EuroParlTV

5.27.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 11th Sep 2008

The launch of Europarltv ( www.europarltv.europa.eu ) is imminent. This is a web-based service and you will be able to tune in from your desk from 0900 (BST) 1000 (CET) next Wednesday 17 September. From that moment, anyone in the world with internet access will be able to watch a regularly changing set of programmes based around the life of the Parliament.

Europarltv is not a single channel but is split into four channels, each directed to a different audience:

Your Parliament, aimed at those with a particular interest in politics at the EU level: informed citizens, industry groups, social partners, lobbyists, academics as well as those working in the EU institutions.

Your Voice, conceived for the general public and providing the possibility of featuring user-generated content.

Young Europe, aimed particularly at school-aged children, high users of the internet and the European electorate of the future.

Parliament Live carries continuous coverage of live events in the Parliament, notably debates in the plenary sessions, with a link to the audiovisual archives of previous sessions, as well as in the coming months, the activities of the committees.

There is also a section entitled "Discovering the European Parliament", designed to provide background material on the Parliament and including profiles of MEPs and Presidents of the Parliament, programmes on the political groups and committees and on the history and operation of the Parliament.

All programmes will be translated into more than 20 languages, making the site unique in the world. Some programmes will be voiced, others will be made with subtitles. All EU languages will be covered but with more limited material in Irish, following the pattern of the Parliament's website.

The Parliament is strongly committed to ensuring that the channel provides for interactivity. Programmes are being developed to reflect this commitment.

Any help you can give in promoting this new service will be much appreciated -- as will any views you may have once you have watched it.