Press Release: CMSI Celebrates Community Media Day, Cuts Ribbon on New Podcasting Studio
PRESS RELEASE
OCTOBER 24, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: JENNIFER SAMMARTINO, 718-727-1414
CMSI Celebrates Community Media Day, Cuts Ribbon on New Podcasting Studio
Staten Island, NY – Community Media of Staten Island hosted an open house in honor of National Community Media Day on Monday. They also cut the ribbon on a brand-new podcasting studio at the Mariners Harbor space.
National Community Media Day is celebrated annually. The day is meant to bring awareness to the importance of free speech and accessible media for all. It's often celebrated around the same time as Free Speech Week, which takes place in the third week of October.
“We are here to recognize the importance and impact that community media has,” said Maria Esposito, Chair of the Board of Directors of CMSI. “It gives everyone a chance to be creative, showcase their talents, and share their stories with others. It also includes a range of platforms – TV, online forums, and podcasting.”
The open house welcomed approximately 60 people in the afternoon. A press conference followed to announce the new podcast studio.
“Since the beginning of time, people have figured out a way to tell a story, and podcasting is just another way to do that,” said Borough President Vito Fossella. “It’s important that Community Media embraces new ways to disseminate information, to tell a story, and to allow everybody that chance. Whoever you are on Staten Island, if you have a story to tell, you should be able to tell it.”
The studio previously had two television studios and editing bays for users to create and edit their content.
“In the last two and a half years, we’ve fostered a lot of change here at the studio,” said Jennifer Sammartino, Executive Director of Community Media of Staten Island. Last year, CMSI launched a streaming service, and since then, nearly 83,000 views of local content have been viewed via the app.
“Podcasting is a converged medium, meaning it combines audio, web, and portable media players. It has become a revolutionary force in media, delivering news, revisiting in-depth storytelling, and creating community,” she said. “Today, we are thrilled to cut the ribbon on our own podcasting studio. The studio was constructed completely with in-house talent to be soundproof, with professional lighting, audio equipment, and a camera. This studio is the result of comments from the community, asking specifically for this.”
The new studio is soundproof and features state-of-the-art podcasting equipment with a camera so that podcasters can also record visually in addition to audio if they wish. For more information and to schedule a podcast rental, please visit communitymediasi.org/podcast.
ABOUT COMMUNITY MEDIA OF STATEN ISLAND
Staten Island Community Television (SICTV) was founded in 1983 as a result of a franchise agreement between the city of New York and Staten Island Cable (now Spectrum). Permanently opened in 1988, SICTV is organized as a not-for-profit corporation under IRS Code 501(c)(3) and currently has a board of directors appointed by the Borough President of Staten Island. Channels provide local programming created by a wide variety of individuals, groups, and organizations within a community.
In 2023, the name was changed to Community Media of Staten Island (CMSI). CMSI provides comprehensive television production training for eligible community members. Eligible members are defined as Staten Island residents or individuals affiliated with Staten Island-based not-for-profit organizations. Volunteers, who assume all responsibility for materials submitted for cablecast, produce programming from start to finish. Access to channel space is on a first-come, first-served basis. Equipment and channel usage are free of charge to eligible community members.
Pictured are, from left, CMSI Board Member Cara Liander, Board Member Vincent Innocente, Borough President Vito Fossella, Board Member Al Curtis, Board Chair Maria Esposito, and Executive Director Jennifer Sammartino.
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CMSI Celebrates Community Media Day with the Opening of a New Podcast Studio on Staten Island
by Staten Island NYC Living
CMSI attracts thousands of new viewers
PRESS RELEASE
FEBRUARY 5, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
JENNIFER SAMMARTINO, 718-727-1414
CMSI attracts thousands of new viewers
with live sports coverage
Community Media of Staten Island sees thousands
of new views for President’s Cup
Staten Island, NY – There have been lots of firsts for Staten Island over the last two weeks. In fact, Borough President Vito Fossella conceptualized and launched the first Borough President’s Cup basketball tournament for girls and asked Community Media of Staten Island to broadcast it live. And we did it.
The announcement was made prior to the tournament at a press conference held at the College of Staten Island.
“The Borough President offered us a challenge and we accepted,” said Jennifer Sammartino, Executive Director of Community Media of Staten Island (CMSI). The existing infrastructure at CMSI allows for in-the-field live broadcasting which was done to cover the Postcards 9/11 Ceremony in 2023. But the technology had not been used by CMSI to cover live sports.
“This assignment certainly came with obstacles and I am proud to say that this team overcame them,” Sammartino said. With the assistance of the Tournament Committee and CMSI team, a robust team of in-field videographers, engineer, studio management and commentators, this tournament coverage was a resounding success.
“I could not be more proud of the people who participated int his collaboration to make this such a success, not just for us, but for the athletes, their families, and the community at large,” Sammartino said.
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 have embarked on another new chapter for CMSI,” said Maria Esposito, Chair, Board of Directors, CMSI. “As a youth sports fan myself, I am pleased to be able to bring this level of engagement to our viewers. The overwhelming viewership tells us that this was much clamored for in the community.”
While viewership numbers for television are unavailable, the numbers of views on the streaming app were the largest CMSI has seen since launching the app in September of last year.
The first game of the tournament logged 765 views live, while by the end of the tournament, the final game grabbed 1476 views live. These numbers continue to grow as more people tune in to watch the games on demand, with that number at 6,000 to date.
The app is free and available on Google Play, App store, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick and Roku.
For those interested in getting trained to use our equipment in the field, please visit communitymediasi.org to get started.
Interested in making your own content? Give us a call at (718)727-1414 or visit us at communitymediasi.org to learn more.
ABOUT COMMUNITY MEDIA OF STATEN ISLAND
Staten Island Community Television (SICTV) was founded in 1983 as a result of a franchise agreement between the city of New York and Staten Island Cable (now Spectrum). Permanently opened in 1988, SICTV is organized as a not-for-profit corporation under IRS Code 501C3 and currently has a board of directors appointed by the Borough President of Staten Island. Channels provide local programming created by the wide variety of individuals, groups and organizations within a community.
In 2023, the name was changed to Community Media of Staten Island (CMSI). CMSI provides comprehensive television production training for eligible community members. Eligible members are defined as Staten Island Residents or individuals affiliated with Staten Island based Not-For-Profit Organizations. Volunteers, who assume all responsibility for materials submitted for cablecast, produce programming from start to finish. Access to channel space is on a First-Come, First-Served Basis. Equipment and channel usage is free of charge to eligible community members.
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.
SICTV announces new name, logo
SI Community Television unveils new branding at SIEDC Business Conference
Staten Island, NY – Staten Island Community Television announced a new name and brand identity at the Staten Island Economic Development Corporation’s Annual Business Conference at the Hilton Garden Inn.
“The industry is changing and we need to adapt with it,” said Jennifer Sammartino, Executive Director. “People receive information across a variety of medium, not just TV. We want to encourage Staten Islanders to create content in more than one way, to create content the way they want to express themselves and deliver it in a way that their audiences are most comfortable with and have access to. To accommodate these preferences, we are thrilled to announce additions to our services. This summer, we will not only broadcast to Spectrum and Verizon as we do now, but offer streaming and video-on-demand. In addition, we will add a podcasting studio to our facility and add opportunities to go live from the field.”
A new partnership with Cablecast will allow CTV to not only broadcast to Spectrum and Verizon as we do currently on four channels, but offer streaming and video-on-demand on a new web site, communitymediasi.org this summer. This system is currently being tested and staff is being trained.
“Given that we will now expand to streaming, video-on-demand, and podcasting, we need to change our name as “CTV” no longer encompasses everything that we do,” Ms. Sammartino explained. “The Board of Directors has voted to change our name to Community Media of Staten Island.”
“CTV offers the community the access they deserve on television. These new platforms further enhance this access and we are proud to announce this and this name change, a major milestone for us,” said Maria Esposito, Chair, Board of Directors, CTV.
“As someone who remembers the genesis of this, it was all about giving the community access to anybody who wants to tell a story, to create a narrative, and like everything in life, there is change and you have to adapt so I am very pleased and privileged to be here for a new chapter,” said Borough President Vito Fossella.
For now, Staten Island Community Media can be found via sictv.org. The new web site will debut this summer.
Interested in making your own content? Give us a call at (718)727-1414 or visit us at sictv.org to learn more.
ABOUT CTV/SI COMMUNITY MEDIA
Staten Island Community Television (SICTV) was founded in 1983 as a result of a franchise agreement between the city of New York and Staten Island Cable (now Spectrum). Permanently opened in 1988, SICTV is organized as a not-for-profit corporation under IRS Code 501C3 and currently has a board of directors appointed by the Borough President of Staten Island.
CTV Channels provide local programming created by the wide variety of individuals, groups and organizations within a community.
SICTV provides comprehensive television production training for eligible community members. Eligible members are defined as Staten Island Residents or individuals affiliated with Staten Island based Not-For-Profit Organizations. Volunteers, who assume all responsibility for materials submitted for cablecast, produce programming from start to finish. Access to channel space is on a First-Come, First-Served Basis. Equipment and channel usage is free of charge to eligible community members.
SICTV announces winners of Viewer’s Choice Awards
Staten Island Community Television is pleased to announce the winners of its Viewer’s Choice Awards, the Staten Island Community Media Awards. The awards were conducted virtually throughout the month of February and viewers were encouraged to cast their votes via Crowdsignal, a third party platform that tallied the votes.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am happy to present the winners of the first-ever Viewer’s Choice Awards and congratulate all of the producers of these shows,” said Jennifer Sammartino, Executive Director of Staten Island Community Television.
Over 6,800 votes were cast during the month of February when voting was open to the public. Categories were announced in January and the public was then encouraged to nominate their favorite shows. Dozens of shows were nominated across 10 categories.
“We are thrilled with the number of people who took the time to nominate their most-watched shows and vote. This is further validation for our producers and our talent that their efforts are appreciated in the community,” Ms. Sammartino said. “We congratulate not only the winners, but all who were nominated.”
The winning shows are:
Best/Special Standalone Show
“Al Lambert: Ukraine Telethon”
Best Health Show
“Conversations in Medicine”
Best Youth Show
“Tatiana & Angelica Live”
Best Sports Show
“Vito Conenna Sports Show”
Best new show/series
“Jamari William’s Anti-Bullying Show”
Best Religious/ Spiritual Show
“God Reaches Man Today”
Best Show Done on Location
“Chris the Hobby Guy & Lisa”
Best Entertainment Show
“Let the Good Times Roll”
Best Music Show
“Raw Music Urban Sessions”
Best Talk Show
“Remember This”
In addition to the winners, CTV is also recognizing Qemal Zylo with a recognition award for 15 years of Alba Life TV.
Studio Training Classes resume monthly
Studio Production classes have resumed monthly for 2023. The 4 hour class takes place on the last Saturday of each month from 10 am to 2 pm. For more information or to register for a class, please call (718_727-1414.
Please note that advanced registration is required and that class sizes are limited.
We look forward to seeing you in the studio!
Staten Island Community Television Press Release March 7, 2022
SI CTV Board Announces new Executive Director
The Board of Directors of the Staten Island Community Television (SICTV) is pleased to announce that effective December 27, 2021, they have welcomed Jennifer Sammartino as the new Executive Director.
Staten Island Community Television (SICTV) was founded in 1983 as a result of a franchise agreement between the city of New York and Staten Island Cable (now Spectrum). Permanently opened in 1988, SICTV is organized as a not-for-profit corporation under IRS Code 501C3 and currently has a board of directors appointed by the Borough President of Staten Island. SICTV
provides local programming created by the wide variety of individuals, groups and organizations within the community.
Jennifer Sammartino is a lifelong Staten Islander and a graduate of Staten Island Technical High School and the College of Staten Island. She began her career as a journalist with the Staten Island Advance and has worked with several organizations on the Island, including Richmond University Medical Center. She served as Public Information Officer for the Department of Veterans Affairs New York Harbor Healthcare System before joining the team of Borough President James Oddo in 2014 as Director of Communications and External Affairs. She also served as the first Director of Tourism and Cultural Affairs for BP Oddo and then served as his Deputy Chief of Staff until 2021.
"We are extremely excited to have Jen be a part of our team at SICTV. Her years of experience and relationships with the cultural organizations and the non-profit community here on Staten Island will only help increase our content and bring more awareness to our goals here at SICTV,” said SICTV Board President Maria Esposito.
“I’m thrilled to join SICTV,” said Ms. Sammartino. “The opportunity for quality content, story telling and growth is endless on Staten Island. There is no shortage of talent here and certainly no shortage of ideas. While we continue to expand our reach by educating the public on our production training services, we will also expand our content with new ideas and engage youth. The skills taught at SICTV are a boon to anyone who is looking at the media industry as a career.”
Ms. Sammartino is committed to expanding SICTV’s reach into local schools, youth sports, and fresh, new shows. In addition, she has hired a new Technical Director whose responsibility is to inventory all equipment and make upgrades, including HD, where needed. David Gonzalez joined the team on January 4.
David Gonzalez is a Staten Islander who began his career with Crews N Production, where he learned how to be a grip, lighting, and ENG equipment. He has worked on MTV, Court TV, and Entertainment Tonight shoots. David’s skills then led him to work with Direct Broadcast services, such as CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and New York One. David has covered some of the most exciting news over the last 20 years due to his microwave, satellite, and portable transmission expertise. From 2019 through 2021, David served as a truck operator with WPIX 11.
SICTV is committed to educating the public and is pleased to offer training to Staten Island Residents or individuals affiliated with Staten Island based Not-For-Profit Organizations. Volunteers, who assume all responsibility for materials submitted for cablecast, produce programming from start to finish. Trainings are ongoing, year-round. To learn more or register for training, please visit sictv.org
In addition, CTV looks forward to being able to welcome class trips very soon. For more information, please call 718-727-1414.
ABOUT CTV
Staten Island Community Television (SICTV) was founded in 1983 as a result of a franchise agreement between the city of New York and Staten Island Cable (now Spectrum). Permanently opened in 1988, SICTV is organized as a not-for-profit corporation under IRS Code 501C3 and currently has a board of directors appointed by the Borough President of Staten Island.
CTV Channels provide local programming created by the wide variety of individuals, groups and organizations within a community.
SICTV provides comprehensive television production training for eligible community members. Eligible members are defined as Staten Island Residents or individuals affiliated with Staten Island based Not-For-Profit Organizations. Volunteers, who assume all responsibility for materials submitted for cablecast, produce programming from start to finish. Access to channel space is on a First-Come, First-Served Basis. Equipment and channel usage is free of charge to eligible community members.