This paper presents an unprecedented investigation of the extent to which national parliaments in the countries of the American continent use live video broadcasts and webcasts of plenary sessions as a means for transparency, publicity and encouraging accountability. Data collected through direct systematic observation of plenary sessions shows that 51 among 55 legislative houses offer at least one means for the public to watch real-time discussions and decisions from the most important arena of the Legislative Branch. Considering the multiple formats offered, we have classified broadcasts in four informative categories, which imply different levels of transparency and publicity. To conclude, for most parliaments there is the challenge of qualifying the information from the live broadcasts of the plenary sessions to broaden understanding, promote greater interactivity and increase the degree of public engagement.