FT unveils free student subscriptions through Facebook

by Hayley Pinkerfield, Revolution UK 06-Mar-08, 11:00

LONDON - The Financial Times has unveiled a Facebook application which enables students to receive free subscriptions to FT.com.

The application, which is only available to current graduate and undergraduate students, will be offered globally through Facebook college groups.

Students will be encouraged to share it with their friends, while the application will identify eligibility to receive the free subscription.

Eligible students will be allowed to apply for a free annual subscription (worth £98.99 in the UK and $109 in the US per year) a maximum of four times. They can also display their membership of FT.com on their Facebook profile pages.

"This application is part of our ongoing efforts to reach a new generation of readers who we hope will become lifelong fans of the FT," said Ien Cheng, publisher and managing editor, FT.com.

NUS president Gemma Tumelty has welcomed the move in the context of increasing student debts: "We are pleased that the FT has recognised the importance of engaging with students, and we are sure that many people will find this a useful tool in their studies."

In February, the FT launched a social networking service for senior executives in the digital, new media, mobile and telecoms sectors. For £1,700 per year plus VAT, members receive one free pass to an FT conference along with high-level networking opportunities.