NBCT Announces New Name, Identity, and Digital Platform

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass.—Northern Berkshire Community Television Corporation (NBCTC), an independent public, educational, and government (PEG) community media nonprofit, announced an organizational transformation, including a new name, rebrand, modernized website, and upgraded content distribution infrastructure.
 
Effective immediately, NBCTC will operate as Gateway Collaborative Media (GCM) in alignment with the organization's evolving mission, expanded services, and emergence as a resourceful community partner, stated a press release.
 
While it will continue to provide three channels of television programming to Clarksburg, North Adams, Adams, and Cheshire cable subscribers—a viewership that has sustained the organization for thirty years—GCM is expanding its reach by piloting synergistic initiatives and offering regional membership tiers intended to serve all residents of the northern Berkshires.
 
Alongside the name change, GCM has unveiled a new logo as well as a fully redesigned web platform, both created by Stockbridge-based design and digital marketing firm Gemini Creative, that reflects an evolving demographic, economic, and technological landscape. As audiences increasingly produce and consume content across digital channels, gatewaymedia.org positions the organization as a relevant community resource. 
 
By transitioning away from traditional PEG terminology and toward "community," "odyssey," and "civic" media, the website reinforces GCM's role as a dynamic and inclusive media hub built upon communication, participation, and connection, continued a press release.
 
"We're carving a future for Gateway Collaborative Media by making our programs and services as accessible as possible," said Bill Wilson, president of GCM's board of directors. "We want our neighbors to engage with us so that they can engage with each other."
 
The revamped website features two new yet important capabilities: online streaming and an up-to-date, searchable program archive. These functions were made possible in part by a major server upgrade that significantly expanded the organization's digital infrastructure. The new system allows GCM to begin offering video-on-demand programming and livestreaming through gatewaymedia.org, making local content readily available.
 
Additionally, a custom app—under development by Tightrope Media Systems, GCM's longtime media technology supplier—will be launched this summer. The app can be downloaded to any smart device, including televisions, tablets, computers, and phones, providing even more ways for audiences to watch local programming and engage with community-produced content.
 
 Visit Gateway Collaborative Media online or in person at 69 Union Street in North Adams for more information about these and other services.
 
 
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SteepleCats Swept at Home

By Ben McDonoughFor iBerkshires.com Sports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. -- The North Adams SteepleCats matched the North Shore Navigators through the opening three innings Sunday evening, but a four-run fourth inning proved to be the difference as the Navigators earned a 6-2 victory and a double-header sweep at Joe Wolfe Field.
 
North Shore won Game One of the double-header, 4-2, following a shutout win over the 'Cats on Saturday night.
 
In Sunday's nightcap, North Adams received a strong start from Garrett Gates and solid relief work throughout the evening, but the SteepleCats were unable to overcome North Shore’s decisive offensive outburst in the middle innings.
 
Gates set the tone from the outset, retiring the Navigators in order in the first inning on a pair of groundouts and a pop out. The right-hander continued to keep North Shore off the scoreboard over the next two frames, working efficiently while allowing his defense to make plays behind him.
 
The SteepleCats had opportunities to strike first.
 
Jake Butler drew a walk in the opening inning before Sebastian Rhoades reached base and advanced into scoring position with a stolen base. North Adams again threatened in the second when Colsen Loughren lined a one-out double, but North Shore starter John Milewski worked out of trouble to keep the game scoreless.
 
Neither team found much offensive rhythm through the first three innings as both pitching staffs controlled the pace. Gates retired the side in order in the third, while the SteepleCats continued searching for the timely hit that could break the deadlock.
 
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