Negril TV, the premier online television station serving the wider Negril area and Jamaica, officially relaunched under new ownership at the fifth annual Skylark Film Festival held last weekend at Skylark Negril Beach Resort.

The re-launch marks a new era for the online station, promising enhanced local programming, innovative storytelling, and a renewed commitment to community engagement. Having the opportunity to cover the event and work so closely with the Skylark Team served also as a relaunch celebration for the Negril TV team.

“We are thrilled to bring Negril TV back to the forefront of local television, showcasing the best of Negril and its vibrant community,” said Canaan Wallace, CEO of Negril Service Center, the umbrella organisation of NTV. “Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality content, fostering partnerships, and amplifying local voices.”

Among the activities at Skylark Film Festival 2024 were exclusive screenings of local films and documentaries; live music performances by the cast of the
Bob Marley: One Love film, including Sheldon Shepherd, Quan Dajai Henriques, Naomi Cowan, Sevanna, and Alex A-Game; daily seminars with industry experts such as Film Commissioner Jacqueline Jackson, producer Natalie Thompson, and producer & IT attorney Analisa Chapman.

As well, there was an interactive hub at which many of the highly influential attendees had one-on-one interviews with Negril TV’s host Chantal Clarke.

“Negril TV has historically been a staple in the Negril community but was on hiatus since the pandemic. We’re excited to see its revitalisation with our new team,” said Canaan Wallace. “Having worked closely with Gareth Cobran, Skylark Film Festival director, we trust that his partnership will elevate local storytelling and provide opportunities for emerging film-makers in Negril.”

Other key highlights of the relaunch include expanded local news coverage and investigative reporting; mobile media centre available to cover islandwide events offering set design, camera crew, equipment, and interview host services; original programming; community outreach and engagement initiatives; and partnerships with local organisations to promote economic growth through cutting edge content creation and advertising.