Issue - meetings

Jonathan Mercer – Communications Manager gave a presentation to the Panel which covered the following:

·  The Media Landscape

·  Worldmap of Facebook Users

·  Sky news on social media

·  Changes in the media

·  Changing behaviour

·  Interest access in the UK and the Digital Divide

·  What are we successfully doing now?

·  Successful video campaigns

·  Engaging suitable content reaches more

·  The future – opportunities and challenges

·  Social Media – Real time updates

·  Social Media – recruiting

·  Social Media – events

·  Volunteers: recruiting and recognition

·  Integrated campaigns on and off line

·  Improving engagement with staff

·  Channel shift and raising income

·  New commercial website approach – mobile enabled

·  Stripped back Council website – find information in seconds

·  Reaching across the digital divide

·  More lifestyle information on local radio

·  Connect magazine

·  Media/community response

·  What will communications look like in 2 years.

Panel members made the following points and asked the following questions:

Councillor Barrett asked if there is an issue with abusive emails, the officer explained that there can be aggressive emails but not bullying. Accounts can be blocked if necessary.

Councillor Dando asked if the search engine will be developed and also if the Council sees its role as supporting local media. The officer explained that the website will be made much simpler during its next stage of development and be made more mobile friendly. He further explained that all press releases are sent to the local media.

Councillor Becker asked how many people in the authority do not have internet access. The officer explained that the national figure is 10%.