2 November 2005

The success of webcasting council meetings is under scrutiny in Croydon.

After a six-month pilot, the viewing statistics have been collated and reviewed.

Between January and July this year, council webcasts have been watched 4046 times, which equates to an average of 109 viewings for each of the 37 meetings.

Some of the highlights of the first half of the year included the full council meeting on council tax, which attracted 329 online viewers in March.

The scheme has been judged so successful to warrant the permanent implementation of webcasting.

"The primary purpose of webcasting is to enhance public accessibility to the democratic process. Clearly we are achieving this. The viewing figures speak for themselves," said councillor Mark Watson.

The scheme was funded by a £44,000 grant to Croydon from central government.

Now up and running permanently, there are plans afoot to improve the quality of the service and to provide multiple streaming rates to allow viewers with broadband to access the service quicker and more effectively.

© Adfero Ltd

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