Owatonna Live rolls out new app for programming

For years, Scott Limberg was well familiar with the complaints about viewers not being able to see local sports on the big screen TV.
The long-time owner of Owatonna Live has finally been able to quash those complaints by offering a new app that can be loaded to any Smart TV to watch programming. Limberg teamed up with a company from North Carolina to develop an app that is available on Roku, Amazon and Apple TV.
Limberg’s livestreams of local sports teams throughout Steele County, talk shows, meetings and concerts can now be enjoyed on TV in addition to laptop or desktop computer screens.
“Now it’s click a button and go,” Limberg said. “It’s very easy to use.”
But it is something that has come with a hefty price tag. However, Limberg is counting on it providing big dividends for his small production company.
“It’s paying off because of the easy accessibility,” Limberg said. “The accessibility of it is what’s helping us out. It was an investment that’s going to pay off.”
He is already receiving positive feedback from viewers. “They are saying it was nice sitting in front of the TV to watch my programming,” Limberg said.
Limberg has already surpassed last year’s viewership with one month to go this year. He’s had more than 400,000 views this year compared to 380,000 last year. And 68% of viewers are taking advantage of the new app, with Roku being the top option, according to Limberg.
Roku has been a free service available to viewers since 2006, Limberg said, adding it is now available on all new smart TVs.
Owatonna Live has 147 livestreams scheduled during the upcoming winter season. Limberg expects the livestreams to become dominant. “It makes us more powerful and accessible to the public,” he said.
The highest-rated shows are football livestreams and the weekly talk shows, “Straight Talk” and “School Talk.”
Funding for Owatonna Live comes from local advertising sales. Limberg said he has tried pay per view, but it didn’t work.
Limberg began producing local programs from his garage 10 years ago. In May, he opened a new studio on West Rose Street in downtown Owatonna.
“It’s hard to measure if the studio or app is helping us more,” Limberg said, adding, “I think it’s a little of both.”
Limberg has found a niche that no one else in the area provides. “We’re unique,” he said.
The company’s slogan is “telling your story on video,” and it shows Limberg’s passion. “That’s what drives me — telling the story of people on video,” he said.
He finds himself the most satisfied when he receives comments from grandparents who can watch their grandchild on one of his shows.