Town hopes to cash in on video advertisements

The Longboat Key Town Commission almost dodged its time in the spotlight. Last summer, during budget workshops, the commission considered eliminating videotaped meetings altogether. Then, in September, commissioners directed former Town Manager Bruce St. Denis to add $10,000 back to the 2011-12 fiscal-year budget to continue its contract with Studio 26 Productions on a six-month trial basis, after company owner Ryan Bodie agreed to livestream video of workshops and meetings at virtually no additional cost to the town.

From October 2011 through Jan. 12, the commission drew 946 viewers, according to Bodie. Although live meetings have averaged 10 to 12 viewers, most audience members watched meetings after they were filmed.

Now, as the end of the six-month trial period approaches, Bodie has proposed a new model that would offset the town’s cost by advertising on meeting videos and will be discussed at the commission’s Thursday, Jan. 19 workshop.

“This is a great way for businesses to support their local government,” said Bodie, noting that the livestream videos offer a way for individuals to stay informed about their local government.

Bodie suggests five levels of advertising, the most expensive of which is the Platinum Underwriter category, which would be limited to one advertiser and require a three-month minimum. For $500 per meeting, that business would receive its company name and logo featured at the beginning of the meeting, its company name or website on the lower-third banner throughout the meeting above agenda items and two 30-second ads shown during breaks. The least expensive option suggested is the Graphics Underwriter category, which, for $25 at a three-month minimum could showcase as many as 10 business logos on a community calendar page that will show twice during each meeting.

For now, according to Bodie, advertising revenue from local businesses would likely be used to offset the town’s cost. They wouldn’t replace the advertisements that show at various points throughout the meetings for everything from Combos pretzel snacks to the Toyota Yaris to Sesame Street — although, that could change if the model is successful.

Vice Mayor David Brenner, who met with Bodie in December, said that he thought the idea could generate new opportunities.

“It seems to me that we could have an opportunity for local businesses that would work to the advantage of this community, and maybe this town, by highlighting things that are going on around here,” he said.
Bodie said that he also plans to discuss ways to promote the availability of videos to residents, eventually drawing a larger audience.

ONLINE
To watch past or live Longboat Key Town Commission meetings or workshops, visit http://www.ustream.tv/channel/town-of-longboat-key-commission-meetings-live.