New web TV service gives students a big boost
Can young people use television to create programmes that reflect their interests and showcase their skills? Researchers led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) in the United Kingdom believe they can. With this in mind, they have kick-started a new internet television service, called SeaMe.tv targeting young people in the United Kingdom as well as other countries in Europe. SeaMe.tv is part of the SEAMEDIA project, which is backed with EUR 3.3 million under the EU Interreg IVA Two Seas programme. SeaMe.tv serves the coastal regions of east, south-east and south-west of England, Belgium, France and the Netherlands. This cross-border collaboration focuses on young people working with professional broadcasters and academics to create their various programmes that include short films, discussion shows, music and documentaries. The team consists of Epic Studios in Norwich in the United Kingdom, Howest University College in Belgium, West Flanders-based production company Focus TV, and two major entertainment venues: DeKreun in Belgium and Le Grand Mix in northern France. Project Manager Mark Wells of the School of Political, Social and International Studies at UEA said SeaMe.tv will help young people communicate and share experiences. It will also give them the tools they need to showcase material they would not have been able to present before, and will bolster their chances of finding future work, since they will have obtained work and production experience. 'SeaMe.tv provides an opportunity for students and young adults around this part of Europe to express themselves, to learn more about each other, and to hone industry skills which will stand them in good stead should they look for a career in the media,' explained Mr Wells, a journalist, TV producer and the initial director of Epic. 'Young people are often thought to be difficult to reach, particularly by traditional media. SeaMe.tv is giving them a forum to develop ideas, skills and personal confidence, as well as online space to discover and enjoy everything from the latest music to short films about the issues that matter to them.' The objective of the SEAMEDIA project is to foster collaboration between North Sea area countries through the development of social and economic activities. Three channels make up the site: music and entertainment; student life and work; and issues and impact. The latter focuses on issues presenting a challenge to society today.For more information, please visit: SEAMEDIA:http://seamediainfo.wordpress.com/SeaMe.tv:http://www.seame.tv/
Countries
Belgium, France, Netherlands, United Kingdom