Livestation tested Live Panel in the Al Jazeera English chat room this evening and it was a great success.

Now, all Livestation’s partner broadcasters can use the tool to ask their global, broadband viewers a question related to the live TV or radio broadcast that is being aired.

The broadcaster sets the question and multichoice answers and sets the time people have to vote. About 60 seconds seems to work fine.

When they make the vote live, a small panel (Live Panel) appears in the bottom right of the viewer’s computer screen (see below)

After everyone has voted, the result is displayed in the same place (see below).

This one was just a test, but it was good to see so many people participating.

Of course it’s just a poll, and not an accurate reflection of public opinion, but it is a tool that can be used to add another dimension to how broadcasters use interactivity to engage with their audience.