Multi-Talented Producer Rabbitt Runs All Over the Sun Prairie Media Center

April’s Producer of the Month has spent a lot of time in a lot of different roles at the Sun Prairie Media Center. Jamison Rabbitt has been affiliated with SPMC for more than ten years, a run highlighted by his impressive run as host of the weekly movie review program “Reel Reviews” for over 500 consecutive weeks. Rabbitt has also hosted and produced several shows at SPMC’s low power FM radio station WLSP, and is currently one of the inaugural announcers for the Sun Prairie West Wolves football team.

Rabbitt’s start in community media was a family affair: “All three of my children have been members of the KIDS4 program that the Sun Prairie Media Center is well known for,” says Rabbitt. “That affiliation eventually led me to joining as a volunteer in 2014.”

Rabbitt has worked with the radio station WLSP-LP since its inception and has produced several radio series including “Inside My Mind,” “Pop Culture Time Capsule,” “SitCommentary,” and his personal favorite, “It’s Time for 5.” “One of my great joys was hosting ‘It’s Time for 5’,” says Rabbitt. “This was a top-five countdown show with my oldest son Logan that was awarded a Best in Show from Wisconsin Community Media. The program gave me an amazing opportunity to bond in a new way with my son.”

Rabbitt has also done significant work on the television side of the Sun Prairie Media Center. Now in its 10th year, “Reel Reviews” is undoubtedly his signature program. “Reel Reviews is a weekly show in which I and a cohost review every major film that is released in theaters or streaming the previous week. We have recorded more than 500 shows and reviewed over 2,000 films in that time. It started when former SPMC director Jeff Robbins heard that I hosted audio podcasts reviewing movies. The rest is history.”

Outside of his work at the Sun Prairie Media Center, Rabbitt plays Santa Claus each holiday season, both for the city and for bookings by private residents. “Viewers of ‘Reel Reviews’ witness my transformation each year. The SPMC helps add to the joy of the season by recording the holiday parade and tree lighting alongside other city events that Santa Claus appears at. Recent years have found Santa joining Mark Gonwa on the radio for interviews as well.”

Jamison says it is a lot of work to be so immersed in your local media center, but he encourages anyone who is passionate about a topic, or someone who simply has an idea about a show to reach out to your local media center. “You don’t have to come in with all the technical know-how,” says Rabbitt. “That can be taught and assisted by staff. It’s an incredible opportunity that can lead to things you wouldn’t imagine. It’s so simple and yet so rewarding.”

Rabbitt and his son Logan celebrate their “Best in Show” win for their radio series “It’s Time for 5”

Rabbitt and Steve Sabatke have been the announcers for Sun Prairie West Wolves football since the team’s inception.

Santa Claus (right) hosts SPMC’s movie review program Reel Reviews during the holiday season.

Producer John Nieman lets us know why Oshkosh is "The Place To Be"

Oshkosh Media’s John Nieman

A longtime Oshkosh Media producer and former Oshkosh Media board member is the Your Monthly Community News’s March Producer of the Month.

John Nieman has been volunteering and producing his shows “Helping Hands” and “The Place To Be Oshkosh” for a combined 21 years. After serving on the Board of Directors plus two other committees, John decided to switch roles and become a producer at the facility. “I was on the Board, and the PR and Special Events Committees. Then 21 years ago, I decided upon a new venture and produced my very own show in our wonderful community. My show has been on for 21 years [and] won quite a few awards. [It’s great to have] not just me, but my family has grown up in Oshkosh Media and I’ve been able to cover their fundraising events and parades.”

John says people interested in making shows or getting involved in community media should not worry about it being difficult. “Speak with your local access station. They are so very kind and helpful. It’s a great way to get involved with and support your community.”

Nieman tells us there is now and probably always will be a role for community media across Wisconsin. “It’s so very important to be informed. At Oshkosh Media, we have Council meetings, School Board meetings, County Board meetings, City Manager updates, and then all of our wonderful community shows. They also cover local events and all of our parades. I’ve been very fortunate to be the commentator for the 4th of July parade for many years – just because someone asked me.”

John also says that he really enjoys what he does with Oshkosh Media and is thankful for the opportunity to help get the word out about smaller groups in the area. “I truly love the crew at Oshkosh Media and the passion they have to cover our community. During my 21 years hosting “Helping Hands” and then “The Place To Be Oshkosh” I have been able to offer PR to a lot of smaller non-profits who don’t have the means to get the word out. My show runs 5 of the 7 days of the week for the month. It’s a great way to get the word out and also spotlight all those wonderful groups and organizations in our community.”