DKTV plans public service digital TV

UK start-up, DKTV - a Different Kind of Television - has today announced an interactive public service television channel that will provide UK residents with access to local and central government information.

The channel will bring together information on local and national matters, housing, employment and health services. According to Allen Therisa, project manager, most of the content will be 'passive', with government agencies such as the Department for Education and Employment providing information that will be turned into television programmes by the BBC. An underlying interactive element will let the public make appointments, apply for services or contact agencies. Alongside the BBC, DKTV's partners include BSkyB, On Digital, and Telewest. Simon Moores, director of The Research Group, said: "This is the first time the service providers have come together to support a platform-neutral community service." Therisa says DKTV will make money by charging organisations an annual fee to put information onto its channel, and by attracting advertising. The company has signed up several organisations - including the London boroughs of Camden and Newham and The Housing Corporation - for the pilot project. Services should be available to the public by April.