JOBS, the value of university education, voluntary organisations versus the ‘Big Society’ and the impact of supermarket giants on the high street are among topics troubling voters in one of Scotland’s most exiting constituency battles – according to a hyperlocal TV station.
Says a spokesperson for Helensburgh.tv: “Just hours before the country goes to the polls the fight for the Dumbarton constituency has become one of the most eagerly watched as indications suggest the SNP are advancing on the traditional Labour heartland.
“However, for the many floating voters unable to decide on who deserves their support, there is still time to check out all the candidates and hear what they have to say for themselves.”
Helensburgh.tv, considered the UK’s first web-based hyperlocal daily news channel, organised an online televised debate of the issues that matter specifically to people living in and around Helensburgh and the Dumbarton constituency.
Among the topics put to prospective MSPs Jackie Baillie (Labour), Iain Robertson (SNP), Graham Smith (Conservative), Helen Watt (Lib Dems) and George Rice (Independent), were issues surrounding health, unemployment, university fees, who runs the country, support for small businesses, job creation, Faslane naval base and demand for local housing.
The Helensburgh.tv hustings, chaired by former BBC correspondent Andrew Cassell, was broadcast on the web in the run up to the May 5 election in four bite-sized episodes to give viewers the opportunity to listen to candidates about topics that concern them most.
Helensburgh is the birthplace of television pioneer John Logie Baird and Helensburgh.tv is the first of a network of online URTV stations planned for towns across the UK providing a daily diet of news, features and information for local communities.
“We want to put on a televised debate to give people the chance to see and hear from all the local candidates, not just the party leaders,” said Jo de Sylva, director of URTV and a former BBC radio and television presenter.
“Since we started producing daily news bulletins, features and local sports coverage at the beginning of the year Helensburgh.tv has attracted a regular and rapidly growing audience as word of the channel spreads.
“As a community station we have been tremendously encouraged by the enthusiasm and feedback received as we build the kind of online channel people want to watch and interact with.
“We are committed to providing news, views and entertainment to communities at a hyperlocal level. It makes perfect sense that we provide a platform for those seeking to be elected to the Scottish Parliament to be seen and heard by the very voters they will represent.”
Ends
To view the hustings or for more information on URTV please visit www.helensburgh.tv or contact Peppercorn PR on 0845 217 8757.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by Peppercorn PR. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Peppercorn PR
Phone: 0845 217 8757
Email: news@peppercornpr.com
Website: http://www.helensburgh.tv
