Current TV Sold to Al Jazeera, Dropped by Time Warner Cable

DOHA: Al Jazeera has made a major push into the U.S. cable market with the purchase of Current TV, which it plans to replace with its own network, a move that led Time Warner Cable to drop the channel all together.

“We are proud and pleased that Al Jazeera, the award-winning international news organization, has bought Current TV,” said Al Gore, co-founder and chairman of Current TV, and Joel Hyatt, co-founder and CEO. “Since its founding in 2005, Current has grown into a national network available in nearly 60 million homes, offering thought-provoking commentary and Emmy and Peabody award-winning programming. Current Media was built based on a few key goals: To give voice to those who are not typically heard; to speak truth to power; to provide independent and diverse points of view; and to tell the stories that no one else is telling. Al Jazeera, like Current, believes that facts and truth lead to a better understanding of the world around us.”

The acquisition gives Al Jazeera a substantial presence in the U.S. market, which had been a priority for the company, as it had been trying to extend the reach of its English-language service in the country. Al Jazeera English launched in New York City last year. Al Jazeera now plans to replace Current’s programming with its own network, Al Jazeera America. The majority of the new network’s content will be created in the U.S., the rest would come from Al Jazeera’s English-language channel.

Time Warner Cable pulled the channel from its lineup shortly after news of its sale became official. Hyatt said in a statement that the service was dropped because the cable operator "did not consent to the sale to Al Jazeera." He added "This is unfortunate, but I am confident that Al Jazeera America will earn significant additional carriage in the months and years ahead."

Without Time Warner Cable’s 12.5 million subscribers, the channel will have a reach of around 40 million households.