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cable serv 4= [[Cox Cable|Cox]] |
cable serv 4= [[Cox Cable|Cox]] |
cable chan 4= Channels May Vary|
cable chan 4= Channels May Vary|
cable serv 5= [[Verizon Communications|Verizon FiOS]] |
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cable chan 5= Not Available|
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'''Current TV''' is an [[independent business|independent]] [[Mass media|media]] company led by former [[U.S. Vice President]] [[Al Gore]], businessman [[Joel Hyatt]], industry professionals and young people. The [[cable television]] [[TV network|network]] went on the air at midnight [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]] (4:00 [[UTC]]) on the morning of [[August 1]], [[2005]]. Until the minute before the launch, the channel was [[Newsworld International]] from the [[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|CBC]].
'''Current TV''' is an [[independent business|independent]] [[Mass media|media]] company led by former [[U.S. Vice President]] [[Al Gore]], businessman [[Joel Hyatt]], industry professionals, and young people. The [[cable television]] [[TV network|network]] went on the air at midnight [[Eastern Daylight Time|EDT]] (4:00 [[UTC]]) on the morning of [[August 1]], [[2005]]. Current features "pods", or short programs, of which 30% are created by viewers and users.


An experimental [[Canada|Canadian]] show called [[ZeD]], was the first programmed broadcast of user generated video content.[http://wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,67205,00.html] Other inspiration for Current TV came from a 1990s series on MTV called [[UNfiltered]], where the network sent cameras to viewers in order to report on stories they thought were important. Current TV is the first 24 hour network based around viewer created content.
The network features various "pod" segments. These "pod" segments are videos between 5 seconds and 15 minutes, and are designed by the network's viewers. Viewers are able to pick their favorite videos and get instructions on the Internet on how to construct and submit their own segments. Current calls such [[user generated content]] Viewer Created Content, or VC<sup>2</sup> (VC-squared). The channel has exclusive rights over viewer-submitted segments, which was a change from the original policy of the creator retaining rights to the content. [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7433219/site/newsweek/]


==Programs==
Current TV is offering a tiered pricing structure ($500 - $1000 / video) for any video content they elect to put on the air. Current will retain the exclusive rights to the content for three months, which is a point of contention between the company's interest and the philosophy of [[open-source]], or, crowdsourcing media.
Current TV has a variety of different ways that viewers can contribute. This is called VC<sup>2</sup>, or viewer created content. One way to contribute is a 3-7 minute pod about topics of interest, or topics in the news, or really anything interesting, in which one may earn $500-$1000. In order to vote for things on Current TV, one must register with them, and then they can give the video what is called a greenlight. This signifies that the user believes the video is good, and would like to see it aired on the network. Current TV also has [[Current Mobile]], which is a short clip of footage acquired via [[cell phone]]. The money that can be earned for this type of footage is $100. There are also Viewer Created Ad Messages, or [[V-CAM]]s. Viewers can create an ad from a list of some of Current TV's sponsors. It is possible to earn anywhere from $1,000-$50,000. One can also make Current TV promos which are small promotions form either Current TV or the general topic of VC<sup>2</sup>. The max amount of money that can be earned here is $250 per piece. The channel has exclusive rights over viewer-submitted segments, which was a change from the original policy of the creator retaining rights to the content. [http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7433219/site/newsweek/]


Google provides hourly updates on popular web searches branded as [[Google Current]]. [http://www.webrankinfo.com/english/seo-news/topic-3212.htm] Current formerly had a business relationship with [[Yahoo]] to supply video "channels" to [http://video.yahoo.com/currenttv The Yahoo! Current Network]
Google provides hourly updates on popular web searches branded as [[Google Current]]. [http://www.webrankinfo.com/english/seo-news/topic-3212.htm] Current formerly had a business relationship with [[Yahoo]] to supply video "channels" to [http://video.yahoo.com/currenttv The Yahoo! Current Network]


An experimental [[Canada|Canadian]] show called [[ZeD]], was the first programmed broadcast of user generated video content.[http://wired.com/news/digiwood/0,1412,67205,00.html] Other inspiration for Current TV came from a 1990s series on MTV called [[UNfiltered]], where the network sent cameras to viewers in order to report on stories they thought were important. Current TV is the first 24 hour network based around viewer created content.

==Programs==
Current TV has a variety of different ways that viewers can contribute. This is called VC<sup>2</sup>, or viewer created content. One way to contribute is a 3-7 minute pod about topics of interest, or topics in the news, or really anything interesting, in which one may earn $500-$1000. In order to vote for things on Current TV, one must register with them, and then they can give the video what is called a greenlight. This signifies that the user believes the video is good, and would like to see it aired on the network. Current TV also has [[Current Mobile]], which is a short clip of footage acquired via [[cell phone]]. The money that can be earned for this type of footage is $100. There are also Viewer Created Ad Messages, or [[V-CAM]]s. Viewers can create an ad from a list of some of Current TV's sponsors. It is possible to earn anywhere from $1,000-$50,000. One can also make Current TV promos which are small promotions form either Current TV or the general topic of VC<sup>2</sup>. The max amount of money that can be earned here is $250 per piece. The grand prize for the Seeds of Tolerance contest is $100,000 and will be announced on December 2nd 2006.


==History==
==History==


After the [[2000 U.S. presidential election]], Gore and Hyatt wanted to start a conventional cable news network. They were disenchanted with the existing networks, especially CNN. The plan evolved into making a viewer-generated channel aimed at young people.
After the [[2000 U.S. presidential election]], Gore and Hyatt wanted to start a conventional cable news network. They were disenchanted with the existing networks, especially [[CNN]]. The plan evolved into making a viewer-generated channel aimed at young people.


On [[May 4]], [[2004]], [[INdTV]] Holdings, a company co-founded by Gore and [[Joel Hyatt]], purchased cable news channel [[NewsWorld International]] from [[Vivendi Universal]] for the express purpose of launching their new network with the space on some [[digital cable]] lineups (and [[DirecTV]]) that NWI had. The new network would not have political leanings, Gore said, but would serve as an "independent voice" for a target audience of people between 18 and 34 "who want to learn about the world in a voice they recognize and a view they recognize as their own." Other reports said that Gore hoped that the channel would help change the tide of "consolidation and conglomeratization" of the media by leading the change to "democratization." The news network was said to be a combination between [[CNN]], [[MTV]], and [[blipverts]].
On [[May 4]], [[2004]], [[INdTV]] Holdings, a company co-founded by Gore and [[Joel Hyatt]], purchased cable news channel [[NewsWorld International]] (NWI) from [[Vivendi Universal]] for the express purpose of launching their new network with the space on some [[digital cable]] lineups (and [[DirecTV]]) that NWI had. The new network would not have political leanings, Gore said, but would serve as an "independent voice" for a target audience of people between 18 and 34 "who want to learn about the world in a voice they recognize and a view they recognize as their own." Other reports said that Gore hoped that the channel would help change the tide of "consolidation and conglomeratization" of the media by leading the change to "democratization." The news network was said to be a combination between [[CNN]], [[MTV]], and [[blipverts]].


In the summer of 2004, Gore and Hyatt announced their new network, christened [[INdTV]], with a series of public recruitment events. The first of these events was held at the Bambuddha Lounge in [[San Francisco]]'s [[Tenderloin, San Francisco|Tenderloin]], on [[August 25]].
In the summer of 2004, Gore and Hyatt announced their new network, christened [[INdTV]], with a series of public recruitment events. The first of these events was held at the Bambuddha Lounge in [[San Francisco]]'s [[Tenderloin, San Francisco|Tenderloin]], on [[August 25]].

Revision as of 06:27, 5 January 2007


Current TV
Ownership
Ownerindependent

Current TV is an independent media company led by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, businessman Joel Hyatt, industry professionals, and young people. The cable television network went on the air at midnight EDT (4:00 UTC) on the morning of August 1, 2005. Current features "pods", or short programs, of which 30% are created by viewers and users.

An experimental Canadian show called ZeD, was the first programmed broadcast of user generated video content.[1] Other inspiration for Current TV came from a 1990s series on MTV called UNfiltered, where the network sent cameras to viewers in order to report on stories they thought were important. Current TV is the first 24 hour network based around viewer created content.

Programs

Current TV has a variety of different ways that viewers can contribute. This is called VC2, or viewer created content. One way to contribute is a 3-7 minute pod about topics of interest, or topics in the news, or really anything interesting, in which one may earn $500-$1000. In order to vote for things on Current TV, one must register with them, and then they can give the video what is called a greenlight. This signifies that the user believes the video is good, and would like to see it aired on the network. Current TV also has Current Mobile, which is a short clip of footage acquired via cell phone. The money that can be earned for this type of footage is $100. There are also Viewer Created Ad Messages, or V-CAMs. Viewers can create an ad from a list of some of Current TV's sponsors. It is possible to earn anywhere from $1,000-$50,000. One can also make Current TV promos which are small promotions form either Current TV or the general topic of VC2. The max amount of money that can be earned here is $250 per piece. The channel has exclusive rights over viewer-submitted segments, which was a change from the original policy of the creator retaining rights to the content. [2]

Google provides hourly updates on popular web searches branded as Google Current. [3] Current formerly had a business relationship with Yahoo to supply video "channels" to The Yahoo! Current Network


History

After the 2000 U.S. presidential election, Gore and Hyatt wanted to start a conventional cable news network. They were disenchanted with the existing networks, especially CNN. The plan evolved into making a viewer-generated channel aimed at young people.

On May 4, 2004, INdTV Holdings, a company co-founded by Gore and Joel Hyatt, purchased cable news channel NewsWorld International (NWI) from Vivendi Universal for the express purpose of launching their new network with the space on some digital cable lineups (and DirecTV) that NWI had. The new network would not have political leanings, Gore said, but would serve as an "independent voice" for a target audience of people between 18 and 34 "who want to learn about the world in a voice they recognize and a view they recognize as their own." Other reports said that Gore hoped that the channel would help change the tide of "consolidation and conglomeratization" of the media by leading the change to "democratization." The news network was said to be a combination between CNN, MTV, and blipverts.

In the summer of 2004, Gore and Hyatt announced their new network, christened INdTV, with a series of public recruitment events. The first of these events was held at the Bambuddha Lounge in San Francisco's Tenderloin, on August 25. On April 4, 2005, the former Vice President and business partner Hyatt announced that they had changed the name of the network from INdTV to Current. The new television network launched in the United States on August 1, 2005.

In August 2006, Current TV had become a leader in midst of the growing popularity of YouTube and viewer-created content. Currently, the network is available in 30 million homes nationwide in the US, with plans underway for several international versions.

On September 20, 2006, Current TV started a short-lived partnership with Yahoo to supply topic-specific "channels" to the Yahoo Video website. Called the Yahoo! Current Network, the first four channels, "Current Buzz", "Current Traveler" "Current Action" (about action sports) and "Current Driver" quickly became the most popular videos on the Yahoo Video web site. There were Yahoo branded segments on Current TV, similar to the Google Current segments. Additional web channels were planned. However, on December 6, 2006, Yahoo and Current TV announced the end of their relationship. [4] Madeline Smithberg, co-creator of The Daily Show, was the Executive Producer for this project.

On October 6, 2006, a deal was announced with British Sky Broadcasting to create a localized British version of Current TV to its satellite systems in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

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