Snohomish County to Launch Government Access Channel with Streaming Capability

Snohomish County is set to embark on a new venture by introducing a government access channel equipped with streaming capabilities. This initiative, spearheaded by SnoCo TV, aims to enhance transparency and engagement with residents and businesses across the county. The County Council recently allocated $520,000 towards the project, signaling a significant step towards improving communication and accessibility.

Jill Scott, a project manager at SnoCo TV, expressed optimism about the project’s potential to connect with a wider audience, fostering a deeper understanding of county affairs and resources. County Executive Dave Somers underscored the importance of the initiative, highlighting its role in facilitating community involvement in local government processes.

The allocated funds will primarily be used to acquire and install cameras and microphones essential for streaming activities. Additionally, room configurations will be adjusted to facilitate seamless broadcasting. Construction is slated to commence later this year, marking the initial phase of the project.

While the projected annual cost of the endeavor remains undisclosed, county officials assured that the initial budget is conservative. The ultimate vision is to have the channel accessible through major service providers such as Comcast, Ziply, and Wave by 2025. The channel will also offer online streaming options to reach a broader audience.

SnoCo TV’s programming will focus on broadcasting County Council meetings, alongside select court proceedings. Permanent camera installations are planned for key venues like the Jackson Board Room and a Superior Courtroom, with portable cameras designated for capturing various events like press conferences and public openings.

Located in the basement of the county courthouse in downtown Everett, SnoCo TV will serve as a centralized hub for broadcasting and information dissemination. The county aspires to extend cooperation to neighboring cities and counties, fostering a culture of information sharing and civic awareness.

Notably, neighboring counties like King County and Skagit County have already implemented similar initiatives to stream local government activities. SnoCo TV’s launch timeline is expected to be finalized later this year as equipment procurement commences, mirroring the successful models in neighboring regions.