Oshkosh staff propose moving Oshkosh Media into new Communications & Engagement division; library, partners and digital models considered

City staff outlined a plan to fold Oshkosh Media into a new Communications & Engagement division and presented four models for how the city could sustain government meeting coverage and community-produced programming.

Drew, the staff presenter, described Oshkosh Media as "the city's community media hub that provides government meeting coverage and supports resident produced programming," saying the new division would align communications across departments and aim to reduce reliance on outside consultants. He said core services — live and recorded meeting coverage, digital storytelling, social media management and public information — would continue under the new structure.

The presentation included audience data covering the past six months: "total views is 5,895 and total viewers is 1,825," and GovTV live totals of 742 views and 301 viewers. Drew said roughly "89.4%" of streaming viewers accessed content via web/mobile and that cable provider data is unavailable; he noted that the streaming audience represented "less than one-half of 1% of the Oshkosh population." These metrics were cited as part of an argument for shifting resources and exploring alternative distribution models.

Staff laid out four transition options: a partner-led strategic model that would transfer channel rights and provide initial equipment and training; a digital-first model focused on training producers to post content on platforms such as YouTube or social apps; a hybrid partner/digital training approach; and a city-supported space model (for example, hosting programming in a public building while a partner operates the service). The city said it has a list of equipment it could donate to a partner and is working with the Friends of Oshkosh Community Media on possible arrangements for FM 101.9.

Daryl, the library director, told the council the library has underused third-floor offices that could house radio operations and that "it could basically be broadcasting from the library and the signal could be leaving here from City Hall," but he said the library lacks obvious space for the Live TV studio without substantial changes. He said the library board supports a serious exploration of hosting the radio operation.

Council members raised timing, cost and staffing concerns. Staff proposed a target date of May 15 as a flexible milestone to begin a transition; several council members called that timeline "aggressive" and asked for a 60–90 day runway to identify partners and finalize logistics. One council member suggested temporarily funding half of a staff position while partners are sought; another cautioned that the city recently cut positions and that adding interim staffing requires fiscal choices.

On funding and service models, Jake, a technical staff member, described the existing relationship with outside entities as largely unwritten: external organizations buy recording equipment while the city provides staff to record meetings. He said, given tight budgets, a pay-for-service model with partner entities could be reasonable so each user of GovTV contributes to costs.

Next steps, per staff, include continued partner outreach, finalizing transition planning for Oshkosh FM 101.9 with the Friends group, identifying space and equipment needs for the Communications & Engagement division, and offering training and guidance to current producers exploring alternative platforms. Staff said they have had preliminary discussions with potential partners but are keeping some details confidential while negotiations continue.

The workshop closed with an agreement to continue work on the transition plan, to provide the council with updates (staff suggested a follow-up in roughly 60 days), and to balance a measured schedule with an ultimate off-ramp if partners cannot be found.