CJP Broadcast launches StreamSmart+
CJP’s team working at Wembley Stadium for the FA Cup
CJP Broadcast has launched StreamSmart+, a new service designed to enable sports clubs to launch their own television channels easily and affordably.
Alongside the new service, the company will also offer full training and system support in every aspect of the operation from production to content management, to help each club establish a capable in-house operating team.
CJP Broadcast’s managing director Chris Phillips commented: “Initially adopted to offset the impact of coronavirus restrictions on audience attendance, online TV has now proved itself a logical expansion path for sports clubs of every size. Live streaming allows clubs to televise entire matches including supporting titles, subtitles, close-ups, action replays, slow motion, ad-insertion, sponsor logos, visual effects plus live sound, commentary and supporting news.
“Operating an online TV channel allows sports clubs to extend their visibility both locally and globally. It is also a potential revenue source both for clubs and their sponsors. Unlike free-to-air services such as YouTube, a properly managed online TV channel retains full control over all its content, independent of commercials that might otherwise compete with sponsors’ brands.
“Key requirements addressed by StreamSmart+ are affordability, easy operation, high-quality image capture, eye-friendly titling and effects, and high-quality internet-based transmission. The live production hardware is fully tried and tested, compact and transportable, easy to install onsite and controllable via touchscreen. Optional elements include manual or robotic cameras, ruggedised and portable live production and virtual reality graphics.”
In the first three months of the 2020/21 football calendar alone, CJP Broadcast deployed elements of this solution to generate over £150,000 of new revenue for clubs in Tier 6 of the Football League. This is anticipated to increase to £500,000 for the season.
Altogether, 88% of generated revenue goes directly to the club after paywall and streaming costs. This means clubs with as few as 350 season ticket holders can benefit. Clubs with 1000 fans or more can see a full return on investment within just a few games.
“The challenge for clubs is that they know football, turnstiles and merchandise shop sales,” Phillips summarised. “Moving to an online global platform is not written into the genetics of the lower league clubs so is rarely considered as viable by the club owners. Given the challenges COVID-19 presented in 2020 and may do in the future, StreamSmart+ opens up the opportunity for clubs to own and operate VOD and live streaming pay-per-view services, even at the lower echelons of sports.”