Behind the camera

Mike Dziak, the city of Coeur d’Alene’s newest TV production manager, grew up in Spokane and attended grade and high school there. He went on to gain a bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in Pullman and a master's degree from Gonzaga University.

Dziak has spent more than 35 years working in television, video production, marketing and community storytelling, communications and broadcast operations. His career has included work in municipal government, public information, commercial production, live television and 11 years as a cameraman for Seahawks and Mariners. Dziak previously worked in television and communications for the cities of Federal Way and Tacoma, and for many years owned and operated his own production company, producing projects for government agencies, businesses and organizations throughout the region.

Dziak joined the city of Coeur d’Alene in early 2025 as TV production coordinator, where he oversaw CDA-TV and helped manage the city’s television, streaming and video-production operations. Since coming to Coeur d’Alene, one of his priorities has been helping modernize the station, expand its digital and streaming presence and develop more locally produced programming that connects residents with their city and community.

1. What originally drew you to TV production and the logistical operations of broadcasting?

I was originally attracted to television because it combines creativity, technology and storytelling. I enjoy the creative side — interviewing people, shooting, editing and building a story — but I have always been equally interested in what happens behind the scenes to make television work.

There is a tremendous amount of coordination involved in broadcasting. Cameras, audio, lighting, routing, graphics, recording, scheduling and transmission all have to work together at exactly the right time. I have always enjoyed solving those technical and logistical challenges. There is something very satisfying about seeing all of those pieces come together and knowing that what you are producing is reaching and informing an audience.

2. What are your major responsibilities in your new role with the City of Coeur d’Alene?

My primary responsibility is overseeing the day-to-day operation and continued development of CDA-TV. That includes televising and streaming City Council and other public meetings, managing the station’s programming schedule, maintaining broadcast and production equipment and producing original video content for the city.

I also work with city departments to develop public-service announcements, informational programs, community stories and special projects. Another important part of my role has been helping transition CDA-TV from a traditional cable-focused operation into a more modern television and streaming service that can reach people wherever they choose to watch.

3. Why is it critical to televise public meetings?

Televising public meetings is fundamentally about transparency and access. Not everyone can attend a City Council or commission meeting in person, but residents should still have the opportunity to hear the discussion, understand the issues and see how decisions are being made.

Local government decisions often have a direct impact on people's neighborhoods, businesses and daily lives. Broadcasting and streaming those meetings allow residents to participate in their government on their own schedule. I think one of the most important responsibilities of a government television station is simply making public information easy to find, easy to understand and accessible to everyone.

4. When you're not working for the city, what do you like to do in your free time?

I enjoy spending time with my wife, family and grandchildren. After spending most of my career in the Puget Sound area, I’m enjoying exploring North Idaho and everything in the Coeur d’Alene area.

I have always enjoyed photography, video and technology, so even outside of work I tend to be experimenting with cameras, editing, new production tools and emerging technology. I also enjoy traveling, hiking, pickleball, golf, snow skiing, ice skating, listening to live music as well as playing guitar/Ukulele.

5. What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

People might be surprised to learn how varied my production career has been. Over the years I have worked on everything from government television and live public meetings to owning my own digital media company (20 years) producing commercials, corporate productions, and tourism videos. I was also a field cameraman for 11 yrs covering the Seahawks and Mariners … pro sports, as well as working on many new music videos and multicultural television projects.

I have also spent a large part of my career mentoring young people, interns and people entering the television and communications field. One of the things I enjoy most now is being able to take decades of experience and pass some of that knowledge along to the next generation of producers and storytellers.

    Coeur d’Alene TV Production Manager Mike Dziak fishing.
  

    Mike Dziak enjoys the lake.