Students, community partners report rapid growth for Bulldogs Network streaming

The Ottumwa Community School District on Thursday heard an update on the Bulldogs Network student-run livestreaming program, which district staff and community partners said has expanded coverage, added sponsors and equipment, and increased student participation since launching in May.

District and partner speakers said Bulldogs Network has produced 88 live broadcasts since May 14 and recorded 35,236 stream plays, with 18 percent of streaming viewers accessing the feed through Roku or Amazon Fire. Presenters said the program added 18 new sponsors who buy commercial time during events and that the district’s website has had 55,038 visits overall, including nearly 6,000 visits in the last month.

Program partners described a range of new content beyond the early focus on major sports. "Before we started, the only things covered were baseball, softball, football and basketball," said a Bulldogs Network presenter. Since then the network has added volleyball, wrestling, bowling, swimming, soccer, esports, cross country and fine arts events such as vocal and orchestra performances, plus veterans assemblies and commencement coverage.

Joe Milledge, representing Thunder Country, and Matt Tippett, identified as MCG general manager, credited school staff and students for the network’s quick growth and pointed to donated equipment that supported the program. Milledge said MCG completed a $20,000 startup cash donation and, separately, had donated a Musco Vision camera system. He also said a $45,000 donation toward new gym scoreboards would be verified by district staff.

Students and teachers described hands-on learning and improvements in production quality. Student speakers said early communication and camera coordination problems were eased by purchased headsets and by adding more in-class, hands-on training for camera operation and editing software such as Canva and Adobe Express. One student said the program offered a “really rich opportunity” for students to learn technical and production skills.

Presenters said they continue to refine operations: status meetings now review classroom needs, equipment, and whether the district should pursue a stand‑alone Bulldogs Network app rather than channeling streams through a third-party app. Partners said the district and sponsors recently installed video boards at two buildings and installed automated camera switching equipment at some venues.

Program leaders asked the board to note the network’s value as a student learning opportunity and community service. The presentation closed with expressions of gratitude from board members and staff for the volunteers, students and partner donations that members said made the project possible.