Connecticut Legislature Launches 'CSPAN' on the Web

Connecticut's General Assembly last week began providing coverage of the state's House and Senate proceedings over the Internet. Using Microsoft Corp.'s NetShow to capture the video and make it available through the World Wide Web (www.cga.state.ct.us/misc/tv.htm), the General Assembly broadcasts a live feed alternating between proceedings in each of the two chambers.

The General Assembly plans to broadcast live from both chambers for the next session -- beginning in about two weeks -- and plans to archive the proceedings online. "I am hoping that a lot of people who visit our site on a regular basis will have an interest in tuning in," said Ed Kingston, director of information technology services for the Connecticut General Assembly, who anticipates strong interest in the Internet proceedings.

The General Assembly's Web site receives more than 1 million hits a month from state employees, special interest groups and citizens. "It will also be a time-saver for agencies not located in Hartford. They won't have to come in and watch [the proceedings]," said Kathleen Anderson, Webmaster for the Office of the State Comptroller. As a user of the new site, Anderson said she will visit the site frequently to watch the testimony and the votes on bills that her office supports or opposes.