CMSI Celebrates Community Media Day Opening of a New Podcast Studio on Staten Island
CMSI Launches New Podcast Studio in Staten Island
Community Media of Staten Island (CMSI) marked National Community Media Day with a major event—the unveiling of a brand-new podcasting studio at their Mariners Harbor location. This new facility highlights CMSI’s dedication to accessible media, offering Staten Islanders state-of-the-art resources to create podcasts, share stories, and exercise free speech. The event, attended by around 60 community members, also celebrated the role of local media in empowering voices across Staten Island. CMSI Celebrates Community Media Day Opening of a New Podcast Studio on Staten Island.
National Community Media Day, celebrated in October alongside Free Speech Week, raises awareness about the importance of community-driven media. Maria Esposito, CMSI’s Board Chair, shared her thoughts on the impact of community media: “It gives everyone a chance to be creative, showcase their talents, and share their stories with others.” Following an open house tour of the new facilities, a press conference officially introduced the new podcasting studio, generating excitement across the community.
Borough President Vito Fossella praised CMSI’s efforts to embrace modern storytelling methods. “Whoever you are on Staten Island, if you have a story to tell, you should be able to tell it,” he said, emphasizing the power of podcasting to reach diverse audiences.
This podcast studio is a valuable addition to CMSI’s media offerings. With soundproofing, high-quality lighting, audio equipment, and an optional video recording setup, the space was created in response to the
growing community demand for flexible and professional media production. Under Executive Director Jennifer Sammartino’s guidance, CMSI has continually expanded its resources to support local content creators. The organization’s streaming service, launched in 2022, has already attracted nearly 83,000 views—a testament to Staten Islanders’ enthusiasm for local media.
For Staten Islanders interested in exploring CMSI’s podcasting studio, visit communitymediasi.org/podcast to learn more about rentals and scheduling.
About CMSI
Founded in 1983 as Staten Island Community Television, CMSI has a long-standing commitment to providing free, accessible media resources for the Staten Island community. Offering training, equipment, and channel space to Staten Island residents and nonprofits, CMSI continues to foster creativity and free expression through a variety of media formats. With the addition of the new podcasting studio, CMSI is more equipped than ever to support local voices and bring Staten Island stories to life.
