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Beresford Cable board reviews subscriber losses and weighs app-based streaming option
Summary
Beresford Cablevision's annual meeting reported subscriber declines in all tiers, rising programming costs and explored a low-capital streaming/app solution that would deliver local stations via internet distribution while keeping local management and support.
The Beresford Cablevision board, made up of city council members acting in their corporate role, held its annual meeting during the Oct. 6 council session and reviewed 2024 finances, subscriber trends and a proposed shift toward a streaming/app distribution model.
Treasurer's figures showed operating revenues of $383,291.43 in 2024 and expenses of $390,333.70, producing a loss of $7,042.27; the treasurer said an extra affiliate payment timing issue explained much of the variance. General Manager Austin reported subscriber declines across service tiers over the prior year: basic cable (tier 1) fell from 25 to 21 customers; expanded basic (tier 2) dropped from 228 to 199; digital cable customers declined from 67 to 44.
Programming costs continue to rise, Austin said, with increases of about 10% reported for basic and expanded basic packages. Austin told the board that delivering digital/deluxe channels via satellite or a dedicated terrestrial feed had become cost-prohibitive for the small subscriber base, and that he has been testing an app-based streaming solution that would be locally managed: the company would ingest a local antenna feed, transport it over the internet and rebroadcast it to subscribers through an app or streaming device. "We could actually use our antenna, feed it into a box, transport over the Internet, and then they can push us back out," Austin said, describing a proof-of-concept trial.
Board members discussed regulatory concerns about designated market area (DMA) rights (Sioux Falls vs. Sioux City channels). Austin said he had contacted Senator Rounds' office and a consultant and that the consultant had confirmed that a municipally managed app-based local service should allow the board to carry Sioux Falls stations where they are judged to be significantly viewed for the county.
If the board proceeds, Austin said customers would need internet access for the service and the department would likely bundle an internet product for customers who do not already subscribe. The model under discussion would reduce some on-site equipment needs and bill the service locally; legal review of vendor contracts will be required before any change.
The board elected officers for the coming year and approved the treasurer's report. No final decision on a streaming migration was made; staff will return with vendor costs and contract terms for legal review.
