A major highlight of the meeting was the introduction of a new historical series in collaboration with local actors and the library. The program aims to narrate unique stories about New Ulm, with reenactments providing a visual retelling of the town’s past. The first episode, already filmed, delves into the murals of Turner Hall. An upcoming episode will spotlight Carrie Nation, famed for her vehement opposition to alcohol, who once visited New Ulm. Known for her dramatic entries into bars wielding a hatchet, Nation’s story will be accompanied by a segment on prohibition-era communications that helped residents avoid law enforcement. This series strives to offer an engaging yet lighthearted exploration of local history, steering clear of darker subjects like murders or wars. Future episodes may cover topics as diverse as weather incidents and the history of a local brothel. The series will be accessible through both the New Ulm YouTube and local cable channels.

In addition to this new series, the council discussed a movie talk show developed with the New Ulm Film Society and co-hosted by local newspaper staff. This show focuses on upcoming films and incorporates a trivia section to enhance viewer interaction. Other programming initiatives include coverage of local events, such as the Riverbend Brass Choir performances, author visits, and community celebrations like the popcorn wagon’s 110th birthday and the Smiley farewell concert.

The council also reviewed the performance of its YouTube channel, which has seen significant growth. A report highlighted an increase in views from 8,000 to 58,000, largely due to the introduction of YouTube Shorts. These short, engaging clips have effectively captured viewer interest, contributing to a rise in subscribers, with 124 new additions over six months, bringing the total to 745. The overall watch time for the channel has more than doubled.

Discussion also touched on technical aspects concerning the recording space for Brown County Board meetings. Attempts to improve recording conditions had been made, but the county administrator had not responded to inquiries, creating uncertainty about future enhancements. For now, the council will continue to record from the back of the room as a temporary measure.

The meeting also included the introduction of new members and election of officers for the Cable Commission’s Advisory Board. Mike Fth and Tom Schmidt were introduced as new members, replacing Vicky Tamberino and Les Schultz. The board elected Seth Visser as chair and Mike Fth as vice chair, with the motion carried unanimously. The board also reviewed activity reports from June through December, which included highlights from key local events like the Bavarian Blast Parade, October Fest Parade, and the Parade of Lights. Collaborative programming efforts were emphasized, including partnerships with the New Ulm Public Library and the United Way of Brown County.