BBC TRIALS LOCAL INTERACTIVE SERVICE

THE BBC are joining forces with Kingston Communications (KIT) to trial a local interactive TV service in Hull.
The service, which should start later this year, will include local news, sport, entertainment information and other material which will be able to be accessed on demand by subscribers to the KIT service in Hull and the East Riding of Yorkshire.
More than 5,000 people already subscribe to the service and a further 4,000 have also signed up. KIT delivers digital, multi-channel television including BBC services, fast internet and email, video-on-demand, home shopping and local information services using the latest ADSL technology.
John Allen, Head of New Services for the BBC English Regions, said: “I'm delighted that we will be working with KIT on this pioneering service, which will allow the BBC to explore new ways of getting even closer to our local audiences, and give us a better understanding of how we can exploit the opportunities of broadband technology, as it becomes more commonplace.”
The BBC service will be produced by journalists working for Radio Humberside and BBC North flagship news programme, ‘Look North’, and will provide opportunities for local people to give feedback and get involved in programmes including local video diaries. (CD)