Where next for the Sky News bandwagon? - The student union

Sky News' seemingly endless cycle of technological innovation and development has found its latest incarnation in a deal to broadcast directly to the nation's students.

The broadcaster has joined forces with Sub.tv to show Sky News every hour directly in 160 student union bars in the UK - according to Sky, reaching '1.8 million students.'

However, Sky News will not be added to the Sub.tv website, which mostly carries 'student-generated content' (SGC). Neither is it apparent if money has changed hands in the deal or if Sky is just content with broadening its reach.

The move is the latest in a long line by the Murdoch-owned channel to reach new audiences.

In recent weeks, amongst other innovations of varying success, it has designed Facebook applications, developed a iPhone-friendly mobile interface, called for Second Life citizen journalism volunteers, released a Windows Vista gadget, used social media to experiment with new reporting forms and rolled out technology to enhance online news stories with map-based navigation.

This whirl of constant innovation has led to the broadcaster landing at the door of Sub.tv, which claims to have cut deals to provide an ad-supported TV network of music, film, sport, SGC  - and now news - to over 90 UK campuses for the next ten years.

"Sub.tv allows Sky News to extend its reach into an important segment of customers in the UK," said Graham Appleby, Sky sales director.

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