Live Test of Streaming Technology at Bronx Community Board 11 Is a Success
Yesterday, on January 28th, Council Member Vacca announced a $500,000 citywide technology grant to purchase equipment to make webcasting Community Board meetings feasible. In a partnership with public media provider WNET’s channel THIRTEEN, the efforts have come to fruition with a successful test at Bronx Community Board 11. The entire meeting was webcast on THIRTEEN’s YouTube channel. The rollout of the equipment will expand to community boards across the city over the next year. Many NYC agencies, boards, and commissions, including the New York City Council, already webcast their meetings. The recording can be found at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ID1HT2G7ZQ.
“Webcasting Community Board meetings is a great way for the public to stay engaged with their city government,” said Council Member James Vacca, Chair of the Committee on Technology. “Community Boards are the frontline when it comes to basic city services and local issues. Many residents are not able to attend meetings in person, so creating an opportunity that allows people to watch meetings will hopefully lead to increased involvement in Community Districts across New York City. I’m proud to have allocated the funding for this service.”
“I thank Council Member Vacca for allocating the funds to enable the webcasting,” said Anthony Vitaliano, Chairman of Community Board 11. “We have many people that cannot physically get to meetings for one reason or another. Providing the webcast will allow those individuals to see their government in action.”
“THIRTEEN has been serving and engaging the multitude of communities that make up New York City for over 50 years” said Neal Shapiro, President and CEO of WNET. “Partnering with the City to provide this unique streaming service is a natural fit for us. We commend Council Member Vacca for his vision, and we are proud to help him bring these Community Board meetings to a larger audience.”
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