World's first broadband environmental TV channel launched with UN support
2nd Apr 2006, 19:02 GMT
The world's first broadband TV channel dedicated to environmental issues -- called 'green.tv' and developed with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) -- is being launched today, aiming to become a "one-stop shop" of broadcast information on the environment covering everything from climate change to children's stories on wildlife. UNEP said green.tv would also go live today as a podcast on iTunes as well as having a front-page listing, courtesy of Apple computers. It will carry films from around the world produced by non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community filmmakers, public sector bodies and companies with a firm interest in protecting the environment. "Green.tv is a truly innovative project which will no doubt influence the field of environmental film-making and research. It will eventually offer a comprehensive 'one stop shop' for environmental TV programming -- something that has so far not been available," said Eric Falt, Director of UNEP's Division of Communications and Public Information. "Green.tv has the potential to become a broadband reference point or benchmark in this field." It will have seven channels covering: air, land, water, climate change, people, species and technologies, in each of which there will be a feature, a news item and a children's story. With the look and feel of a global TV channel, green.tv will combine this with the best elements of the internet, giving users access to online chatrooms and the ability to watch video on demand, UNEP said. Director/Producer Ade Thomas, who first thought up the idea, compared it to the popular Google search engine. "If you want to see a news item about climate change, watch a kids' story about penguins or a feature about wind farms, go to www.green.tv and you'll be able to see some engaging and thought-provoking films about the environment, at a time when a greater understanding and awareness of these issues is critical," the Director/Producer said. On launch, the channel will show films from numerous environmental and other organizations, including UNEP, Friends of the Earth UK, Greenpeace International, the World Conservation Union-IUCN, Stop Climate Chaos, Barclays, Water Aid, and the European Environment Agency. In welcoming green.tv, UK Environment Minister Elliot Morley said its hi-tech nature would give it great potential to spread the message at a time when increasing numbers of people wanted to find out more about the environment. "There are more people using the internet than watching TV and we also know that there is enormous interest in environmental issues. I think green.tv has tremendous potential, bringing together new technology and innovation in terms of how we spread information," Mr. Elliot said. In a separate development today also related to the environment, the Natural World Museum is joining forces with UNEP to launch the Art for the Environment initiative, with the opening of the first exhibition at the UN Office in Nairobi.
World's first broadband environmental TV channel launched with UN support related news:
- UN backs green web TV — Neowin.net
- Strong demand seen for Web TV — Netimperative News
- Airtel launches 'NetXpert' — NewKerala Business India News
- Optus broadband 'faster than Telstra's' — Science & Technology
- Interview: Brenda Spoonemore, SVP-Interactive Services, NBA Entertainment. — PaidContent.org
- GameTap now $9.95/month; GameTap TV announced — Joystiq
- A TV grab taken off an Afghan TV channel shows Afghan Abdul ... — Afghanistan on Yahoo! News Photos
- YouTube, E! in broadband "mash-up" (Reuters) — Yahoo! News: Technology News
- Korea in danger of losing broadband leadership — Network Systems DesignLine
- 24Mb Be Broadband from Broadband Genie — PR Web (The Free Wire Service) Technology Computer
Latest news from ICSF:
- Irish fishermen show their defiance over ban on drift-net salmon fishing
- Barramundi to be farmed in Bulgaria
- Sri Lankan Navy reportedly attacks Indian fishermen, 20 feared missing
- Malaysia to investigate harassment of local fishermen
- Kenya to host 8-country $35-mn Indian Ocean fisheries project
- Pacific wildlife 'threatened by sea of plastic', says report
- Plans afoot to expand Jamaica's fisheries industry
- Shark population may be depleted in 10 years, say conservationists
- Mining in Venezuelan Amazon threatens biodiversity, indigenous groups
- Japan to host first meet of five tuna conservation bodies next year