For Immediate Release:
February 5, 2004
Senate
President Pro Tempore
Cal Hobson
Senate Leader Hails Streaming Audio as a Success
For
the first time ever, Oklahomans from across the state can
now listen to the legislature live on the internet. The
webcasts began this week with the first day of the 2004
legislative session and Gov. Brad
Henry’s State of the State Address.
The streaming audio project was the result of a cooperative
effort by the Oklahoma
State Senate and the Oklahoma
Educational Television Authority (OETA.) Then-interim
executive director Bob Allen was able to secure private
funds through the OETA Foundation for the streaming audio
project. The project was completed under the watch of current
executive director John McCarroll.
“There’s no substitute for seeing the system
at work for yourself, but by putting this technology to
work in partnership with OETA, we have opened a new window
on the State Legislature for thousands of Oklahomans,”
said Senator
Hobson.
“Now, if they have an Internet connection, the public
can keep track of what their elected officials are doing
from any place in the state,” added Hobson.
The OETA streaming audio can be accessed through a link
on the State Senate Web site at www.oksenate.gov.
There is also a link to listen to live streaming audio from
the House Chamber as well.
“I’m honored to have played a role in making
this project a reality. Through the resources of OETA and
the Internet, Oklahomans can follow the work of the legislature
in a way never before possible. This is only the beginning
of many great things to come,” noted OETA Foundation
President Allen.
“This is an exciting first for OETA to be involved
in a statewide communications project independent of our
programming on behalf of the public good. With digitalization,
we will be able to offer even more programs in the future—not
just streaming audio but streaming video as well. We’re
proud to bring this service to the people of Oklahoma,”
said McCarroll.
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Division - (405) 521-5605
