BRUNSWICK — At the July 14 City Council meeting, Brunswick Area Television Manager Tom Keppler Jr., who oversees BAT’s coverage of city meetings, received recognition for his national achievements, reversing the focus on local news.
Mayor Ron Falconi congratulated Keppler on winning the 2025 Emerging Leader Award from the Alliance for Community Media in a proclamation.
On June 25, Keppler made the trip to Boston University to accept the honor. Since 2018, he has served as the BAT manager.
Although the honoree was a little taken aback by the award, Falconi stated that he was not shocked by Keppler’s widespread reputation.
Keppler began working at BAT as an intern, creating content for the station. After three years, he was promoted to production assistant and subsequently elevated to manager of the information and public relations office.
It was first intimidating, according to Keppler, to leave behind content production in order to negotiate the unfamiliar territory of station administration.
However, he now believes that his position with BAT is the one for which he was created.
“I’m using my skills to bring attention to my hometown,” said Keppler, a Brunswick native.
“He thrives on innovating through creative means to strengthen the BAT staff, empower volunteers, and achieve higher levels of quality,” the Alliance for Community Media wrote in its remarks on Keppler’s award.
Tom is trustworthy and self-motivated. He gives credit where credit is deserved and values teamwork. These qualities improve communal ties and foster trust.
Tom’s concept for Brunswick Area Television places a strong emphasis on free speech. Everyone is welcome to share their experiences, skills, interests, and viewpoints at the studio.
Keppler acknowledged the hard effort of the station’s staff and volunteer producers, especially Kerryn Kirk and Ben Staunton, who work as access specialists.
Even though the city’s proclamation was a major surprise, he expressed his gratitude and pride for receiving the Emerging Leader Award.
Keppler said, “I thought you had to retire to get one of these.”
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