Town pauses some school broadcasts after state student-recording rule; plans zoning videos and film festival

Granite Town Media has temporarily paused some live school broadcasts and sports coverage after a December state law limited video of students at school-sanctioned events, the director told the board. "We stopped our coverage of live sports," Chris Gentry said, explaining that the town has held some videos in reserve and is using parental waivers where appropriate.

Gentry said the language of the new law created confusion about whether all school events require explicit consent and that a senate amendment approved to clarify that "anything that's open to the general public is not required, does not require explicit consent." He said he is in contact with state representatives and local athletics directors and that the town will follow any revised guidance while continuing public-meeting coverage.

Separately, Gentry announced a facts-only video series produced with Community Development to explain zoning amendments and help voters. "It's just basically what the zoning amendments are, what they are," he said, adding scripts are cleared by legal and the series should be posted several weeks before the March vote. The videos will be cross-posted on the town’s and partner Facebook pages.

The media team also described plans to stage a film festival during Pumpkin Fest at the Amado Center, with the recreation commission offering to run concessions. Staff expect to form a subcommittee soon to set submission fees and revenue-sharing details and hope the festival will boost local attendance at the fall event.

The board took no formal action on the student-recording law or festival funding at the meeting; staff will update members as state amendments and further guidance are finalized.