Annandale TV web portal launches

Jul 11 2012 by Sharon Liptrott, Dumfries Standard Wednesday

A COMMUNITY web-based media TV channel for Annandale is keeping cyber surfers up to date with a short daily news bulletin.

Annandale TV, part of the Pathfinder South Broadband project which is supported to the tune of £240,000 by the Scottish Government, also shows videos relevant to the local area through its web portal.

Hailed as the “first and only daily hyperlocal internet channel in the South of Scotland,” Annandale TV is the latest stage in the broadband project and can be accessed at www.annandale.urtv.co.uk

Paul Kelbie at Annandale TV is now hoping to involve the community and wants volunteers to run the online channel. It is part of the Annan Broadband project team’s aim of encouraging wider use of broadband connections, promoting digital participation and testing how superfast broadband can be brought to rural areas efficiently.

And it is already earning support from councillors.

Councillor Ian Carruthers, said: “The web portal is an integral part of the project and will help to motivate people in Annan to get online. I am impressed with the amount of local information that is already on the site.

“In the future I hope to see more features including public health information, a local directory and features from around Annandale and Eskdale.”

Annan Masterplan Steering Group chairman and councillor Sean Marshall said improved digital connectivity is a key aim of the Annan Masterplan.

He said Annandale TV will raise the profile of business and community groups, adding: “It also has the potential to be an ideal, practical learning tool for local media students as well as keeping ex-Annanites across the world up to date with what is going on in their home town.

Anyone who is interested in producing videos on events in the local area or wants to see their club information or community issues online should contact Paul at Paul@urtv.co.uk or on 0800 098 8194.