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1 <br /> ORANGE COUNTY <br /> BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS <br /> ACTION AGENDA ITEM ABSTRACT <br /> Meeting Date: September 17, 2024 <br /> Action Agenda <br /> Item No. 8-j <br /> SUBJECT: Ratification of County Manager's Execution of a Services Agreement with <br /> Sonark Media, Inc. <br /> DEPARTMENT: Economic Development/Visitors <br /> Bureau <br /> ATTACHMENT(S): INFORMATION CONTACT: <br /> Executed Services Agreement with Laurie Paolicelli, 919-245-4322 <br /> Sonark Media, Inc. <br /> PURPOSE: To ratify the County Manager's execution of a services agreement between Sonark <br /> Media, Inc and the Orange County Visitors Bureau, in which the Visitors Bureau has provided <br /> sponsorship of ten (10) episodes of "Sonark Sessions: Live from the Barn" on PBS and the North <br /> Carolina Channel. <br /> BACKGROUND: The Visitors Bureau recognized the potential of using Sonark in its media <br /> campaign to market the live music scene that draws visitors to Orange County. Beginning August <br /> 1, 2024, Season 1 consists of ten (10) episodes, each approximately 27 minutes long, to be <br /> broadcast on the main PBS NC channel, all NC channels, and on digital streaming services. PBS <br /> NC, being the third largest public broadcaster in the country, reaches 1.8 million unique viewers <br /> per month. A link to the sponsorship can be viewed at <br /> https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/974332285. <br /> PBS NC licenses content for $1,000 and does not pay for production costs. Producing these <br /> shows involves significant investment. Sonark utilized investor funds, spending over $200,000 <br /> on Season 1. This includes payments to bands, a 12-person crew, vendors for rentals, editing, <br /> legal fees, and more. To support the production costs, PBS NC allows for a funding sponsorship <br /> slot, with guidance to set the cost of a sponsorship slot for a 27-minute episode at $15,000. This <br /> brings the proposed amount to $150,000 for the 10 episodes. <br /> This partnership presents a fantastic opportunity for the County to showcase its story and attract <br /> targeted tourism. The promotional spot created by the Visitors Bureau will be featured at the start <br /> and end of each episode, as well as in reruns. If the show is picked up nationally, the sponsorship <br /> slot will remain, extending the County's reach to a larger audience. A link to the sponsorship video <br /> can be viewed at https://vimeo.com/manage/videos/974332285. <br />