OIC backtrack on audiocasting decision

Orkney Islands Council is to review a recent decision to replace its audiocasting equipment.

OIC’s policy and resources committee had voted to spend £29,000 on brand new microphones and recording technology, in order to continue broadcasting some council meetings. This followed comments that the current equipment made councillors “sound like daleks.”

However, when the decision came before the General Meeting of the full council, this Tuesday, it was called into question by West Mainland Councillor Owen Tierney.

“All that money would cut the grass at the Peedie Sea for a year,” he said, explaining that the problem might not be with the microphones, but with their batteries.

“Some of them are spending 15 hours on charge overnight, but the maximum amount of time is supposed to be two hours.

“I feel we need to do a bit more investigation before we invest £29,000.”

Policy and resources chairman, Councillor James Stockan, has now agreed that members should review the decision, following further investigation.