CMSI debuts new streaming platform

Press Release

September 7, 2023

Community Media of Staten Island announces new streaming services, live broadcast of Postcards 9/11 Ceremony

 

Staten Island, NY – Today, Community Media of Staten Island Television announced that they have created, with their partner, Cablecast, a new streaming platform for all four of their channels, plus an on-demand portal for their community-created programming.

“The industry has changed and we are evolving to meet the needs and demands of our community,” said Jennifer Sammartino, Executive Director of Community Media of Staten Island (CMSI).

A still-new partnership with Cablecast allows CMSI to not only broadcast to Spectrum and Verizon as we do currently on four channels but offer streaming and video-on-demand on our new web site, communitymediasi.org and via a new app, Community Media of Staten Island, which can be found by searching the Apple Store and Google Play by using “community media”. To watch programming via the web site, simply go to communitymediasi.org/watch.

“We are embarking on a new chapter of technology,” said Maria Esposito, Chair, Board of Directors, CTV. “We are thrilled today that we are able to share some remarkable updates to the studio that speak volumes to our growth.”

“We believe that it is extremely important to meet our audiences where they are,” said Sammartino. “In order to do that, we need to deliver content directly to our community in the way they are most comfortable in addition to our existing Cable TV channels. For many Staten Islanders, that means via a handheld device like your phone or via smart TV.”

“I think it’s fair to say that today marks a whole new chapter in the storybook of community media for Staten Island. I credit the leadership here for investing (in) it, making the decision and commitment to advance, if you will, in technology. There is no reason why Staten Island can’t be on the cutting edge of anything, including this technology and providing among other things live streaming from the field,” said Borough President Vito Fossella.

The app is free and available on Google Play, App store, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick and Roku.

In addition to Cablecast, CMSI recently invested in LiveU, which allows CMSI staff to broadcast live from outside of the studio. “While we are not a news organization, there are certainly times where going to live from the field is an asset to the community,” said Sammartino.

In fact, BP Fossella and Sammartino announced that this year – for the first time ever- the annual 9/11 Memorial Ceremony at Postcards will be broadcast live on channels 34 and 37/1997. “We know there are plenty of Staten Islanders that would like to participate in the ceremony who are not able to physically get to the site,” Sammartino said. “By going live from the event, these folks can be a part of this very special memorial and it is my most sincere hope that it brings them comfort.”

“The 911 ceremony will be the first (live event), and how fitting. Despite the overwhelming tragedy of 911 and its impact not only across New York City of course, but also here, and especially here on Staten Island. The community of Staten Island came together to help those who needed help at that dire time. Fortunately, here we are 22 years later, and the community of Staten Island still stands with those 911 families and victims. That community spirit cannot go away. I think by integrating these new technologies new platforms and new ways of delivering information we can bring Staten Island even closer,” said BP Fossella.

In addition to the live broadcast of Postcards, it will also air on Tuesday, Sept. 12 at 7 PM on channel 34 and throughout the week.