Social commentary website Asia24/7.tv , a malaysiakini project, carried its first live streaming programme last night.

Broadcasting from a studio in the malaysiakini office in Kuala Lumpur's Bangsar Utama, the website aired a talk show that discussed the need for 'Clean and fair elections'.

Asia24/7.tv is Asia's first English-based podcast station which aggregates and produces video content with an Asian perspective.

Its chief producer, Jeremiah Foo, said the live streaming - which is still in its trial version - would allow the website more direct interactivity.

"The capability has opened up new avenues," he said.

Foo said viewers are able to call in by telephone or Skype, a programme which allows verbal communication through the computer.

Meanwhile, Asia24/7.tv producer Sam Hui said there are still limits to the technology.

"The drawback that we have to consider is the different time zones. If your target audience is on the other side of the world, you have to stream an event at an odd time," he explained.

Last night's programme saw several calls coming in from viewers.

The panellists were PAS research chief Dr Zulkifli Ahmad, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) deputy secretary general Dr Xavier Jeyakumar, DAP MP Teresa Kok and Suaram co-ordinator Elizabeth Wong. The hour-long session was moderated by malaysiakini opinion editor S Vicknesan.

Toll hike

The website expects to produce live talk shows on a weekly basis. Asia247's next programme will be on the toll hike.

"We hope to get representatives from consumer groups. If the Internet connection is good enough, we can do live interviews with people across the world," Foo said.

While live streaming has its advantages, he said that it does not allow for mistakes. "We have better editorial control if the content is delivered via podcast," he said.

"It's still a trial run. But at least it shows technology is not static, it's not a very costly thing to do," he said.

Hui said that new technology does not displace the need for good content.

"We still need to have energy put into the production of content. Technology is always a complementary role instead of the leading role," he added.

Malaysiakini editor-in-chief Steven Gan said the news organisation is proud of this latest venture.

"We are glad the live feed was a success. This is another step forward for malaysiakini and we aim to explore more cutting edge frontiers to ensure that people get the news and views that matter," he added.

Those who missed the one-hour live feed can watch the recorded version beginning tomorrow at the Asia24/7.tv website .