Sky News ‘Stand Up Be Counted’ roadshow

Students' views to be at the heart of Sky News election coverage

Cardiff University students will have the chance to air their views to the nation on the issues that matter to them as part of a Sky News initiative aiming to give young people a voice in its 2015 election coverage.

A specially constructed studio will visit the University today as part of the broadcaster's 'Stand Up Be Counted' campaign to encourage young people to engage with politics in the run-up to the General Election in May.

With live broadcasts and coverage throughout the day, the studio will offer students the opportunity to record videos that bring their views to a large audience across each of Sky's platforms. The studio will also act as a hub for Sky News' wider General Election campaign coverage.

Cardiff is one of 11 UK locations to be visited by the interactive studio as part of a drive to focus on key UK constituencies ahead of the election.

The studio will also feature a photo booth where young people can share their pictures on social media with the hashtag #SUBCTour, as well as an autocue allowing them to try their hand at TV presenting.

Elliot Howells, Students' Union President said: "Getting students interested in the General Election has been a personal priority for me this year as well as an organisational one. I am hugely proud of all that we have achieved so far with voter registration drives and our upcoming debate. To have Sky on campus with their roadshow is very exciting! It is a fantastic addition to our catalogue of General Election events and one which I'm sure will be popular among students. The notion that young people don't care about the upcoming election is just not true and I am continuously encouraged by the political engagement I have seen from our student body."

John Ryley, Head of Sky News said: "This tour is a really exciting opportunity for young people to engage with Stand Up Be Counted on a regional level. It will bring a unique experience right to the doorstep of people who might feel disengaged from the political parties and their campaign promises. We hope the tour will help more young people to have their voices heard ahead of the General Election, and we will put all our efforts behind amplifying their opinions."

The mobile studio will be located opposite the Students' Union from 10am to 5pm on Friday 24th April.