CNN Seeks Reports From Virtual World Through Deal With Second Life
Networks Lets Players in Virtual Online Game Submit Stories and Photos
By R. Thomas Umstead -- Multichannel News, 11/12/2007 3:45:00 AM
Subscribers of the popular three-dimensional virtual online Second Life will now be able to submit their own stories and photos about breaking news events in the virtual online world through CNN Worldwide’s new hub within the online gaming service, the company said.
CNN will invite the residents of Second Life to share their own “SL iReports” about events occurring within the virtual world.
Second Life residents observing an in-world event can take snapshots, shoot video, or write a report about the event and submit to CNN’s hub. Submissions selected by CNN iReport producers will go back into Second Life as SL iReports for residents to view throughout the virtual world.
SL iReports may also be viewed and discussed in the real world at CNN.com’s SL iReport Blog where users are invited to share comments and subscribe to daily e-mail updates sent via Real Simple Syndication (RSS).
CNN’s in-world hub includes a news desk where weekly editorial discussions will be held and an amphitheater for in-world events, such as training sessions and appearances by CNN anchors and correspondents.
At the network’s hub, residents also can meet SL iReport ambassadors and other resident reporters, as well as access iReport kiosks, free-standing terminals where residents can pick up free gear and tools for gathering and viewing in-world user-generated content.
“The thing we most hope to gain by having a CNN presence in Second Life is to learn about virtual worlds and understand what news is most interesting and valuable to their residents,” Susan Grant, executive vice president of CNN News Services, said in Monday’s announcement. “Our iReport initiative has generated a great response from CNN viewers and users who contribute a wide variety of news, events and perspectives every day; and we are genuinely excited about the opportunity to forge a similar relationship with Second Life residents, albeit recognizing the need to customize the process for the virtual world.”
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