Fetch Greg
Sit. Stay. Create.
Chicago Access Network Television
Streaming Chicago's Voice — Where Community TV Meets Digital Revolution
When community television collides with the streaming era, magic happens. CAN TV was sitting on a goldmine of local content but needed a digital stage worthy of their expanding vision. I transformed their digital presence from public access afterthought to content powerhouse—like upgrading from rabbit ears to smart TV. The redesigned website now seamlessly showcases their streaming capabilities, original programming, and comprehensive training initiatives all under one cohesive digital roof.
- Website architecture that broadcasts clarity — Information hierarchy that guides visitors exactly where they need to go
- Robust media archive system — Custom-built repository allowing seamless uploading and categorization of original programs, documentaries, and special features
- Dynamic programming schedule — Interactive weekly lineup that keeps viewers informed and engaged with upcoming content
- Integrated training portal — Comprehensive calendar system with one-click registration capabilities for community workshops
- Content strategy with community at heart — Storytelling approach that amplifies Chicago’s diverse voices
- User experience design worthy of primetime — Intuitive navigation that makes finding programs as easy as changing channels
- Responsive layouts that perform on any screen — Mobile-first approach ensuring content shines from smartphones to smart TVs
- Streaming integration that never buffers — Seamless video delivery connecting viewers to content without technical hiccups
- Visual system that captures the energy of live production — Bold design elements that honor broadcast roots while embracing digital future
- SEO strategy that puts local content in the spotlight — Search optimization ensuring Chicago’s stories reach their intended audience
Like Chicago itself—authentic, diverse, and unapologetically vibrant. I balanced accessibility with innovation through a color palette that bridges community warmth with digital sophistication. Typography choices echo the directness of broadcast journalism while maintaining the approachability that defines public access. The result? A digital platform that makes community television feel as essential and relevant as premium streaming services—empowering CAN TV to take its rightful place in Chicago’s media landscape while giving community creators the tools they need to upload, schedule, and teach through a single unified platform.
The Strategy Behind the Success
User-Centered Foundation
Like a director who knows their audience before rolling the cameras, I began with comprehensive user research. Interviews revealed what Chicago's diverse communities truly needed from their media platform—not just assumptions. This research became our production bible, guiding every decision and establishing measurable metrics for success that continue to drive CAN TV's digital evolution.
Streamlined Architecture
The sitemap wasn't just reorganized—it was reimagined. Like transforming a cluttered control room into a state-of-the-art studio, we created intuitive pathways that guide both first-time visitors and veteran community producers to their destinations without unnecessary clicks or confusion. Every page now serves a purpose in CAN TV's mission to amplify Chicago's voices.
Key Feature Transformations
Home Page Revolution
The homepage now serves as Chicago's digital town square—dynamic and immediately engaging. The slider navigation puts spotlight moments center stage, rotating between featured programs, upcoming training sessions, and community highlights. With all four channels streaming live directly from the homepage, viewers can sample content instantly—like channel surfing but without leaving the site. The original programming showcase and news features position CAN TV not just as a platform but as a vital community institution making headlines.
Original Programming Archive
We didn't just build a video library—we created a digital content destination that rivals commercial streaming services. Each program now enjoys its own dedicated page with season navigation, episode thumbnails, and content descriptions that honor the creators' visions. The archive system transforms CAN TV from ephemeral broadcasting to an enduring cultural repository preserving Chicago's stories for generations.
Digital Training Center
The training calendar does more than list classes—it empowers community members to become creators themselves. With one-click registration, intuitive filtering options, and detailed course information, we've eliminated barriers between inspiration and action. This feature transforms CAN TV from content provider to community capacity builder, continuing their decades-long tradition of media democratization in the digital age.
