"Since we first started looked at developing the CTA.tv site last year, we have seen another leap forward in the growth of video use on the web," said CTA CEO Martin Johnson. "CTA.tv is using the Channel Technology made available by Youtube which provides us with world-wide exposure and the opportunity for our videos to be seen by the widest possible audience," he said.
"Whilst we initially looked at some propriety software to build the channel, the exposure and growth of Youtube, together with the ability to stream high definition content made the decision very easy," Martin said. "The best part is that it's free, which means we can use funds for program production rather than pay for servers and data costs," he said.
The site currently hosts CTA program from the past two years – most of which have aired on the Seven Network, together with some old CTA ads or community service spots, plus some segments from The Men's Series, a CTA co-production.
"We want the site to offer uniquely Australian content for Australian audiences," said Martin. "We also want Australian churches to upload videos they have produced so others can use them and find videos they can use in their services," he said.
The site will also offer a supportive creative environment so that those keen to learn the techniques of video production can seek comments from industry professionals.
"For more than fifty years, Christian Television Associations across Australia provided Australian programming for the free-to-air networks. CTA is still committed to this model but with the convergence of media and the phenomenal growth of Web 2.0 and high definition video sites, we see this new development as a way of continuing to serve the Australian Church," said Mr Johnson.
CTA.tv is keen to hear from video producers who are keen to contribute their content.
For more information, visit www.cta.tv