For ten years, students across northwest Minnesota have been behind the camera directing broadcasts, calling the shots, and bringing their communities closer together through GVT Local Channels.
Launched in December 2015 with its first dedicated school channel, Win-E-Mac Channel 30, Garden Valley Technologies’ Local Channels initiative now includes 10 channels supporting schools throughout its service area. What began as a partnership has grown into a student-driven production program that airs school sports, concerts, ceremonies, and community events to viewers both near and far.
Over the past decade, hundreds of students have participated in local channel productions, gaining hands-on experience in broadcasting, teamwork, communication, and leadership.
“At its core, this program has always been about opportunity,” said Timothy Brinkman, CEO/General Manager of Garden Valley Technologies. “We are proud to provide the platform and technical support, but the real credit belongs to the students and advisors who bring these broadcasts to life.”
Students Behind the Camera
Students operate cameras, manage audio, direct broadcasts, and coordinate live productions. School advisors oversee each program and determine which events are aired. Garden Valley Technologies provides professional broadcast equipment, streaming platform, and behind-the-scenes technical support that make these student-led productions possible.
Each participating school typically involves four to eight students per year, with many students continuing in the program throughout high school. Since the program began, more than 400 students have gained real-world experience through Local Channels.
“Garden Valley has been an exceptional partner in supporting Goodridge School’s local channel production program. Their team provides our students with opportunities to learn from media professionals while helping fund student roles in broadcast production. The broadcasts are an invaluable service to our community, allowing residents to stay connected to school events such as sports, concerts, and graduation,” said Tomas Loberg, Superintendent/Athletic Director at Goodridge Public School.
One recent example highlights the impact of the program. Nash, a student from Fosston High School, has operated the TriCaster for home football games and other events. When another school needed support for a remote broadcast, Nash stepped in to assist, helping ensure the game aired successfully. His willingness to support both his own school and others demonstrates the confidence and skills students develop through hands-on experience.
Stories like Nash’s are not uncommon. Several former participants have gone on to pursue careers in media, communications, and related fields.
Real Investment, Real Access
Garden Valley Technologies equips participating schools with professional-grade broadcast tools, including production-grade cameras, TriCasters, audio systems, and computers. Equipment is maintained and updated regularly, and a dedicated GVT Video Production Coordinator works directly with schools throughout the year to provide training and technical assistance.
Today, approximately 400 live school events are broadcast annually across the Local Channels network. In total, more than 6,500 events have aired across our Local Channels since the program’s launch.
When in-person attendance was limited during Covid, Local Channels became an essential connection point for families and community members. School events and church services continued to stream into homes, allowing grandparents, alumni, and extended family members to stay engaged.
That accessibility remains just as important today. Whether watching from home, from a lake cabin, or from a winter residence out of state, viewers can stay connected to the moments that matter most in their hometown communities.
GVT members can view Local Channel content at no additional cost on TV channels 30–39 or online at www.gvtel.com. Non-members may subscribe online to live streaming access.
Looking Ahead
As GVT Local Channels enters its second decade, Garden Valley Technologies remains committed to strengthening school partnerships and supporting student-led media production. Enhancements such as video-on-demand capabilities are being explored, allowing schools the option to make recorded events available beyond their original air time.
As part of the 10-year milestone, throughout the coming year GVT will feature student highlights and behind-the-scenes content across its social media platforms, giving the community a closer look at the talent behind the camera.
More information about GVT Local Channels and streaming access is available at www.gvtel.com/localchannels.
