[CMA] Community Channel goes interactive

[Michelle McGuire]

Community Channel goes interactive
Susan Thompson
24 May 2005 10:28

The Community Channel is launching a new interactive service to mark  
the Year of the Volunteer.

By pressing the red button and punching in a postcode, digital  
satellite viewers can access a list of volunteering opportunities in  
their local area.

The Community Channel first introduced an interactive option last  
September, allowing viewers to donate money to selected charities.

The service came into its own after the Boxing Day tsunami earthquake  
disaster, when the channel raised £1m by teaming up with other  
broadcasters including Sky News, Channel 4 and BBC1, who linked their  
viewers directly to the service.

Originally built by Sky Interactive, the service has been re- 
developed and expanded by Press Red. Grant funding has been provided  
by the Home Office's Active Communities Directorate.
James Murdoch, chief executive of BSkyB will unveil the new service  
at Bafta in London tonight.

"It's amazing to see how interactive television can be used to help  
people to get involved in their communities," said Murdoch. "I'm very  
proud that Sky has been able to support and develop this service with  
the Community Channel and hope that thousands of people will  
volunteer as a result."

Source:broadcastnow.co.uk


-- 
Michelle McGuire
Development Officer
Community Media Association

Festival of Community Media 2005
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