I won't lie, this channel is not for everyone and I know people view politics as 'boring' though the general election has peaked some interest, so there is a limited target audience for this channel. I do enjoy politics so this channel is viewed regularly in my household (even if just by me). It is viewable through Sky (channel 504), freeview and through BBC iPlayer and the Democracy Live website has footage also.

BBC Parliament shows a lot of footage of the goings on around the House of Commons and House of Lords, as well as footage from Holyrood, the Welsh Assembly and the Northern Irish Assembly. It also includes other recorded political footage. A lot of what is shown is repeated some time later in the day/week. You can find out the programme for the House of Commons by going to the Democracy Live website, if there are particular areas of interest to you.

My personal highlights of BBC Parliament are the Prime Ministers Questions (every Wednesdays, seemingly at 3pm) in which the current Prime Minister (David Cameron) answers questions from other members of parliament. There is also going to be an additionally monthly Deputy Prime Ministers Questions from Nick Clegg starting this month (June).

The live footage of the House of Commons allows you to watch MP's (majorly back benchers) asking questions and debating (you might be able to catch your own MP). This is true of the regional programmes as well.

BBC Parliament is intended to allow greater access to politics and the programming allows the viewers to gain a deeper understanding of what is going on in Parliament, and also a closer look at who is representing them. It allows you to see MP's and party leaders in action as opposed to when they are campaigning for votes. This could be quite crucial when it comes to voting time again (however I hope that doesn't come too soon - just my political opinion).

I would only recommend this channel if you do have an interest in politics. As fun as I think it is to watch grown people shout at each other like children, there is a serious aspect to it as well. If you are interested in politics and want to know more about the parties and their members you may find this quite interesting.

In my opinion, from the material they are given and the limited audience they are catering too, BBC Parliament is quite good quality. Perhaps more shows catered to those with a limited knowledge on politics would be beneficial for those new to politics to allow more people to get in to it. Overall a good channel for those that enjoy it. I enjoy having it on in the background as I carry on with other tasks.