BBC plans giant city screens

EastEnders, the news and major sporting events could be broadcast on permanent giant screens in British cities, the BBC said.

The plan could also see community information and even the Glastonbury music festival broadcast in public areas, according to the scheme's backers.

A screen has already been erected in Manchester's Exchange Square as an experiment, playing 24-hours a day with a mixture of video and text information.

BBC content, what's on information, films by local artists and events happening in the city centre have all been broadcast there.

It is run on a non-commercial basis by a consortium including the BBC, the city council, the technology providers Philips, retailers, local arts bodies and other community groups.

The broadcaster is in early discussions with a number of cities who are considering creating similar consortia to mount their own community screens.

A senior spokesperson for Manchester City Council said: "The screen has proved to be a hugely popular magnet for local people and visitors.

"More people now visit Exchange Square on a regular basis and large crowds gather for major cultural, sporting and entertainment events."

Bill Morris, the BBC's Project Director of Live Events said: "The BBC's major contribution is to offer our programmes - particularly great sporting events, musical occasions like the BBC Proms and Glastonbury, news and relays of major world events - which have already been paid for by the public.

"We also contribute some expertise in managing and scheduling the screen, but we're delighted to open up the screen to more community content, local events and information services."

And you complain about my spamming... Thanks though!

Ryan

rofl, I think its good for the world cup etc, but fooking eastenders?!?

exactly!! People are miserable enough without being forced to watch that!

its classed as news you pleb!

that was funny to read lol

we havr a tempoirary big screen in sheffield- it gets put up in the peace gardens... they did it for the snooker final amongst other things and it was packed (my bust stop was next to the peace gardens) it ewas also a really good atmosphere.... but yeah.... eastenders??????!?!?!?!

bugger off and make some /real/ tv. then i might watch some

erk, didnt know that

never speak ill of the eastenders or me & phil will have to do something about it.