Beginning this month, Cablevision is bringing MSG Varsity to the New Jersey shore. MSG Varsity includes a multi-platform suite of services, made up of a 24/7 television network, an online destination, and an interactive service — all spotlighting extracurricular activities and events at local high schools.
In addition to its professional productions, MSG Varsity is encouraging local high schools to join this initiative and become co-producers of MSG Varsity’s content. Through its partnership with MSG Varsity, students and faculty will be provided with access to curriculum and training in multimedia creation and distribution, allowing them to become active participants in telling their school’s stories. The school-generated content will then be included on MSG Varsity’s television and online platforms.
MSG Varsity’s multi-platform initiative is comprised of three media services:
• MSG Varsity: A 24/7 television network that delivers more than 400 live-totape games and events each year, from football to volleyball to lacrosse. During primetime, games from New Jersey will be featured.
• MSGVarsity.com: A comprehensive online destination with access to four regional websites. MSGVarsity.com will also give users access to dedicated websites for participating schools, created in partnership with each school and including content specifically for that school.
• MSG Varsity Interactive: An interactive service that combines the interactivity of the Internet and the power of television. MSG Varsity Interactive will take MSG Varsity’s professionally produced and school-generated content from the Internet and make it available for viewing on television.
As part of MSG Varsity’s efforts to encourage and recognize student contributions, MSG Varsity is also providing two scholarships to each partner school, which will be awarded by the schools to students who go above and beyond in their participation and creation of content.
All three services will launch on Sept. 24. MSG Varsity will be available on Channel 14 and MSG Varsity Interactive will be available on Channel 614, both on Cablevision’s iO TV. Some of the programming will include “High School Sports Showcase,” with full coverage of more than 400 live-to-tape games and events each year; daily studio shows, such as “High School SportsDesk,” a sports highlight show; specials such as “The Marching Bands,” which will capture the inspiring halftime performances of the region’s top high school bands; and “The Challenge,” an academic quiz show for top high school students in the tri-state area.