CNN opens Second Life division

CNN is next week to start reporting in online virtual world Second Life, it has announced.

The US news network will equip other residents to send copy and photos while providing news "kiosks" spread through the Second Life world.

Real CNN staff will hold meetings to guide online volunteer reporters who will then contribute to special version of its citizen-journalist i-Reports.

CNN news services executive Susan Grant explained how the idea was developed: "We looked at what are people doing that is meaningful to what we do. I love that we don’t have to take things from the real world and force them in."

She added that setting up the idea took "very little investment" and was cautious about its relevance: "I don’t think we are betting the whole farm on it. It’s one aspect of many ways we are engaging with users."