affiliates.
 * CO-OP MGN Affiliates can submit copyright free news oriented photos, elements and graphics.
 * Image Requests MGN Qualified Affiliates enjoy unlimited custom Still or Animated Graphics as a standard service offering.