NEW YORK: MTV Networks is poised to purchase the College Television Network (CTN) from the CTN Media Group, an acquisition that will enable MTV to tap the 750 American college campuses where CTN is available.

CTN, based in New York, is the largest television network dedicated exclusively to serving college students. According to a press release, it reaches 8.2 million students each week, by way of its satellite broadcast feed to televisions located primarily in public spaces on the largest American college campuses, as well as direct distribution into dorm room cable systems on almost 150 college campuses.

Elaborating on MTV's plans, the release states that CTN will continue to offer programmes designed specifically to meet the demands of college students. The emphasis would be on a unique blend of music, news, sports and college-specific programming. In addition, it will continue to create new music and other college-themed events and bring them to college students across the US.

MTV has also formed partnerships with CBS News and CBS Sports (also owned by Viacom Inc.) to provide news and sports programming specifically for college students, says the release.