For busy students like National University of Samoa Media and Journalism undergraduate Sili Lameta, PacStream makes learning more accessible, efficient and flexible.
“This is especially true for students balancing multiple responsibilities,” Sili says.
Hailing from Fusi Safata, the 21-year-old made use of the new tool at the Marist Touch Tournament, to stream the grass roots sports competition for audiences around the region on Pasifika TV’s YouTube channel.
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 Aotearoa New Zealand that turns a smartphone into a mobile live-streaming unit.
Technology buzz
For Sili, who aspires to pursue a career as a software developer and eventually work in the technology industry, trialing new tools is always exciting, including using PacStream to film the recent club touch tournament.
“I found PacStream easy to use and access from anywhere and very helpful,” he adds.
“The platform was straightforward to navigate and gave me access to useful learning materials and resources, and saves time compared to traditional methods.”
Although it is convenient for students and professionals to use, some people may take longer to learn how the features work, and accessing support can be challenging if there are technical issues, Sili says.
However, he would most definitely use PacStream again.
“It is convenient, reliable, and supports my learning needs,” he says.
New tool is put to good use
Chief Executive Officer for TV1 Samoa Mai Roebeck recruited Sili and his peer Penetekoso Saumalo to film the touch using PacStream, while Penetekoso also used the tool to cover Pinktober (breast cancer awareness) activities.
Mai says it is great to see PacStream being put to good use and is exactly what we want to see.
“It gives our youth and students the opportunity to gain practical experience, build confidence and develop their skills using resources (mobile phone) they are comfortable with, while also giving our local sports the coverage and exposure they need and deserve,” Mai says.
“Many local sports events, especially those held in gyms and smaller venues, rarely receive much exposure, even locally.
“PacStream is helping to change that by giving these sporting bodies the chance to share their events with wider audiences across the Pacific through PCBL.”
The broadcaster CEO says the benefits of PacStream are endless, with local sports gaining international exposure, media students building valuable skills, young people exploring the exciting space of creating content and perhaps discovering an industry they may one day choose to study or build a career in.
“We are helping nurture the next generation of media professionals and build a future talent pipeline for our industry – it is a wonderful example of how PCBL’s support can make a real difference, not just to broadcasting, but to our youth, sports and the wider Pacific community.”
Broadcasters, clubs and academic organisations are beginning to utilise the PacStream tool more and more.
While it has been used predominantly with sport, Tonga National University, recently used it for an educational event supported by Tonga Broadcasting Commission about the impact of using AI in schools and work.
The FIBA Polynesian Cup – Men’s Group – America Samoa vs Samoa was also streamed live on Pasifika TV’s YouTube channel.
Visit Pasifika TV for more information about PacStream.