The District of Muskoka will begin using new communication methods to engage better with residents.
At the January 15 Finance and Corporate Services Committee District communication staff outlined a new District newsletter and use of reel videos on social media pages.
Manager of Communications Molly Ross stated that the District aims to increase both its communications output and overall quality. She also stated that the two new communication pieces will hopefully accomplish this goal.
“We’re excited to be launching these new pieces for this year. Which will be an opportunity to enhance our communication operations,” Ross said.
The new communications methods were presented by Mel Heatlie who manages the communications department’s creative services portfolio. Heatlie stated that the goals of these new methods were to provide sharable engaging content and to increase the communications audience for the District.
The new E-Newsletter will be titled ‘Two Pines’ and will feature information about District programs, services highlights from council and embedded videos. The newsletter will operate on a subscription basis but will be sharable with non-subscription members through social media, URL, email or printed copy. Heatlie stated that the accessibility of the newsletter provides an opportunity for greater connections with residents.
“This really gives us a lot of opportunities to connect with a wide audience,” Heatlie said.
The embedded videos will be three minutes or less and will feature District Chair Jeff Lehman and District staff. According to Heatlie, the videos would mimic the popular YouTube show Between Two Ferns hosted by Zach Galifianakis.
“The point of this video is to highlight, in an alternative format, some of the things happening at the District,” Heatlie said.
The other main new method is a video series that will be posted on District social media. These videos will be in a reel format, which are 90 seconds or less videos which are popular on social media sites. Similar to the newsletter, the videos will be mainly aimed at displaying District actions and programs and to increase engagement according to Heatlie.
Staff had a soft launch of these reels on District Facebook and Instagram pages in December. According to Heatlie these accounts have already seen noticeable growth. Heatlie went on to say that it is expected that there will be 12 to 18 videos per month.
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PATRICIA ARNEY says
To date DMM website has no note of any ‘new’ newsletter and ‘Two Pines’ takes one to ‘The Pines’. Is that not a logical confusion with that title for a DMM newsletter.
Launch TBD? Maybe the title could be reconsidered prior to.
Turk Gruman says
I have read , with great interest, Mr. Goyer’s coverage of Council’s determination to improve communication with the public. Many residents will welcome these initiatives. It increases transparency, provides accountability and, with the “Between Two Hedges” videos, promises to be both informative and entertaining. I think, however, guests should also include local personalities, thought leaders and members of the fourth estate like Mr. Goyer.