Marshfield Broadcasting has teamed up with WDLB 1450AM and 98.7FM, the “timeless classics” radio stations in Marshfield, to share its programs originally produced for television.
Central Wisconsin Broadcasting recently purchased WDLB and the new owner. Kevin Grap, decided to cover local issues in a new way. The long-time radio program, “Insight,” which focused on local issues, ended its run. The show with host Jeff Cannon had featured local officials like the City of Marshfield Mayor, Police Chief, Wood County Board Chair and Sheriff. And since 2008, Marshfield Broadcasting (formerly Marshfield Community TV) filmed the production of the program every Friday to create a television version.
Grap contacted the City of Marshfield’s community media center to see if there was interest in partnering to offer audio versions of City of Marshfield programming. The idea occurred to Grap after watching a Marshfield Broadcasting program about local veterans produced by David Ballerstein, City of Marshfield Communications Specialist.
City of Marshfield Communications Director Tom Loucks jumped at the opportunity. “The key is to get local programs out to the Marshfield community through as many platforms as possible, so everyone has the chance to watch or hear it,” said City of Marshfield Communications Director Tom Loucks.
With a few minor tweaks, Marshfield Broadcasting is now providing the radio station with Marshfield Now! and Heroes from Home (also on Spectrum Channel 989), Council Preview, and Post Council Update (also on Spectrum channel 991), and Your City at Work (with Mayor Barg) and County Connections (on both channels 989 and 991). The radio station is airing the shows three times each week.
Besides reaching a different audience, the collaboration has also given Marshfield Broadcasting a chance to promote itself. Thirty second promos carried by the radio station tell listeners when they can view the programs on Marshfield Broadcasting channels on Charter Spectrum.
The programs are also viewable On Demand through the MarshfieldBroadcasting.com.
In the future, the staff looks to take part in a LIVE radio broadcast program to help get more local information out.
