About The Project
The Open Government Video Project
implemented in Newport County, Rhode
Island was an experiment using new media technology to provide citizens
with busy lifestyles access to On-line, On-Demand, 24/7 video
recordings of local "governing" in action.
All five publications used a non-editorial, opinion free and totally non-partisan
format. "If it didn't happen on the record, it did not go... on
The Record."
Oversight, education and trust are just a few of the benefits
gained by allowing internet
connected citizens the ability to observe the performance,
methods of deliberations and policy decisions made by their
public bodies.
The project started with Jamestown in November of 2009 with a
five year evaluation point being established from the outset.
Throughout the years in addition to The Jamestown Record we also
launched The Newport Record, The Portsmouth Record, The
Middletown Record and The Tiverton Record with various levels
and methods of coverage.
The success of the Newport County Records has been much greater
than expected with an average of 24,000 monthly viewers at our
peak coverage levels.
With the 5 year Anniversary of launching the first Record we
have ended the project with the hope that local governing bodies
will now take up the work as part of their public service to
their communities.
In addition to our Newport County participants we will provide
technology consulting to New England municipalities that are interested in
providing low cost on-line access to recordings of their governing bodies
in action.
The Records delivered a broad range of unexpected benefits...
Expanded Oversight
The most obvious benefit is the government oversight that
provides assurances to citizens that their public officials are
meeting expectations of honesty and openness during
deliberations over Public Policy making.
Improved Accuracy In Reporting
All parties had access to “The facts and nothing but the facts!”
leaving no doubt about actions, statements and intentions.
Reporters, as well as public officials, were fully aware that
quotes can easily be verified. The Records significantly
improved accuracy and accountability from all parties.
More Efficiency and Integration
Council, Board, Commission and Committee members used The
Records to stay current on meetings they were not able to
attend. Members regularly integrated with each other as issues
worked their way through the maze of bureaucracy.
Local Government 101
Citizens were more informed about the workings of their public
bodies because they got instant access to meetings and were able
to study the decision making process.
Whether they were considering a home improvement project that
requires a variance from their Planning and Zoning Boards or
concerned about environmental policy making, the “being there”
experience was a great way to learn.
Increased Participation
Citizens having an interest in serving on a board,
commission or committee were learning about the commitment and
duties from The Records and have used it to prepare for their
active service.
More and more people stepped forward to serve each year knowing
what is expected of them.
Volunteer Recognition
All communities benefit from the volunteer efforts of
their non-elected citizens who serve on committees that are
rarely visited by the public nor get media coverage.
The Records brought recognition to scores of dedicated public
servants who often wonder if anyone knows or cares about the
work they do.
Our Newport County Project 2009-2014
