The Waseca Minnesota Channel 8 PEG station has recently been revamped and is in the process of relaunching in the next few weeks.

Channel 8 used to be managed by Mediacomm, one of the local cable providers, but in August the Mayor announced that the city was taking over the responsibility of the station. Wes Hellevik was tasked to head up the project and ensure a smooth transition — a task that Hellevik has done rather well.

Hellevik first came to work for the city 5 years ago when he was hired to work on the city’s GIS system. That project involved computers, audio and video and must have been good proving grounds for taking the helm of Channel 8.

As part of taking over management of the channel, the city council also approved major upgrades to the tune of $69,000. However, upgrading the equipment was not that biggest hurdle faced. It was allowing public access creators the 24-hour access they were accustomed to.

When the channel was housed at Mediacomm, creators had 24-hour access, which allowed them direct playback of their pre-recorded programs. Now that the channel is housed in City Hall that proved quite a challenge since the building is closed at night and on weekends. Thankfully Hellevik was successful in making the necessary improvements to provide secure access and meet the needs of both the city and producers.

A new site underway with more details about the channel and it’s programming, but until then we wish them the best. It sounds like they’re off to a great start!

Source: Waseca County News
Photo: December 22, 2006: Anyone need a bow… or fifty?, courtesy of Matt McGee