Current TV Channel To Launch On Sky
Current has signed an agreement with BSkyB to launch a localised version of its viewer-created TV channel in the UK and the Republic of Ireland.
The agreement provides Current’s first presence outside the US and marks a significant step in fulfilling its plans of becoming an international media company, while for BSkyB it represents a first step in a strategy to develop a broader presence in the burgeoning field of user-generated content.
To tailor its output to the local audience, Current plans to deliver a channel specifically designed for the British and Irish markets.
Viewer producers from the UK and Ireland will be able to submit their video segments via Current’s website and, if their work is selected for broadcast, they will also have a chance to have their pieces air on Current’s U.S. network and in other markets into which Current will expand in the future.
The agreement will allow Current TV to reach up to 22 million more viewers in 8.2 million households subscribing to BSkyB’s Sky digital service, equivalent to almost one in three households in the UK and Ireland.
Over the past year Current has achieved explosive growth, expanding its US carriage by 70%, from 17 million to nearly 30 million homes.
Al Gore, chairman of Current, said: “We are grateful to be working with BSkyB in our first international venture. This is a big step in fulfilling Current’s mission of sparking a global conversation among young adults.
“Bringing our viewer created content model to the UK and Ireland will give millions of young viewers the opportunity to not only watch, but also to create, television programming that is relevant to them.”
James Murdoch, BSkyB CEO, said: “Current TV is bringing the web’s sense of empowerment to television for the first time. It has a uniquely collaborative approach to working with viewer producers that stands out among other platforms for user-generated video.
“As a first step towards Sky’s own moves in this fascinating field, we’re pleased to help give a voice to millions of young people throughout the UK and Ireland.”
Sky: 08702 40 40 40 www.sky.com