Last Wednesday night’s election forum, hosted by the Drumheller and District Chamber of Commerce and the local ATA was a success with standing room only with some 400 people at the BCF.
     It was also a feat of technology for residents at home who were able to take in the entire event live.
    The Drumheller Mail broadcast live on the Drumheller Mail’s Facebook page, and was shared among many more pages.
    As of last Friday, the video has a reach of almost 9,000 with 3,925 video views and counting.
    At its peak, there were 85 live viewers. While many took just a few seconds or minutes to watch the feed, the average watch time was 1 hour and 27 minutes.
    “Great media websites like Facebook allows media companies like The Drumheller Mail to provide readers and viewers on the spot news when it happens,” said Drumheller Mail webmaster Brian Yanish.     
    Viewers were appreciative for the opportunity to watch the forum live, and today can still be clicked on at their own time to watch and re-watch the forum.
    “Thank you for streaming this. I added 1 more person to my list. This is going to be a very interesting election,” said one viewer.
    While another, quipped, “Love technology...thanks. Parenting tonight.”
    The comment section provides residents a chance to converse and express their opinion.
    The stream used multi cameras to a single feed, allowing viewers up close and personal experiences.
     The capabilities could be expanded in years to come. One suggestion was for live questions from the online viewers to be submitted to the organizers to consider.
    Watch drumhellermail.com and its social media for up to date information on the election results on October 16 after polls close.