Above: Video Operations Coordinator Tyler Rash readies to review the latest news broadcast with the studio’s playback equipment.

A key complement to SkyBest’s digital TV service has been the creation of a local content channel, SkyZhone HD, which features delayed broadcasts of area high school athletic events and other programs of regional interest.  Within the last year, the local channel has made marked progress with the addition of live event coverage, an expanded program schedule and a new studio for video production and a televised news show.

SkyZhone’s first TV event to be covered live was the Ashe County Heart Auction in early April, the signature fund-raising event for the American Heart Association, which has aired on 580 WKSK Radio for decades, raising thousands of dollars for the charity. SkyZhone’s coverage of the event included breakaway video updates from SkyLine staff on site, along with carrying audio supplied by WKSK for the daylong event that welcomes callers to place their bids on scores of donated auction items.

The new studio located in SkyLine’s Engineering Building houses a green screen similar to what TV stations use for their news programs. The studio is equipped with the latest video production equipment and software programs to create graphics to enhance athletic event broadcasts and a virtual set for SkyZhone’s News Break program hosted by Tyler Rash. The 15-minute weekday news program follows the noon report aired on WKSK Radio and includes updates on local, state and national news, along with local weather and features of local interest.

In addition to broadcasting programs produced locally in conjunction with Alleghany Community Television, MTN and Germain Media, the local channel aired a same-day broadcast of the 2014 Ashe County High School graduation ceremony and a regional basketball tournament match-up between Avery and Alleghany high schools at UNC-Greensboro, utilizing fiber and 4G wireless connections to get video feeds back to the studio. These and other recent program additions have more than doubled the weekday program schedule and include classic shows such as “The Andy Griffith Show,” “Bonanza,” “Dragnet” and educational/how-to shows like “The Garage with Steve Butler,” “Train Time” and “The Wood Whisperer.”

The Video Exchange is a one-stop solution for those companies needing video content or those wanting to deliver video content and features an extensive library of videos from producers throughout the U.S.

The Video Exchange Fills Need for Program Content

Also this year, a new wholly-owned subsidiary has been established by SkyBest Communications to fill a need for program content for companies like SkyLine that have their own local TV content channels. The concept for The Video Exchange was devised by CEO Jimmy Blevins after hearing from many of his peers in the rural telecom industry about their companies’ need for video content. Occasionally, he would also speak with a CEO whose company actually developed creative, locally-produced shows. “Realizing there was a broad need for content, why not provide an avenue for those companies that produce content, and also provide a place in which other telecoms can purchase content, satisfying a need on both sides of the content equation,” Blevins said.

The Video Exchange is ideal for companies looking to upload content for lease by those in need of content. The new concept and company have been well-received by industry peers and is gaining popularity across the country. To learn more, visit: www.thevideoexchange.com