Bloomington Could Broadcast Council Meetings
By: Jacob Long, WMBD/WYZZ-TV
Updated: September 24, 2012
BLOOMINGTON - Bloomington could move forward with a plan that has been debated for years.
The city is considering putting council meetings online and on television.
People would be able to watch live on Bloomington's website.
They would also be able to watch a replay on Comcast's public access channel, but an exact time slot hasn't been identified.
Aldermen are set to vote on the $80,000 project Monday night.
If approved, it requires the installation of new equipment, including four cameras, two 55'' display monitors, a mounted projector, a DVD player, a timer and a voting display board.
Ward Four Alderwoman Judy Stearns said the plan will lead to what she referred to as much-needed transparency.
"They (citizens) will be able to see the dynamics, the group dynamics, that happen. How the meetings are controlled, maybe why they go on so long and most importantly what the individual aldermen really aspire for, really hope for," she said.
Ward One Alderman Bernie Anderson also threw his support behind the plan.
"I'm all for it. I've been behind it since day one," he said.
On the flip side, Anderson questioned the viewership. He said research shows many people don't watch recorded council meetings.
If approved Monday, the city said the equipment could be up and running by the end of the year.
Normal has televised its council meetings for more than 20 years.
The city is considering putting council meetings online and on television.
People would be able to watch live on Bloomington's website.
They would also be able to watch a replay on Comcast's public access channel, but an exact time slot hasn't been identified.
Aldermen are set to vote on the $80,000 project Monday night.
If approved, it requires the installation of new equipment, including four cameras, two 55'' display monitors, a mounted projector, a DVD player, a timer and a voting display board.
Ward Four Alderwoman Judy Stearns said the plan will lead to what she referred to as much-needed transparency.
"They (citizens) will be able to see the dynamics, the group dynamics, that happen. How the meetings are controlled, maybe why they go on so long and most importantly what the individual aldermen really aspire for, really hope for," she said.
Ward One Alderman Bernie Anderson also threw his support behind the plan.
"I'm all for it. I've been behind it since day one," he said.
On the flip side, Anderson questioned the viewership. He said research shows many people don't watch recorded council meetings.
If approved Monday, the city said the equipment could be up and running by the end of the year.
Normal has televised its council meetings for more than 20 years.
