Impact

Buntes Fernsehen Engerwitzdorf gained worldwide recognition for its communicative approach, focusing on social aspects.

The project was presented at the UN World Summit on the Information Society in Tunis.

Awards

Awards include Austrian State Prize for Innovation 2005 Multimedia and eBusiness, State Prize for Innovation 2006 and Best Practise Award 2007 by Austrian Public Relations Association (PRVA).

Press coverage

The project caused a huge stir in the national and international press. Numerous press releases have reported on this trend-setting field trial.
Even Spencer Kelly, reporter of BBC World, visited Engerwitzdorf to report on the project for the renowned technology magazine Click Online. The broadcast was seen by approximately 3 million people worldwide.

Facts

• 260 films produced by the local population
• 36 hours of entertaining narrative about the region
• 300 active filmmakers shoot, edit and present their work
• Up to 45,000 pages for viewing per month on the “Buntes Fernsehen” website

Social Aspects

The production and reception of the local content stimulates communication and collaboration and fosters the local community:
Participants of all age groups and from all walks of life cooperate in the production of their films. Experienced film producers assist newcomers and the barriers between traditional farming families and immigrants are falling. Families, scholars, students, pensioners, associations and businessmen together use this virtual market place for local content of their communication needs.
It is, furthermore, evident that socio-critical topics are increasingly under discussion: a film on handicapped children, a report on “pregnancy termination” – the community recognises the potential of the medium and does not shy away from discussing topics which are so often avoided.

Regional Expansion

The positive effects of the “Buntes Fernsehen” medium on social association and the standing of Engerwitzdorf attract the attention of all the communities in the region. The entire region wants to participate in the project and to use the audio visual platform for its social and communicative needs.
In view of the huge demand, an expansion of the field trial is under consideration.
The effects of broadband on a rural community can then be examined on an even broader scale.