A local student-run media group is stepping up to the plate—literally and figuratively—as CCS-TV has been named the exclusive broadcasting network for the Jamestown Tarp Skunks’ upcoming season.
 
The program is operated through Collaborative Children's Solutions, a nonprofit organization offering free, hands-on broadcasting experience to students across the region. Participants learn everything from camera work and directing to reporting and live production, with real-world opportunities covering local events.
 
To raise awareness for the program and its partnership with the Tarp Skunks, Patrick Smeraldo, the founder of CCS, walked 27 miles on May 29th —one for every Tarp Skunks home game at Diethrick Park. The walk aims to not only help fundraise the group's efforts, but to also spotlight the value of the student-led broadcasts and promote youth involvement in media and journalism.
 
"We are out here raising awareness," explained Pat Smeraldo, Founder of Collaborative Children's Solutions. "We just signed a contract with our community baseball team, the Tarp Skunks, to broadcast all 22 home games starting on the 29th, so I decided that it would be a perfect time to walk."
 
Students involved with CCS-TV will be responsible for producing and airing live coverage from the ballpark throughout the season, giving them a rare chance to build experience in sports broadcasting.
 
"Our students and mentors, like myself, are so excited to do this," stated Justin Gould, CCS-TV Media Advisor. "This year is very special as we will be broadcasting all of the home games live at Diethrick Park. Patrick, the founder of CCS, is out walking to promote and support this and I think it really is just a testament to his dedication to this program. We are so grateful for his support and fundraising efforts to provide a program of this caliber to local students."
 
The initiative not only supports career exploration but also encourages youth engagement in community events and storytelling.
 
Representatives from CCS stated that the program is completely free for local students in both Chautauqua and Warren County.

"If you are a student in middle school, high school, or even college who is interested in learning more about broadcasting - if you can get to our station in downtown Jamestown, please come and see what the program is all about," Gould said.