The BBC says that the coverage of the General Election in the UK will be fully interactive, building on the experience of the last election, which was the first to exploit an interactive treatment.
The corporation claims that “advances in technology will result in the first truly interactive election coverage for the BBC”. It also aims to be the first broadband election, offering “broadcast quality” video over the internet.
Helen Boaden, Director of BBC News, said: “Broadband opens up a wealth of creative opportunities and we’ll be using the internet and interactivity to give voters new ways to exchange views and get their opinions heard.”
The BBC web site will provide an interactive guide comparing parties on election issues, a candidate database, and a comprehensive results service on election night.
On interactive television there will be four additional video screens, expanded coverage through the Ten O’Clock News Extra, and increased viewing choices on election night.
It is not the first time the BBC has offered interactive coverage of a General Election. Back in 2001 there was also a comprehensive web site and an interactive television service, although this was confined to text and graphics, as was the interactive service on ITV. Sky News was the first to offer multiscreen coverage, with feeds featuring each of the main parties.