Sky Digital's The Community Channel broadcast online 24-7

Alchemy Digital has been selected to provide strategic web development and design services for new TV station The Community Channel. The Community Channel website, due to launch early September, will enable online viewers to watch the channel 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Community Channel will be broadcast on Sky Digital between 1pm and 4pm from mid September 2000 and designed to act as a promotional and direct marketing channel for all UK charities and community groups. Alchemy Digital has been chosen to create an online presence that incorporates over 70 hours of RealVideo streaming as well as being able to accommodate the possibility for e-commerce applications and WAP developments in the future.

The Community Channel site will enable the public to make donations, become volunteers and purchase merchandise online. Alchemy Digital will be working alongside The Community Channel to provide strategic and design solutions that will enable them to meet their commercial objectives.

Gerard Melling, Managing Director of the Community Channel, said:

The Community Channel will be the first ever combined TV and Internet broadcasting service devoted exclusively to the voluntary sector. Its a unique experiment in British broadcasting and Im pleased that Alchemy are on-board."

Adrian Tennant, Alchemys Creative Director, commented:

We're delighted to be working with The Community Channel on its online strategy. We believe that the channel will literally set a new standard and enable charities to harness the power of both TV and the Internet in an immediate and interactive format. Alchemy Digital looks forward to providing both design and strategic expertise to fully exploit the potential of The Community Channel online."

An independent new media agency established in 1996, Alchemy Digital has 17 full-time employees. The agencys client portfolio includes companies and organisations such as Eurostar Plus, Twinings, United News & Media, National Air Traffic Services, David Clulow Opticians, and The Community Channel.