In the heart of Downtown Brunswick, there’s an institution that produces a type of programming that’s truly unique: hyperlocal news and entertainment that keeps residents up to date on their community — and serves as an outlet for their creativity. In its nearly 40 years of operation, Brunswick Area Television (BAT) has served as an essential connector and continues to provide residents of northern Medina County with news, resources and opportunities unavailable anywhere else.
The City on the Small Screen
BAT was founded in 1986 to produce local and government programming for residents of northern Medina County, available on cable TV. In 2002, it was expanded to offer a public access channel, which allows residents to create their own television shows.
The core of BAT’s programming airs across three channels: The government channel shows live coverage of city council meetings and community-focused programs, such as resources for the senior population or information on local businesses. The rec channel spotlights the Brunswick Community Recreation and Fitness Center and features instructional videos. The public channel provides residents the freedom and resources to produce television shows and podcasts under the guidance of trained professionals. All three channels are available on Spectrum 1020, 1021 and 1022, and Breezeline Cable 21 and 22, Breezeline Stream TV 2004 and 2005, and on-demand at bat.viebit.com.
The station is operated by a three-person, in-house crew: Tom Keppler, Manager of the Office of Information and Public Communication for the City of Brunswick and Access Specialists Ben Staunton and Chris Golian. Together, they run the studio at 4274 Manhattan Ave., near the intersection of Pearl and Center roads. BAT’s home since 2010, the studio features three separate filming sets and a podcast recording room that opened in 2021, thanks in part to an equipment donation from the Rotary Club of Brunswick. In addition, a kitchen that can double as a set for cooking-themed shows is fully equipped with professional cameras and editing equipment; it is available to residents to use on a first-come, first-served basis.
A Place to Connect
Much of the programming on the government channel is designed to pull back the curtain on city operations and to provide residents with a rich perspective into what’s going on in the community. Meetings of the Brunswick City Council, Brunswick Hills Township Trustees and Medina County Commissioners air on the channel, as do shows that help boost awareness of the area’s offerings and resources. “We can’t campaign or tell people how to think,” says Keppler. “But we can deliver the facts in an entertaining way and try to be clear and concise.”
On the rec channel, viewers can find free workouts and tips on how to use gym equipment or create their own workouts. They can also learn techniques for maintaining proper form.
Up for Anything
For residents looking for an outlet for their creativity — or just a place to speak their mind — BAT’s public channel is where they can create original work. The channel is a showcase of the talent, imagination and values of members of the community, and any Brunswick or Brunswick Hills resident can produce a program on the station. Residents don’t need any technical training or television experience; BAT staff will train them on everything they need to know. And it’s all entirely free of charge.
“We were kind of YouTube before YouTube existed,” says Staunton, who has been with the station since 1998. “It’s cool that local productions can now be shared worldwide through social media and our on-demand website, bat.viebit.com.”
There are no restrictions on length or content, with a few limited exceptions. Programs can’t be overtly commercial or threatening in any way, but aside from that they can be as short as 30 seconds or as long as creators wish. “I say we’re one of the last havens for free speech,” says Keppler.
To produce a show at BAT, the process begins with a phone consultation with one of the station’s three staff members, followed by a studio tour to get a sense of what’s available on site. Staff will then work with creators to talk through their vision and the technical resources and training available to them.
“They can come to us with no knowledge of television production,” says Staunton. “We help them come up with their storyboard idea, put pen to paper and learn how to use all the equipment.”
For all productions, there are two options: Users can film in the studio and make use of the staff and equipment on site, or they can borrow cameras, film offsite and return to edit at the studio.
If participants choose to use the studio for filming, the BAT staff will work with them to make the most of the space available to execute their vision. “We’ll set them up and put on the lights and show them: This is what it will look like. What do you think here, do you want to add a coffee table?” says Golian.
The staff will also fully train participants on using the editing and filming equipment if they choose. “Some people like to do their editing at home and then bring in a finished product,” says Golian. “Some people like to edit here because they can ask us questions, and we can try to work through any difficulties.”
A Tapestry of Local Talent
Staunton estimates that on average, the station airs about 25 new shows a week on the public channel, and features everything from general entertainment to opinion shows, politics, sports chats, comedy and music. Anyone in the community can create a show.
“Because we’re not affiliated with a network, we have complete flexibility. And we’re open to hearing any ideas,” says Keppler. In addition, several local churches air their weekly services on the channel.
While many of the shows on the public access channel are regular or semi-regular programs, creators can produce stand-alone programs like movies, live performances or documentaries.
There’s also a podcast space, opened in 2021, available to residents. “Some people get pretty shy when the studio lights are on and the cameras are turned on,” says Golian. “But there’s something a little less intimidating about just being in front of a microphone and not having yourself recorded — just your voice.”
Serving the Community
While the station’s programming serves as a vital connector in the community, the studio and staff also offer valuable resources for Brunswick and Brunswick Hills residents beyond what airs on the station. Any resident can come in and be trained on video or podcast equipment.
Community announcements can be submitted online, and the BAT team will publish the information on the roadside signboard, on BAT’s public channel and on the BAT Facebook page. In addition, they manage the content found on the City’s website, oversee multiple departmental social media accounts, assist with press releases and are often the main point of contact for the media.
“We love to help nonprofit organizations spread awareness of their missions to benefit our community,” adds Keppler. “And we regularly create reels and promotional videos for events hosted by the City of Brunswick.”
Filming space, time and equipment are all first-come, first-served. And the station is funded entirely by franchise fees from cable operators, so it’s not dependent on tax dollars.
“On behalf of our volunteer producers and City departments, the BAT staff would like to thank our viewers, new and old, for tuning in and being involved,” says Keppler.
Even though the station has been in operation for almost 40 years, it’s still thriving. Why, in the age of streaming and social media, do residents still tune in? “It’s as local as it gets,” says Keppler. “It’s our neighbors talking about our issues.”
Channel Highlights
Government Channel
The Buzz on Business, produced with the Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance, highlights local businesses and events.
The Golden Years offers resources and information for seniors.
What’s Going On is a biweekly exploration of news and notable events in the area.
Community Focus is a talk show that highlights local philanthropists and city services.
Who Are You and What Do You Do? introduces residents to a different city employee each episode.
Rec Channel
Free workouts from certified personal trainers
Instructional videos on how to use gym equipment and perform body-weight movements with proper form
Techniques for properly utilizing complex gym equipment like rowing or pulldown machines
Public Channel
Polka Time Again airs videos of old and new polka performances.
Sunday Worship shows weekly services from the Brunswick United Methodist Church.
Voice of Families in Addiction educates viewers on the dangers of drugs and explores resources for harm reduction.
Brunswick Community Church features weekly sermons presented by Buck Wilford at the Brunswick Community Church.
Channels are available on Spectrum 1020, 1021 and 1022, and Breezeline Cable 21 and 22, Breezeline StreamTV 2004 and 2005, as well as on-demand at bat.viebit.com.
