Current.com Launches in the U.K.

November 19, 2007 World Screen

LONDON, November 19:
Current, a youth-targeted news and information network, has launched
Current.com in the U.K.

The site, an extension of
Current’s linear television channel, offers an array of features with which
users can interact with the linear network. In addition to commenting on
programs via the web or text messages, the channel has launched a “viewpoint
wall” for users to leave a visual message using a mobile phone or web cam
featuring their one-minute views on topical issues such as U.K. immigrations,
debt and binge drinking. Users will also be able to vote for comments they most
or least support.

Beyond being able to offer
opinions, viewers are also given a chance to influence the linear channel’s
programming or create content for the channel through the network’s
“open-source” TV format. Within the assignments feature, Current producers post
live briefs for other community members to collaborate on the production of
“pods”—short video segments. The new site also features a front page news
feed that combines Current content with the community’s view on the best of the
web; tools for users to clip and comment on rich media; social news networking
that allow users to share media with their friends; and an archive library of
all of Current’s pods to date.

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The network was co-founded
by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, who will be presented with a Founders
Award at the International Emmys Gala in New York this evening, in recognition
of his role in launching Current.

“For years, the attempt to
unite television and the Internet has basically been one of duplication of the
content on another medium,” said Joel Hyatt, the co-founder and CEO of Current.
“With the new Current.com site, what viewers watch on either platform is not
only unique, but also finally enriches the experience of the other platform.
Through the new features on Current.com, we’re also furthering our goal of
opening up TV so the audience can decide what news and information matters to
them.”

—By Ned Berke