Westford, Massachusetts – On January 18, Westford Community Access Television, Inc. (Westford CAT) took the latest step in its ongoing improvement plan with the launch of an all-new website.  Visitors to www.westfordcat.org will immediately notice a new look, improved navigation, and a host of new interactive features including an online program schedule and online video.

Monday’s launch of the new website is the culmination of a one year-plus effort to improve viewer, supporter and content producer interaction with Westford CAT, the non-profit organization managing the town’s Public, Educational and Government access channels 8, 9 and 10 on the Comcast network.  “The Westford CAT board is very excited about rolling out these new services to the town”, said Erica Davidson, Westford CAT President.  Davidson added that another primary goal of the refresh is to enhance the video content production process through best-practice sharing and the use of modern online collaboration tools.

With the new website, the public can learn all about the Westford CAT organization and find out what’s going on at the Groton Road studio with a new event calendar.  Viewers will also now be able to see locally produced shows online anywhere they can access the Internet and whenever they want.  The new Westford CAT website also provides an interactive weekly program schedule and a “what’s on now” feature that spotlights programs currently running on Comcast cable channels 8, 9 and 10.  Online surveys and other interactive features have been added to make it easier for Westford CAT viewers to provide feedback and discuss program content.  “The website also provides producers with a web page that makes it easier for you to share information about your shows”, said Ira Keltz, Board Member and Producer.

Westford CAT recently launched this new website.

Many back office enhancements have been implemented along with the new website, providing a platform for Westford CAT studio staff and volunteers to streamline the production process and more easily update online content.  Among the most important is a new Leightronix UltraNexus video server that not only streams programming to the cable channels, but also formats the content for presentation and replay on the www.westfordcat.org website.  This helps the studio staff more efficiently manage online video featured on the Westford CAT website.

Another strategic move was to migrate the website from a labor-intensive HTML to an open-source Drupal platform that allows easier and more frequent content updates by studio & volunteer staff.  The technology and vendor selection process was undertaken by a team of community volunteers who came together to form a new Westford CAT Web Committee.  Committee leaders managed the effort, providing benchmark analysis, vendor recommendations and regular implementation progress reports to the Westford CAT Board.  Charles River Web, a Boston-area website developer experienced with Drupal, was selected as the primary vendor, while Westford-based Middlesex Design provided layout and design services.

“In today’s 24×7 world, people are more connected than ever, so we are thrilled to bring this new more interactive Westford CAT website to residents, friends and family wherever they may be.” said Westford CAT president Erica Davidson.

To view the new website, please visit www.westfordcat.org

About Westford CAT

Westford Community Access Television, Inc. (Westford CAT) is a non-profit corporation charged with the mission to promote and encourage the use of local cable access to enhance a free and diverse exchange of ideas and interests that foster community participation and educational opportunities.  Members of the Westford CAT board are Erica Davidson, Tony Janeczek, Ira Keltz, Doug Morin, John Pratt, Kelly Ross and Debbie Ryan.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Ms. Erica Davidson, President

Westford Community Access Television, Inc.

487 Groton Road, Unit B

Westford, Massachusetts  01886

978-692-7152 or 978 392-7948

http://synergists.freetoasthost.net/

Asphalt Manufacturing Plant Proposed for 540 Groton Road

Westford (Route 40)

Concerned? WE NEED YOUR HELP!

The club s diverse daytime and evening activities include book discussion groups, family gatherings, ladies  away weekend, children s outings and playgroup, adult socials, outdoor adventures, holiday parties, community service projects, craft groups, fundraisers and more.

For more information, visit our web site at http://www.westford.com/newcomers