Emerging communications

Putting our Public Purposes into action: Supporting emerging communications

What does this mean?

The BBC has always worked to develop new technologies to improve the quality of and access to its broadcast programmes. Today, a key part of our role is to ensure that all our audiences are able to enjoy emerging communication technologies.

Our outreach projects aim to help people understand the opportunities offered by these technologies, both in terms of BBC output and in their day to day lives. We also try to offer support to those who may find the new media age more challenging.

How do we do it?

First Click is a major BBC campaign to encourage over-55s not currently online to enjoy the benefits of the internet. Official figures released in August 2010 show indicate there is an estimated 9.2 million people in the UK who have never used the internet. 22% are aged 55 to 64, and 60% are over 65. First Click's own research amongst this group has shown that older people often experience emotional barriers to using the internet, such as fear or lack of confidence.

The First Click computer courses for new users of the internet aims to break down these barriers, tackling the perception that computers and the internet online world are for younger people. It's designed to help people get comfortable with the essential basics of the internet, before showing them how they can use the internet to stay in touch with family and friends, explore hobbies and even save money.

To help people find courses close to them, the BBC provides a Freephone advice line where specialist advisors offer support and recommend courses to suit the needs of the individual. The advice line - 08000 150 950 - is open 7 days a week, from 8am to 10pm. There's also an easy to follow step-by-step Beginner's Guide available at BBC WebWise.

Find out more at bbc.co.uk/firstclick