Georgia Baptist Mission Board establishing Roku channel

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David’s Citadel served a beautiful setting for an evening concert near the Jaffa Gate entrance into the Old City of Jerusalem. It was one of several locations a team of Georgia Baptists sang at while in Israel in October. EDDY OLIVER/GBC Live events such as the Sons of Jubal singing from David's Citadel in the Old City of Jerusalem last year could become part of the Mission Georgia Television Roku channel. EDDY OLIVER/GBC[/caption]

DULUTH — As streaming video continues revolutionizing TV viewing habits, the Georgia Baptist Mission Board prepares to join via a new broadcasting outlet.

“Lots of people use Roku to ‘cut the cord’ from cable,” explains Jon Graham, state missionary in Communications. “Many add-on channels have a subscription cost but it’s significantly cheaper than cable or satellite.”

Streaming video, also known as video on demand, consists of entertainment pulled from the Internet rather than pushed by TV networks.

Roku – a streaming media player – takes content from the Internet and plays it on your TV. It’s website claims 5.5 billion hours of content streamed last year, an increase of 73% from 2014. In 2015 the company counted nine million active accounts. That number has since exploded to 32 million subscribers.

Growth of streaming video

Channels such as Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu make up the more well-known offerings – with their individual paid subscriptions – through Roku. In addition, the channel store brings thousands more to viewers.

Streaming video typically refers to pre-recorded content. But, more live-streaming has emerged. Earlier this year Hulu confirmed plans to develop live programming with networks such as NBC, Disney, and Fox. In relation, YouTube remains closely connected to recorded content even while having its own live channels of news and entertainment.

In fact, real-time video has steered 2016 to a large degree. In January relatively few were aware of live-video apps such as Meerkat and Periscope. Only Facebook Live has challenged the latter's popularity. Both have proven to be game-changers not only in entertainment but reporting on social media.

Tested over the coming months

Mission Georgia Television, explains Graham, joins the Roku channel store in a few months. When it does anyone with a Roku device can see Georgia Baptist Mission Board video content and live streaming events such as the annual meeting. Devices range in price from $49.99-$129.99.

In addition to the channel store, viewers can access private channels, but they must be added manually. This is where Graham says Mission Georgia Television will be beta tested over the coming months. Soon thereafter, Mission Georgia Television will become a custom Roku channel.

Once it joins a subscriber’s channel list, Mission Georgia Television would appear as one of only a few options to watch. By comparison, Apple TV provides custom channels through a service like Vimeo and YouTube. Therefore, that channel joins thousands of others with no control over accompanying content.

What to watch

On top of Georgia Baptist Mission Board events, churches already streaming their services can opt for broadcasting on Roku. However, technical specifications must be met.

“We’re looking to connect with those churches already streaming their services,” says Graham, who can be reached at jongraham@gabaptist.org.

Other content possibly appearing on Mission Georgia Television includes:

  • Mission Georgia Moment videos
  • Live streaming of Sons of Jubal concerts and select conferences
  • Life With Purpose Radio
  • Training videos
  • Public Affairs videos
  • Additional content on the Georgia Baptist Mission Board Vimeo channel.

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