Volume 4 Issue 8 | September 10, 2024 | |
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Join us September 26 for the WCM Fall Workshop being held at the WSCS Studio on the UWGB-Sheboygan Campus. Registration is now open! This workshop is going to focus on production tips and workflows from member stations. Topics include Sports Production, Editing Workflows, and an Equipment Show and Tell. There will be a facility tour by our hosts at WSCS and discussion on how we can help advocate for our stations.
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For over 25 years, Art Napgezek, a community producer for Wisconsin Rapids Community Media (WRCM), has been producing his work from behind a video camera's lens since the VHS days. Art is a dedicated volunteer who has contributed significantly to the Wisconsin Rapids community. Over his tenure, he has been involved in various video projects, from recording government meetings to editing local events, sports games, and other community activities, keeping the community engaged and informed.
Art’s work has been recognized and deeply appreciated by the community. His coverage of the Wisconsin Rapids Riverkings hockey team and Cowboy Union Jam has earned him awards, but more importantly, it has kept the community informed and engaged. His commitment to capturing and sharing these local events has been instrumental in ensuring that the community knows the wonderful events, even when they cannot attend in person. His volunteer efforts underscore the vital role of community media and the profound impact that dedicated individuals like Art can have on our community.
Art's journey with the Riverkings is a testament to his adaptability and eagerness to learn. Since the team's arrival in Wisconsin Rapids, Art has embraced new ideas and skills, such as multi-camera filming and editing. His show, produced on location with the team and coaches, not only brings out the players' stories but also showcases how the team plays an integral part in the Wisconsin Rapids community.
Art recently lost his beloved wife, Marcy, to cancer. Marcy was a dedicated partner who supported him in all his endeavors, especially his work covering local events. Despite his grief, Art is determined to stay active and engaged. He finds solace in gardening, spending time with his cats, capturing local events on camera, and maintaining his home. While he deeply misses Marcy, her memory will continue to inspire him.
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Meet The Candidates Series produced by WTCO introduces the public to the candidates running for their elected office. These range from local county government positions to state and national representatives of the Trempealeau County area. This series is recorded on even years and typically create between two and three shows per year depending on the number of candidates and what positions are up for election in that year. The show is hosted by Melissa Kono, the Community Development Educator for Trempealeau County and a Professor with UW-Madison and produced by WTCO Production Coordinator, Danielle Johnson. The series provides voters in the community with information on registering to vote, requesting an absentee ballot, who the candidates are and where they stand on political issues in the upcoming election. This series also benefits the political candidates as it gives them an opportunity to describe their qualifications and what they hope to achieve if elected. | |
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Policy Updates
Two policy things to watch across the nation. The first one we have mentioned before HR 3557, American Broadband Deployment Act. This is the bill that would significantly curtail the ability of local governments to regulate broadband infrastructure and protect their communities' interests. This includes issues such as zoning, permitting, and franchise negotiations. Among other issues of competition, consumer choice, and environmental concerns. Currently, National Association of Counties (NACo), National League of Cities (NLC), U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM), and National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors (NATOA) oppose this legislation. Last week a coalition of 10 organizations sent a letter to the House leadership urging them to pass this legislation. You can read that letter here.
Our friends in Maine are dealing with a challenge to the newly enacted Act to Support Municipal Franchise Agreements (LD 1967). This law helps strengthen municipal authority in negotiating and enforcing franchise agreements with various service providers, such as cable television companies and broadband providers. In a letter to Maine’s A.G. cable and streaming providers [Peacock, Xumo, Comcast, and Charter] have asked for there to be no enforcement of the law. Further, they have no intentions to abide by the law arguing it is unfair to the companies and violates their First Amendment rights. I have attached that letter here.
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From the Desk of the Executive Director
While the unseasonable warmth continues, autumn is making its presence felt across the state. The slight color ting in the foliage is a clear sign of the changing seasons.
Over the past month, we've been laying the groundwork for a successful future by implementing key projects. We've recently upgraded our FileShare system to enhance security, expand features, and streamline volunteer management. Additionally, we've been working on upgrading our member website, forum, and back-end systems. Look for exciting updates and a new user experience later this month.
Our annual conference is also on the horizon. While I can't share all the details yet, I'm excited for this upcoming gathering.
Speaking of gatherings, I hope to see you in two weeks at our Fall Conference in Sheboygan. We have some fantastic workshops and plenty of opportunities for fellowship. Please register today!
As always, if you have any ideas about how I or the organization can better serve you, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at exec@wisconsincommunitymedia.com or by phone or text at 262-277-6239.
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Food for Thought
PEG news, First Amendment issues, and the future of local journalism
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YouTubification is coming for the media | This piece was first published in my newsletter, Future Proof. Please consider subscribing to that if you want to support my writing and be a mensch. As someone working in professional podcasting, I... | | | |
Paris 2024: For NBC Sports, Immersive Sound Makes for Intimate Storytelling | Film director John Krasinski may have been able to build the Quiet Place movie franchise on a premise of silence, but that's the exact opposite of what broadc | | |
How our newsroom will use Voter Voices results - Colorado Community Media | During the primaries, we incorporated readers' concerns about democracy and good government and the economy into questions we asked Republican and Democratic candidates for Congress in our primary forums for Colorado's 4th District. The forums were co-sponsored with the League of Women Voters Colorado and KUNC public radio. | | | |
Verizon to buy Frontier for $9.6 billion, says it will expand fiber network | Verizon once sold part of its network to Frontier; now it's buying the company. | | |
North Carolina Drone Photographer Seeks Supreme Court Support for First Amendment Rights | North Carolina drone photographer challenges state restrictions on First Amendment drone mapping in a case headed to the Supreme Court. | | | |
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From the Editor...
Your Monthly Community News is published by Wisconsin Community Media. Each month we bring you features about our media centers and producers and the latest local news from around the state and some national stories, too. We hope to raise awareness of the valuable role public, education, and government (PEG) access media centers play in our communities and encourage their use.
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