Citizen journalism using video news is rapidly growing in Tshwane on the back of free WiFi, Project Isizwe‘s Alan Knott-Craig Jr said.
Citizen journalism is provided by WiFi TV, a video-on-demand service of relevant and engaging content distributed by the Tshwane free WiFi network, provided by the city.
“The service hosts content created by young film-makers living in various areas of Tshwane, providing local communities with a voice and informing them about what is happening within their communities,” Knott-Craig said.
Since its inception last year November, WiFi TV in the city has reached over 640 000 views. On the My City channel alone, 320 000 views have been logged so far.
Founder and CEO of Project Isizwe, Alan Knott-Craig Jr said it was hard to believe that not too long ago the general public in the city had no real access to free WiFi.
“Today they are setting records with high-quality videos that are streamed through WiFi TV to be viewed by everyone,” Knott-Craig said.
Knott-Craig also said WiFi TV enables the public to get further insight into the lives of others and communicate directly without being restricted by data cost traditionally needed for video delivery.
Citizens are also given a platform to ask Tshwane mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa questions through the My City channel to be answered by him through the WiFi TV channel.
“We hope this will contribute in bridging the digital divide and making the lives of people better and providing entertainment to communities,” Knott-Craig said.
When WiFi TV was launched, it initially had four channels, Att’ville, CBD, Mams and Sosh and later My City was added.
“We believe this is adding more value for Tshwane citizens and we will continue to support them,” Knott-Craig said.
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