Community Media of Staten Island (CMSI) has unveiled its new streaming services, expanding access to local programming through live and on-demand streams. The upgrade, implemented with Cablecast technology from Tightrope Media Systems, includes four video servers, a community bulletin board, and a branded mobile app.
Rebranding Effort Reflects Changing Viewing Habits
The rebranding effort began in April when CMSI changed its name from Staten Island Community Television to better reflect modern viewing habits. Jennifer Sammartino, executive director of CMSI, explained that the term “television” no longer accurately describes how people consume content today.
“We changed our name to keep up with these trends,” Sammartino said. The organization recognized that many viewers had moved away from traditional cable systems, and producers were unable to access their finished products on the airwaves.
Streamlined Integration and User-Friendly Interface
The project was planned for over a year, with a soft launch in the summer allowing CMSI to refine its streaming presence. The final app went live on September 7, offering access to four channels through iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV platforms.
Sammartino highlighted that the new Cablecast system has improved the organization’s ability to schedule programming more flexibly. It can automatically fill gaps between shows with public service announcements (PSAs) and other content, enhancing the overall viewer experience.
Enhanced Content Accessibility
The streaming app provides viewers with high-definition (HD) quality for CMSI’s four channels: Your 34, Variety, Religion and Spirituality, and Civic Engagement. This is a significant improvement over the standard definition (SD) offerings of Spectrum and Verizon cable systems.
In addition to the streaming capabilities, Cablecast has also enabled CMSI to introduce a community bulletin board feature, which was previously unavailable.
Partnership with Municipal Captioning
Municipal Captioning, based in Garner, North Carolina, served as the integrator for the project. Kayla Creamer, Cablecast customer success manager, worked closely with CMSI to configure its internet channels, bulletin board, and branded over-the-top (OTT) apps.
Sammartino praised the ease of integration provided by Cablecast and Municipal Captioning. “Cablecast made this integration process very easy,” she said. “It was just a real pleasure to work with them.”