Local content is the killer application, but starting a local content channel is one of the most difficult tasks a communications service provider can undertake.  It is such a different business than providing telecom service, that, as much as they may want to, many service providers never launch a local channel.  At the 2011 Broadband Properties Summit, I moderated two panels on strategies and tactics that lead to local content success.  We had an excellent set of speakers with real-world experience in delivering content that people want to view and that enriches their respective communities.

• Brad Hine, ETI Software
• Jordan Hassler, BEK Sports
• Karen Wilson, Ben Lomand Telephone Co-Op
• Michael Lee, West Kentucky & Tennessee Telecommunications Cooperative

In this video interview, we had the panelists summarize the biggest hurdle they had or have seen in producing local content.  I would have probably added that time is one of the biggest challenges; there is never enough.

This video was a bit of an example of one way to leverage oneself and effectively gain more time.  We were producing ViodiTV at Broadband Properties and, instead of interviewing the panelists separate from the panel, we created a short video segment at the end of the panel, which aired that evening on the hotel channel and, now, it airs online on ViodiTV.