Multimedia Producer Brian Paris was an expert panelist during a session on September 22, 2021, at the annual NATOA conference (National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors), which was held virtually this year. The seminar was titled “Ask an Expert: Tearing Down Barriers to OTT.” OTT stands for “over-the-top” and refers to streaming video content to viewers over the Internet. While the City has been live streaming its meetings to the website for more than ten years, during the last eighteen months, video production of City meetings evolved quickly to accommodate the public health guidelines associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Brian was able to use technology in new ways to keep the community informed to the same high standards they have come to expect. Instead of being limited to telecasting from just the Council Chambers, CGTV expanded its capabilities to include virtual/online options and the ability to telecast from alternate venues.
The City of Champaign was recognized at the NATOA conference as an innovative city that is successfully utilizing streaming technology in unique ways. In addition to telecasting on Comcast, AT&T U-verse, and i3 Broadband, CGTV is also live streamed and available on-demand on the City’s website, Apple TV, Roku, and FireTV. By presenting at the conference, Brian was able to share his experience and knowledge with other community cable channel operators. Following the presentation the panelists took audience questions, and Brian elaborated on the processes and equipment CGTV utilizes.
As always, you can find more information about our live stream and archive of City Meetings at champaignil.gov/CGTV.