Local TV and its potential in community engagement

Rick Smith

RegenTV project team

7th March 2006

Carpenters Estate, Newham

What the residents get

Pod

• Small, sleek and powerful

• Linux based

• Low cost

RegenTV Services

• Free digital TV and foreign channels

• Video on demand

• Portal for local content

• Web based email & Internet access

• PC on TV using Open Office

Examples of Local TV programmes

• Meet the neighbours

• Investigative reporting

• Internet Safety

• History Club

• Testimonials

Local TV – Key Results

• Building local skills

• Useful tool for two way communications

• Peer to peer delivery

• Community consultation increased

• Community participation increased

Carpenters Connect - key results

• 350 homes (70% take up)

• 95% access local information

• 17% involved in content production

• 75% turnout in estate election

Local TV – key issues

• Local/sub regional

• Quality

• Impartiality

• Legality

• Funding

Benefits for community

• Digital divide

– Takes away initial barriers

• Community spirit

– ‘Meet’ each other

– Appreciate each other

– Work together

Local TV - Key lessons

Community TV is a tool for

- Community engagement, participation

- Digital divide

- Regeneration

For more information

Email: info@regentv.net

rick.smith@openhub.co.uk

Phone: 07810 481 551