Watertown School Board Highlights Arrow TV’s Growth as Student-Run Broadcast Program Expands Sports, Fine Arts Coverage
Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown School Board received an in‑depth update Monday night on the rapid growth of Arrow TV, the high school’s student‑run live broadcasting program that now produces dozens of athletic and fine‑arts events each year. The presentation included a short video featuring students describing their roles and the real‑world experience they gain through the program.
Arrow TV, which began when Ryan Remmers approached staff with an idea several years ago, has evolved into a full production operation staffed by students and supported by adult volunteers.
“This production has changed the experience not only for our fans in the stands, but also for our fans watching at home,” the presenter, Austin Thompson, said, noting that students now serve as producers, camera operators, commentators, and reporters.
Students Describe Hands‑On Experience
The video highlighted several Arrow TV crew members:
· Conrad Pitkin, junior: “I work with Arrow TV… I’ve worked football, volleyball, basketball, even baseball.”
· Mollie, sophomore: “My favorite part… is definitely the experiences you get because when I grow up, I want to be a sports commentator and this is a great stepping stone.”
· Kira, junior: “It’s more than just streaming a game. It’s getting to know people in the crowd, seeing all the fans go crazy… and just seeing the players play.”
· Jaron Magg, sophomore: “I’ve done camera crew and tech director… basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and gymnastics.”
· Bailey, junior: “I think it’s cool to see the overall production come together.”
Thompson emphasized that Arrow TV’s success stems from giving students real responsibility.
“I’ve always been a big believer in if we provide the programs and the guidance, the students can do the rest.”
Behind‑the‑Scenes Work Recognized
Board members asked about the video shown at a recent conference. Thompson explained it was a different behind‑the‑scenes piece created by Remmers, focusing on technical aspects such as camera operations, replay systems, and production workflow.
The presenter credited Remmers’ creativity: “He watches an ESPN broadcast or CBS and says, ‘I bet we can do that,’ and he thinks of a way to incorporate that element into a high school production with a high school budget.”
Student Research Impresses Visiting Schools
Board members shared anecdotes about visiting teams being surprised by how much Arrow TV’s commentators knew about their athletes. Thompson said that level of detail comes from extensive research by Remmers and student commentator Cam.
The board also learned that Arrow TV students frequently assist South Dakota Public Broadcasting during state events hosted in Watertown.
“They kind of know they’re going to get dedicated camera people who know what they’re doing,” Thompson said.
Commercial Advertising Now Available
Arrow TV has begun offering commercial slots during broadcasts. A 30‑second ad shown across all Arrow TV events costs $5,000.
“What does that get you?” Thompson said. “110,000 viewers across all 50 states… 42 different broadcasts… 11 student workers last year.” The district hopes to use ad revenue to support equipment upgrades and production costs.
Community sponsors already include Dakotaland Federal Credit Union, DFS Insurance, and Lake Area Technical College, which recently added its own 30‑second commercial to Arrow TV’s rotation.
Fine Arts Streaming and Copyright Limits
Board members asked whether Arrow TV’s work overlaps with fine arts events at the DD Miller Auditorium. Thompson said the program streams chorus concerts and some other events, but musicals and certain cheer/dance performances cannot be streamed due to copyright restrictions.
