City of Novi Unveils New TV and Podcast Studio Financed by PEG Funds

City of Novi Builds TV and Podcast Studio with PEG Funds

The city of Novi has recently transformed an old storage area of the Novi Civic Center, affectionately nicknamed the “dungeon,” into a state-of-the-art TV and podcast studio. This impressive new studio, dubbed “Studio No.VI,” took a little over a year to design and build, fitting neatly into the 2023-2024 city budget. Construction kicked off in late August, and the studio officially opened its doors in February.

The project had a price tag of $800,000, funded entirely by public, educational, and governmental (PEG) funds. These funds are accumulated by the city from federal fees charged to cable consumers. If you’re wondering about those extra charges on your cable bill from companies like Comcast, Charter, Spectrum, or AT&T—now you know. It’s essentially a 1% PEG fee mandated by federal law.

According to local officials, the city receives an average of $350,000-$380,000 annually in PEG funds, which are distributed quarterly by cable companies. Unlike years prior to 2019 when the funds could be used for operational items like salaries, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has tightened regulations. Now, the funds can only be used for capital improvement costs associated with video operations, including construction, equipment, software, warranty, labor, and training.

The new 1,000-square-foot studio offers versatility with its three different sets: a green screen, a main setup with a video wall, and a standing monitor. The equipment is all mobile and can be repositioned to provide various backdrops, complemented by approximately 180 different lighting zones.

This modern facility is currently used for several city productions including “Update Novi,” a monthly update with the mayor, “After the Gavel,” a recap of City Council meetings, and the “Now You Novi” podcast. Any other type of city-related shoots are also accommodated here. This setup is designed to be incredibly efficient, saving time and labor. Previously, shoots required extensive setup and tear-down time, but now everything is self-contained.

Employees highlight the efficiency gains since the new studio’s opening. For instance, “After the Gavel,” which used to take two to three hours to complete, now takes just 15 minutes from start to finish.

While the studio is strictly for city productions and not available for public rental, it’s proving to be an invaluable resource. The Novi Parks Foundation has utilized it, and there are plans for a live Q&A segment with a doctor from Ascension Hospital. Additionally, the studio is used for headshots and photos.

City officials are excited about the new project’s success. One emphasized, “The big thing for me is that this was completed without using taxpayer funds. This is a win-win for staff and the community. Every day, I’m wowed by the quality of this facility. It’s like having our very own high-end production studio.”

Looking ahead, the city plans to upgrade the City Council chamber next, using the growing pool of PEG funds. With around $1 million available, officials aim to bring the chamber up to date within the next year, ensuring all council meetings are on par with the high standards set by “Studio No.VI.”

This move towards greater transparency and efficiency through modern media is a clear example of how specialty funds can be utilized to enhance community communication.