BBC launches political website with video coverage of parliament

by Jacquie Bowser, Brand Republic 02-Nov-09, 11:30

LONDON - The BBC has launched a politics website called Democracy Live which will allow the public to watch political debates via live and on-demand video coverage.

Democracy Live will showcase video covering sittings of the UK's national political institutions and the European Parliament.

The most recent sittings from each institution are featured in an eight-screen video wall on the home page.

Users will be able to search the Democracy Live archive for specific topics and contributors using a "speech-to-text" system. The archive holds the items of business that have been covered live on the site.

As well as video streams, blogs and comment pieces, Democracy Live features extensive guides on each institution, such as the House of Commons and House of Lords, and the representatives within these institutions.

The site also features a Historic Moments section containing video of memorable political events over the past two decades.

Sue Inglish, head of BBC political programmes, said: "Democracy Live is an important addition to the way the BBC brings politics to our audiences across the UK, allowing people to see first hand the work of their elected representatives and ensuring we have a healthy and informed democracy.

"This is precisely the sort of different content the BBC should be providing in fulfilling our public service remit and representing all of the democratic institutions in the UK."