Finding that government updates through channels like press releases and social media, had grown less effective in reaching residents, the Town of Summerville created “Good Morning, Summerville,” a short-form video series which runs on a consistent weekday schedule. Each episode is less than two minutes long, providing friendly, personable and easy-to-watch updates that cover town initiatives and services, all in a style geared toward mobile devices and social media. The videos highlight the staff working in local government as well as local businesses, groups and community members — aiming to make local government feel open and accountable.  

Keeping the process simple and affordable, the production involves only the town’s public information officer — who has become an increasingly recognizable face in the community — and his smartphone. With thousands of views on most videos and frequent positive feedback, engagement grew to a level that more than doubled its past records. Some videos, like emergency updates, business highlights or other Summerville-specific things, achieved viral levels of audience reach. A “birthday celebration” of Mason, the world’s largest sweet tea jar, reached 172,000 views, while a highlight of the downtown Talucci’s Italian Bakery found 159,000 views — numbers far greater than the town’s population of 51,000. Future plans include special miniseries to cover particular town projects.  

Contact Christopher Makowski at cmakowski@summervillesc.gov or 843.897.4477.