Cable annual report showcases new launches

By Dana Casadei

This year’s annual report for the Bloomfield Township Cable Department, presented to the board of trustees at their meeting on Monday, June 24, showcased their work overhauling the township's website, increasing their presence online and the launch of new projects.

Every member of the department was celebrated at the presentation by Carrie LeZotte, director of cable & community relations, who led the presentation – full-time, part-time and even those who have left to work at other places – and there was quite a lot for the department to celebrate this year, ranging from launches of new projects to the successful return of others, like their open house and community food trucks.

For starters, there was their online presence, which continued on the upward trajectory they began last year with their social media channels, seeing increases across the board.

Just a few examples include their YouTube channel that went up by almost 400 more subscribers, with 90,310 views and 925 videos published for the year. Facebook followers were up by 36.8 percent, and their content interactions were up over 200 percent. 

The department led the charge on a massive overhaul that was completed of the Bloomfield Township website, where it took input from every department head in the township to figure out what was missing and what was no longer needed. This overhaul led to a much more mobile-friendly website, something that’s becoming more and more important considering their data shows that 60 percent of their website traffic comes from people using their mobile devices. 

Speaking of mobile, LeZotte announced that the township app that she discussed during her annual report in 2023 was officially launched as of that night’s board of trustees meeting for people to use.

One of the apps most interesting features is the click and report, which will allow for residents to take a photo of something and then send it directly to the desired department through the app.

“There’s nothing you guys can’t do,” said supervisor Dani Walsh.

Going away from their online presence, LeZotte spoke about how this year the department was able to really utilize their space, launching new podcasts and filming live productions; they started a new youth workshop in partnership with the police academy; and they were able to conduct more orientations in the space, bringing people physically together. 

They also added a new staff member, Jose Guzman, grants and engagement coordinator, who helped the township be awarded $96,000 in grant funding that went to multiple departments. There is also currently $390,000 in pending grants right now that LeZotte thinks they have a good shot at getting.

Some of the other additions to the department this year included a monthly newsletter, and printable and digital program guide. With the digital program guide, if someone clicks on a show it will then take them to that episode on the township’s YouTube channel.

Focusing on the cable part in the title of their department, in total, the department managed over 700 productions between public programs and government meetings.

“The data tells one story, but it’s those personal testimonies that we really tend to listen to and remember because they resonate with us… that heartfelt authenticity,” LeZotte said.

And there were many personal testimonies told at the board of trustees meeting. 

Multiple people during the public comments section of the meeting spoke highly of the work they do, including a former Bloomfield Township cable department employee, who was grateful for all he was able to learn from the department during his tenure; to Tera Moon, library director for the Bloomfield Township Public Library, speaking on behalf of the work the cable department does for the library and the large role they have played in the continuation, and kick-off, of their library’s podcast, The Distracted Librarians Podcast.

The most touching story about the work the cable department has done came from a man who wrote a play, which they aired live productions of on the public channel multiple times. This play has now been performed Off-Broadway, where it will return later this year.

“These stories are the heartbeat of our community,” LeZotte said.

Much like during last year’s presentation, LeZotte discussed the department’s future plans for the year. Next steps include more new programming, such as a documentary workshop; a media aspect being added to the youth academy; showcasing more local performance groups; and the series, Back to School with BCTV, that will launch in September.

An update to the township hall, where there will be new chairs and paint in the near future, is also on its way.

“While small in number, this department is mighty,” said clerk Martin Brook. “I look forward to next year’s presentation.”