What Is a Member Spotlight?


A member spotlight is a brief profile we would like to publish about one of our members to introduce you to the rest of the community, highlight your accomplishments, and thank you for being a member.

Additionally, your "spotlight" will be shared on MACTA's newsletter, website, and social media. Your OK will grant MACTA approval to share your spotlight!

Would you or a colleague like to be featured in our Member Spotlight? Please complete this brief submission form and email a high-resolution photo of you at work to our office for consideration.
Bob McSherry

October 2023 Member Spotlight


Bob McSherry
Lead Producer, South Washington County Telecommunications Commission (SWCTC) since 2003

What do you love most about your job?
I think what I like about my job is that it provides me a creative outlet with a lot of variety. I really enjoy meeting new people with interesting jobs and stories. I really respect that they trust me to share their stories with the community..

Where can you sometimes be found on your free time?
In my free time you can find me playing guitar and making wonderful noise in my basement, Hiking and Biking around the Twin Cities and watching a lot of baseball games in the summer.

Why is community media important to you?
I think community media provides viewers a unique opportunity to get to know their city and community. It's a way to connect with residents and allow them to discover new businesses, amenities, and other community members doing extraordinary things.

How has being a MACTA member benefited you?
MACTA has help SWCTC build their network with similar agencies to help share resources, discuss challenges, and learn from one another.
 
Ann_Schweisguth

August 2023 Member Spotlight


Ann Schweisguth
South Washington County Telecommunications Commission Content Manager since 2000
MACTA member since 2000

What do you love most about your job?
I truly do love my job.  I love how it is always evolving and allows endless opportunity to create something new with each video I'm assigned.  I also work with some amazingly talented people who make the work day go by quickly.

Where can you sometimes be found on your free time?
My favorite way to spend my free time is hanging out with my husband and 4-year-old daughter.  I also like to podcast, watch movies and hope to one day publish a children's book.

Why is community media important to you?
Community media is true hyper local coverage.  We care about the communities we cover and tell local stories in ways that no one else can. I'm proud to be part of that.

How has being a MACTA member benefited you?
Being able to connect with other MACTA members and utilize them for information is a huge benefit.  The annual conference is always a great way to connect and share notes.
 
Katherine Lenaburg

May 2023 Member Spotlight


Katherine Lenaburg
QCTV Operations Manager since 2014
MACTA member since 2014

Community media is more important than ever as we are a reflection and voice of the community. People crave local news and want to see their kids in local sports, school activities, community events, and parades.

Coverage of local government meetings is more important than ever as that is where policy is decided. Since the rise of social media and misinformation, local media can get it right so people have the facts. Local elections with candidate forums are important and I especially enjoyed working on them. Also producing a weekly show called The Post where we tell the stories of our member cities.

MACTA has been beneficial in terms of collaboration with other like-minded organizations, getting to talk with vendors, and listening to speakers who bring useful tips to our whole staff.

In my free time I enjoy gardening, art museums and travelling.