Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Communications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Suamico board approves pilot Village podcast with conditions restricting elected guests
Summary
The board approved continuing a pilot podcast as a village communication tool, subject to two conditions: no elected officials as guests and the village administrator will make final decisions on topics and guests; the motion passed 7–0.
The Suamico Village Board on Monday voted unanimously to move forward with the village podcast pilot as an ongoing communications tool, approving the program with conditions to limit the risk of politicization.
Why it matters: The podcast is intended to expand village outreach and explain local projects and services. Trustees saw potential for public education — particularly ahead of the comprehensive plan update — but voiced concerns that elected officials might use the format for campaigning or to present opinions as board positions.
Administrator Caker presented a draft pilot episode to the board and solicited feedback. Trustees praised the pilot’s factual tone but several said they worried the format could become political if board members appeared and expressed opinions. Citing those concerns, the board approved the podcast with two specific constraints: no elected officials will be guests, and topic suggestions may come from trustees but the village administrator will have final authority over podcast topics and guest selection.
Board members also discussed operational and promotional details: the pilot cost is about $70 per month; podcasts would be posted on the village website and promoted via the village e-newsletter (which has roughly 1,100 subscribers) and social media channels. Administrator Caker said he can edit recordings to correct factual errors and that he can circulate unreleased drafts to staff if the board directs; trustees declined a requirement for board preview of every episode.
A voice vote recorded the motion as carried 7–0.
Ending: Staff will continue the pilot under the board’s conditions, track analytics and report back if the podcast does not produce the intended audience or if trustees identify concerns about content.
