Polar Design is proud to announce that one of its latest PEG / Public Access websites, for Best Website, Mid-Sized Stations. The Alliance for Community Media is the principal nationwide association of public access organizations and stations that promotes innovation, education and development of community media organizations in the United States. This annual award recognized the results of our collaboration with Westford CAT : a clean, usable and highly-functioning website that provides users and station staff alike with an exceptional experience.
The website integrates all of Westford’s channels and shows its CASTUS video playback and scheduling system, allowing users to browse, seach and watch Westford’s entire catalog of videos without leaving the website. The added benefit to Westford CAT is a self-managed VOD library since video information is automatically pulled from CASTUS, stored in the content management system and puclished as it is created in CASTUS. Videos are given their own episode pages, which enhances social media sharing and SEO. A live stream button also allows instant viewing of the current station programming.
The site also features a custom video player, created to immerse viewers in a full screen experience. The player is responsive as well, scaling to mobile and tablet view.
Equipment check out is a special feature that allows users to choose video cameras, microphones and more to rent from the studio and request online via the website. Site admins can easily manage these requests, as well as page management and updates, through the SilverStripe CMS.
At Polar Design, we are approaching our 5 year anniversary of working with PEG/CATV stations to build high-functioning, beautiful websites.
We are thrilled that Westford CAT’s website has been recognized with this national award and look forward to continuing to work with the PEG/CATV community building quality, innovative, award-winning websites.