Time to snack on some tech TV?

While most of the Australian press is going nuts analysing what proposed changes to media ownership laws might mean for their job futures, I want to look at a narrower question: could this pave the way for our first dedicated technology channel on free-to-air TV?

While the new regulations won't allow any new full-scale commercial TV networks using digital spectrum, the government wants to explore the option of allowing up to two specialised niche channels to be launched.

In order not to upset the incumbent networks, the proposed model for these would be Internet-like looping broadcasts, featuring quick access information such as financial data, weather reports, news briefs or music clips.

This is cutely referred to as 'snack' content, and said to be a desirable model because it mimics our online behaviour. You can't help but suspect this argument is designed to cover up the fact that much of the proposed content is deemed to be so specialised or boring that it won't threaten any existing mainstream media players.

But if that's the playing field, we may as well play. When it comes to being perceived as specialised and boring, IT has a clear head start on almost anything else you can name -- so a dedicated technology channel looks like a no-brainer.

Scheduling would be a breeze. Updates on how to add the latest OS patches for the enterprise crowd during the day, quick tips on how to secure your wireless connection for the home consumer at night, and ads for porn sites and shonky software dealers to fill in the small hours.

Sound desirable?