The Waupaca Information Network is now bringing more program coverage to the community.
“For the past several years, Win-TV was known for two things – government meetings and the Fourth of July parade,” said Joshua Werner, the city’s IT and communications specialist.
Win-TV, the Waupaca Information Network, is the city government’s cable access TV station.
There are several ways to watch Win-TV. The channel is available on Charter Cable Channel 96 and Digital 991.
In addition, Win-TV’s programming is also broadcast live on the web at www.wintvwaupaca.com . Many of the city’s locally produced programs may also be viewed “on demand” on that website.
Werner explained that as part of the cable franchise agreement, franchising authorities (the city of Waupaca) may require cable system operators (Charter) to set aside channels for public, educational and government use.
In the world of media consolidation, these “PEG” stations are important for different communities. They give a voice to citizens, governments and educational institutions that would not otherwise be had on television, he said.
The city of Waupaca chooses to only operate a “government” access channel, Win-TV. The city uses Win-TV to televise government meetings to provide transparency and easy access to what happens at the local government level, to broadcast general interest programs from city departments and to acquaint the citizens of Waupaca with activities and resources in the community with programs like “What’s Happening Waupaca,” Community Calendar and coverage of community events.
“What’s Happening Waupaca” is a new, monthly 30-minute segment that airs on the channel.
“This show came about,” Werner said, “because the station didn’t really have a personality. It really allows the community to be involved.”
During an open house in late March, those who attended helped choose what would be the name of the new show.
The taping of the second show took place on May 23 and included Carol Elvery, of Winchester Academy; Teri Moe, of the Waupaca Senior Center; Angie Schiesl, of Big City Trendz; Tom Pionke, of Waupaca Public Radio; Dick Philipsen, of the Waupaca International Cultural Exchange Committee; and Monica Gardner, of the Humane Society of Waupaca County.
It airs in June.
“We’re looking for anyone who has a general interest to the community. You don’t have to be a non profit,” Werner said. “We’re finding the space fills up quickly.”
Werner said the city heard from many people that they do not get Charter but were interested in watching the channel. As a result, the new website was developed earlier this year.
“About 75 percent of the programming is on there, on demand,” he said. “We live stream what’s on the air.”
Other changes for Win-TV include the coverage of more events, such as Winchester Academy and Lunch & Learn programs.
Chris Johnson, who also works at the station, said they also want to cover events this summer, which could be used as one or two-minute break segments on “What’s Happening Waupaca.”
Joni Kearn is the host of the new show, and Andy Reynolds and Zachariah Stiebs are also part of the production team.
Stiebs just completed his first semester at North Central University in Minneapolis, where he is majoring in media communications.
“This is the perfect place for me,” he said.
Reynolds graduated from Waupaca High School on May 28 and will begin studying radio, TV and film at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the fall.
Werner said if others are interested in getting involved at the station, they may contact him.
“Volunteer positions can sometimes lead to paid part-time positions,” he said.
Businesses interested in partnering with the station to provide such things as furniture, flowers or plants may also contact Werner at 715-258-4405.