Definition B-SPAN is a news broadcasting service that uses an Internet-based technology called webcasting to disseminate news and information on development issues. B-SPAN provides regular webcasts of World Bank seminars, lectures, conferences and interviews. These events feature many of the world's leading policy makers, experts and practitioners in all major developmental fields who discuss the latest events, experiences and trends in their fields. Live events can only be attended by a small fraction of the potential audience interested in participating. B-SPAN fills this gap by webcasting these events to those with Internet access. 
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Key Characteristics
B-SPAN was founded on three core principles that have guided its operation and development since its inception in 2000. First, B-SPAN is a completely transparent medium. It guarantees its audience absolute authenticity by disseminating content that is unedited. Second, B-SPAN serves as a virtual library of development video discussions. All events on B-SPAN are permanently archived. Third, B-SPAN is a free service that internal and external clients can use to communicate with each other. To the extent that it has been possible, B-SPAN has subsidized its costs so Bank staff can freely communicate with their stakeholders. B-SPAN remains completely free to external Internet visitors. » Back to top
Our Experience B-SPAN was launched in 2000 as a joint World Bank Institute and Development Economics Research Group initiative. In the four years of its operation, it has covered more than 600 events and has served each Bank vice-presidency and network. In Fiscal Year 2003, B-SPAN covered more than 200 events sponsored by 44 Bank units. B-SPAN hosts many major Bank events including the Presidential Lecture Series and Practitioners in Development Lecture Series. Major World Bank conferences, such as PREM (Poverty Reduction and Economic Management) week, ESSD (Environmentally and Socially Sustainable Development) week, Water Week, regularly utilize B-SPAN’s services as well. Additionally, numerous thematic seminar series’ such as development economics, pro-poor growth, gender, disabilities, water, energy and more benefit from B-SPAN’s partnership. Leading thinkers and personalities on economic policy and development also appear regularly on B-SPAN. » Back to top
Examples http://www.worldbank.org/bspan » Back to top
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