A new £140,000 TV station was today launched by Dudley Council to broadcast messages into public buildings - but has sparked fears that it will be used to spread political propaganda.Ten 42-inch screens have been put up at supermarkets, libraries and doctors surgeries around the borough to broadcast safety messages, help and advice on binge drinking, bogus callers as well as campaigns.
However it has been branded ” Nanny TV” by Stourbridge watchdog group’s vice-chairman John Shepherd.
He also fears it could be used for political broadcasts by whichever is the council’s controlling party.
It is expected the messages on the news screens will reach over 40,000 people weekly.
The launch, today, included a demonstration of three clips filmed locally on arson, drug use and drunken behaviour.
Stourbridge Township Council vice-chairman John Shepherd said: “I would say this is Nanny TV which we are having pushed in our faces. I also fear it will be used for daily broadcasts.”
Danny Kelly, chief executive of Dudley’s community safety partnership for the day, said: “I am delighted to have been part of the launch.
“This is an excellent project.”
The screens are at Sainsbury’s cafe (Amblecote), Stourbridge Library, Crystal leisure centre, Ladies Walk Clinic, The Limes Medical Centre, Sainsbury’s (Merry Hill), Dudley library, Halesowen library, Dudley Council Plus and Tesco cafe (Burnt Tree island).
By Rebecca Jones
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