It’s not often that I remark out loud, ‘**** me that’s wicked!’
I did this afternoon though when I got today’s Sky News mail from Martin Stanford of Sky News. Next week they’re launching a new show weeknights from 8pm which will include the option for the viewing audience to get involved, give their views and ask questions via 3g video call and webcam (as well as the now traditional text messaging, email and phone calls).
Fascinating! I’ve reproduced the text here from Martin:
From next Monday, 10th July, I will be anchoring a new look to evenings here at Sky and I welcome your contributions to the programme.
From 8pm each weeknight I’ll be here with two hours of news and conversation. There will be all the elements you expect from Sky News: live reports on the people and places making the news each day and interviews with the key newsmakers and experts.
But this show will be going further to include your experiences and your reaction to the stories we cover. For several years our daytime shows have encouraged you to send us comments by email or text message. For my new show we are going to take that a bit further. We will be inviting some of our viewers to join us by their 3G video mobile or webcam to add their thoughts to the topic under discussion and to put their questions to the key decision makers.
To take part, you can stick to the usual email address (news@sky.com) or text number (84501) but let us have your videomobile number or your user name for your webcam service and we will contact you.
We want you to take an active part in breaking news, by breaking the news that you see and telling us all about it.
I’ll also be keeping in touch with you during the programme. I’ll be updating our programme’s page on the Sky News web site and you’ll be able to contribute there too.
Plus, on Sky News active, you’ll be able to see exactly what is going on in the studio via camera 11, which will be live throughout the programme – even during commercial breaks.
I hope you can join me on Monday at 8pm!
Martin
Check out the details on the Sky News website here. Sky News have always been innovative — I’m quite a fan of Jeremy Thompson’s Live At Five blog – and I’m really excited at the prospect of viewers being able to genuinely participate via webcam and 3g moblie.
Here’s how to get in touch with Sky News:-
Email: news@sky.com
Text, within UK: 84501
Text, outside UK: +44 77xx501501
3G Videomobile: email or text us your number and we’ll call you back – and save your bill.
Webcam: This may be obvious from your email address, but tell us the service you use: Yahoo, AOL, MSN etc. Send us the details of your login and we will invite you to join us in webcam conversation.
If Sky News really use 3g video calling, that could really give usage across the country a kick. I think a lot of people will be moved to try it out — particularly if Sky News is calling you back to save your bill!
This really opens up the opportunity for them to get in touch with any expert or person to give their viewpoint, wherever they are — as long as they’ve a decent 3g signal, they can be on the air visually. (Instead of being limited to audio only).
There’s also a super opportunity to become a real-time reporter now. If you witness something happening, all you need to do is whack a text to the Sky News number (84501 in the UK). If they like what you’ve said, they can call your 3g mobile and … woosh… within seconds, you’re live to 80 million. Heh. Love it!
It’s a compelling prospect. I’ll be watching. Who knows, if they’ve got an issue for discussion about mobile, then I’ll definitely give the 3g video or webcam thing a shot.