Webcasting tools

Description:
Real time recordings of meetings transmitted over the internet. They allow people to watch and listen to events such as meetings/debates of Community groups Parliamentary debates, or Council Committees.

eParticipation areas:

• Consultation
• Information Provision
• Polling

Stage policy cycle: Typically viewing debates on agenda setting, policy formulation (including analysis and information) and decision making.


Specials:
Generally none. If interaction is offered, some kind of authentication might be necessary. Webcasts are typically viewed in real-time and can last over an hour but they can also be archived to allow people to view them at a later time.


Channel:
Mainly based on PCs as multimedia and high bandwidth is required. Emerging mobile channels (WLAN, UMTS) and digital TV could widen range in the future.

Evaluation:
Requires evaluation over time and is likely to be dependent on the issue being broadcast.

Additions:
http://www.lga.ukcouncil.net/ www.holyrood.tv/committee.asp http://dowire.org/wiki/Webcasting_exchange http://www.public-i.info/ http://www.reykjavik.is/DesktopDefault.aspx/tabid-241/