| Date -13 Jun 2005 | Return to previous page |
The Moray Council is the first Council in Scotland to launch a regular webcasting service. This technology uses the Internet to broadcast video transmission. Two cameras have been installed within the Council Chamber, along with the webcast encoding unit which is linked to the Chamber’s audio system.
The first broadcast of the Environmental Services Committee, which goes out on 15th June, is part of a strategy to involve more people in the democratic processes of local government.
The Moray Council has signed a 2-year contract with Public-i, the leading provider of webcasting services to the public sector.
Initially the Council will broadcast meetings of the Environmental Services Committee only. The public will be able to view
the action not only live but for six months afterwards via the Council’s website. The Moray Council joins 24 other local
authorities in the UK now using webcasting technology from Public-i.
Councillor Eddie Coutts, Convener of the Moray Council said, “Involving people in the local democratic process is a high priority for us. By webcasting, we are embracing new technology and allowing people to see decision-making as it happens. The experience of other Councils has shown that webcast meetings are watched by many more people than would normally attend in person”.
Keith Young, Chief Executive of Public-i, commented, “Councils are being urged by central government to communicate democracy in a way that is engaging, accessible and relevant. Webcasting has been recognised as a key tool, and we are delighted that the Moray Council has committed to piloting the technology in Scotland”.
The Environmental Services Committee meeting which starts at 9.30 a.m. on 15th June can be viewed by logging onto the webcast transmission page on the Moray Council website at www.moray.gov.uk
The schedule of Environmental Services Committee meetings until the end of the year is: - 3rd August, 31st August, 28th September, 26th October, 16th November, 14th December. All these meetings begin at 9.30 a.m. and can either be watched live or viewed at a later date on the Moray Council website. Once meetings are archived, viewers can locate particular areas of interest by clicking on individual agenda items.
Contact: Joyce Pirie, Public Relations Co-ordinator on 01343 563046