From changing viewer habits to expanding platforms and accessibility imperatives, local government video production has never been more dynamic. How can you meet the shifting expectations of your audience? I’m Michelle, and we break it down for you in this episode of our Government Video Podcast, with the help of Daniell Krawczyk from Municipal Captioning.
The ways residents consume video are evolving at a rapid pace, and cities must adapt. Residents now expect local government media strategies that mirror what they experience with commercial streaming and social media platforms. That means on-demand access, captioning, mobile-friendly formats, and platform diversification.
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Just a decade ago, government meeting accessibility often meant simply having a local cable channel. Today, residents expect accessible city council meetings on streaming apps, social media, and mobile platforms, complete with closed captions and even multilingual audio services.
Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram have made captions a standard, influencing how people engage with video. Cities that don’t keep up risk losing engagement, missing key audiences, and failing to meet ADA requirements for digital media accessibility.
Government streaming services are gaining traction. More cities are launching apps on Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV, ensuring their content reaches audiences where they already consume video. The shift away from cable isn’t just about reach—it’s about network security, video quality, and long-term sustainability.
Accessibility Is Not Just for Compliance
Captions and language accessibility have become the norm across generations. While many assume only older adults or hard-of-hearing residents use captions, data shows Gen Z and younger audiences use them even more—whether for convenience, clarity, or silent viewing. It’s not just about following regulations anymore.
What’s next? Multilingual city services. AI-powered tools are making real-time translation and dubbing more feasible, and cities will soon need to meet growing expectations for multilingual government content. Daniell expects residents will be expecting these services at the local level in the very near future.
So, as video habits continue to evolve, local government agencies must ask:
• Are we making our content accessible to all residents?
• Is our content available on platforms where people are actually watching?
• Are we leveraging the latest tools to meet growing expectations?
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going
As you move forward to optimize workflows for an increasingly digital audience, you can help others do the same. Share this episode or link to it on your professional networks—let’s help other local governments meet new viewer expectations. And if you’re thinking about how captioning and video accessibility fit into your strategy, let’s talk. Get in touch with our team to explore solutions that make your content more inclusive and engaging for all residents.
Webinar: Building the Right Team for Large AV Projects in Government Communications
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