The newest entrant to the virtual world of Second Life is the popular broadcasting company Sky News.
You can be a news reader too as Sky News, the first 24-hour news channel, will now have a presence in the virtual 3D world. The Sky News island is actually a virtual replica of the Sky News studio and newsroom.
Sky News’ island offers Second Life residents several things to do, from sitting in the presenter’s chair and reading the autocue, to trying out the control room.
Besides, visitors can also take away a “virtual TV”, which shows the Sky News headlines, showbiz news and weather reports.
The Sky News island was launched with a special “simulcast” of Adam Boulton’s Sunday Live show from the Hay festival. Many avatars tried to get into the event, but because of space limitations not everyone could get their way.
But, for those who missed it, the highlights of the event will be screened specially in the virtual Hay studio.
The Sky News island has been built entirely by top Second Life agency Rivers Run Red, and it took a lot of time and effort to get the details right, down to the last camera cable.
According to Sky Head of News John Reyley, “Second Life presents Sky News with new and exciting opportunities to deliver news and information by allowing people to get evn closer to news events.”
“We hope that through our virtual newsroom users will be able to connect better with the day’s news stories, leading to a greater understanding of the real world,” he added.
Next week, crime correspondent Martin Brunt will partake in a special Second Life discussion that is scheduled to coincide with Sky News “Crime Uncovered” week.