Current.TV is probably best known because of its co-creator, former Vice President Al Gore, but don’t let that get in your way because this broadband channel is about so much more than just politics.
Current.TV is to television programming what RealGM.com is to sports fantasy leagues. However, whereas a fantasy league participant only pretends to trade players and develop championship teams, Current.TV site surfers actually do participate in the development of this television network’s schedule. Currently, about 1/3 of the television network programming is Viewer Content Created (VC2). Over time the goal is to boost that percentage to a majority. If everything goes well, VC2 could become a viable business model for building a quality, independent television/broadband network.
How does it work? Programming is supplied and selected in part by the very audience who watches it. Viewers join the online forums and groups, watch and vote. It’s that easy.
Noteworthy elements of the site are: its extensive interactivity, its treasure trove of production tutorials, and the fact that its programming deliberately skews young (18-34 year-olds), with an emphasis on exposing young adults to world events, from their voice and POV. Free to the planet, and not ad-supported. Runs on a robust Flash player.
