Prime Minister Tony Blair’s Internet drive Monday hit a new venue — he has now given his full
support to the BBC’s WebWise
campaign to get people started on the Internet.
“WebWise really is a terrific initiative to introduce people to the
Internet,” said Blair.
“I’m delighted to launch the BBC’s Autumn campaign and I’m sure it
will encourage many people to discover the huge potential of the Web.”
During the Autumn, people who want to learn more about the Internet
can visit over 5,000 different outlets in the UK, including high
street stores such as Sainsburys, Marks & Spencer and Asda,
as well as banks, libraries and community centres. Internet facilities
are being provided at all these locations, with a link to the BBC’s
WebWise site.
The new WebWise course includes new programmes on BBC television,
radio and online, plus several major features in existing programmes.
During the first phase of WebWise, 17 million people either saw or
heard one or more of the participating TV or radio shows.
Other statistics released by the BBC on Friday showed that 150,000
calls were made to the WebWise helpline and 105,000 people
took part in free Internet taster sessions.
“WebWise is a major part of the BBC’s commitment to get the UK
online,” said Michael Stevenson, director of BBC Education.
“The success of WebWise demonstrates the real thirst for learning
Internet skills, as the Prime Minister himself has shown today.”