By Michelle Curran
Executive Communications Manager, Pasifika TV/PCBL
A vital pillar of life in the Pacific, grassroots sport plays a role of uplifting and connecting communities, while providing pathways for youth.
PacStream is a new tool, where school groups and local sports clubs can stream competition in the moment for audiences across the region and beyond.
Recently launched by Pacific Cooperation Broadcasting Limited (PCBL) using Cam One technology, the PacStream app allows registered users to upload content directly to Pasifika TV’s YouTube, so more people can enjoy watching their ‘aiga, village or home city contest events.
Cam One, co-founded by Peter Tainui, is a sports broadcasting application developed in New Zealand that turns your smartphone into a mobile live-streaming unit.
Putting PacStream into action
Junior Hunter, PCBL’s Chief Operations, recently visited Fiji, Samoa and Tonga, to train representatives from local broadcasters, school and sports clubs, with Peter joining him in Fiji and Samoa.
He says PacStream was welcomed by the groups he provided training to, including Marist Boxing Club, Samoa College, Leifiififi College in Samoa and Tonga National University and Tupou College, and believes the app will achieve its projected aims to deliver a broadcast quality livestream of more grassroots and regional sport to Pacific communities.
“Not only does PacSteam enhance collectivism and pride within communities using it, but it provides an opportunity for sports enthusiasts to try their hand at producing sports broadcasting,” Junior says.
“The vision is to grow grassroots sport and connect families or diaspora to their local communities in the Pacific.
“PacStream will support community or club sports through providing a broadcast quality livestreaming on digital platforms that features professional scoreboard, and the ability to add commentary and sponsorship capabilities for local businesses or sponsors.
“An added bonus is the increased exposure of the rich sporting talent throughout the region.”
He adds equipment, including a high-spec cell phone, tripod and microphone is provided to either the school, club, or broadcaster and after filming local sport, there is an initial obligation to deliver content back to Pasifika TV’s YouTube channel.
Cost-effective and community-minded
Dave Reuther, Chief Executive of Vaka TV in the Cook Islands has been using the Cam One tool since early this year, to film premier netball, which is screened live on Vaka TV, and then played out regionally via Pasifika TV.
PacStream uses the same technology as Cam One, and Dave says it is proving to be a cost-effective way of shooting local sports.
“We have managed to get more women’s sports on air which is one of Vaka TV aims,” Dave says.
“We have had positive feedback from our local community who have managed to watch sport on our Vaka TV channel as we play it live but also from those overseas family and friends who are able to watch their own island family and friends via our Vaka TV Live Stream platform.”
It is hoped PacStream will have the same positive impacts on communities, as it is rolled out throughout the region.
The Cook Islands is the next Pacific country to receive PacStream training from PCBL.