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Implementing Transcription Services in Local Government: A GoTranscript Success Story

Daniel Chang
Daniel Chang
Posted in Zoom Feb 5 · 7 Feb, 2024
Implementing Transcription Services in Local Government: A GoTranscript Success Story

The Importance of Transcription Services for Local Governments

Local governments must keep their communities informed and engaged. Sharing accurate records and public updates is essential for trust and transparency. Transcription services help local officials turn spoken words into written documents, making information easy to access, share, and understand.

What Are Transcription Services?

Transcription services convert audio or video recordings—like speeches, meetings, or interviews—into clear, written text. This allows for easier archiving, searching, and sharing. Accurate transcripts are vital for:

  • Legal requirements and compliance
  • Public announcements and reports
  • Community outreach and engagement
  • Historical records and archiving

According to a 2022 survey by the National Association of Counties, 85% of county governments use some form of digital record-keeping to increase public trust (2022).

Why Accessibility Matters

  • Transcription supports people with hearing loss. In the U.S., over 11 million people have some form of hearing difficulty (CDC, 2020).
  • Written records help people with different learning needs or language barriers.

GoTranscript: A Leading Solution for Local Governments

When choosing a transcription partner, local governments need accuracy, speed, and reliability. GoTranscript stands out due to its:

  • Highly trained human transcribers for transcription services
  • Precision with technical terms and local dialects
  • Customization for different government needs (council meetings, hearings, or public briefings)
  • Support for multiple audio and video formats

Human vs. Automated Transcription

Automated systems are fast, but not always accurate—especially with background noise or accents. Human experts, like those at GoTranscript, ensure every word is captured and understood, providing error rates as low as 1% (GoTranscript, 2023). However, some projects may benefit from automated transcription when speed is vital.

Flexible and Scalable Services

  • Single meeting or long-term contract
  • Available for routine updates, emergencies, or historical archiving
  • Option for AI transcription subscriptions for ongoing needs

Case Study: How Transcription Enhanced a City’s Public Engagement

The Challenge: Low Participation

  • A mid-sized city found that few residents attended council meetings.
  • Many community members could not stay informed due to schedule conflicts or accessibility needs.
  • Language diversity made it harder for everyone to be involved.

The Solution: GoTranscript’s Customized Services

The city decided to transcribe all council meetings and public addresses. They partnered with GoTranscript for accurate, timely, and accessible results. The project included:

The Results: Higher Engagement and Transparency

  • Public attendance and online views grew by over 30% in the first six months (City Council Report, 2023).
  • Diverse language transcripts increased feedback from non-English-speaking residents by 24%.
  • Residents reported greater trust in city leadership due to accessible and transparent records.

Lasting Benefits

  • Inclusive participation in local decision-making
  • More informed policy choices based on community feedback
  • Efficient recordkeeping and easier legal compliance

Types of Transcription Services for Local Government

Cost and How to Get Started

Conclusion: GoTranscript Empowers Local Governments

Transcription services help local governments share information quickly, serve all community members, and support transparency. The success experienced by cities using GoTranscript proves how these solutions boost public trust, engagement, and efficiency.

GoTranscript offers reliable transcription services tailored for government needs. Their commitment to accuracy, speed, and inclusivity equips local agencies to build stronger, more connected communities.