Al Gore TV
Former Vice President, Al Gore, launched his cable news network, Current TV, today which is aimed at the "Internet Generation".
After sifting through the major news sites and blogs about Gore's project, I am somewhat skeptical that this will take off. James Archer, at Strange Brand described quite thoroughly some of the inherent concerns with this idea and quite frankly, what he doesn't want Current TV to be. Take a look at his post about Current TV. Like Archer, I would support the efforts of a network that encourages content submission from amateurs. After all, I love what podcasting is doing and where it's headed. My skepticism comes with this concept that the network's content will come directly from amateur submissions.
Great idea, bad implementation.
According to Fox News, "Current is also requiring its filmmakers to sign an agreement giving the network three months' exclusive use of material it has accepted for air." That means that these"amateurs" would have to refrain from using their material on their own websites. Apparently, Current had initially sought six months exclusivity, which lead to widespread complaints from the networks' much needed content sources.
David Neuman, Current's programming director, states that they "... can't apologize for doing what we need to do to get this business off the ground,". So, if amateur filmmakers/videographers/etc. aren't willing to hand over their material to Current, where will the content come from? Wouldn't their lack of cooperation make the network less appealing?
Progress: 95%
One of the neat features of Current, will be the implementation of an "Internet-like on-screen progress bar" which will display the length of a show, or "pod" as Current is now calling it. These "pods" will consist of approximately two to seven minute shows with topics ranging from careers to technology to current events and even spirituality.
Current is says it is targeting "the Internet generation". What does that mean exactly? Archer's article describes the stereotypical idea that this demographic is "looking for quick-hit news, extreme attitude, and anything that includes cool words like “blog” and “pod.”"
Ironically, this "Internet generation" that Current seems to have so well studied, seeks content that contains in-depth information about a specific topic and not flashy gimmicks. Yes, Current will flop, because of the lack of valuable and appealing content. Someone needs to remind Mr. Neuman that, to the "Internet generation", content is king.
After sifting through the major news sites and blogs about Gore's project, I am somewhat skeptical that this will take off. James Archer, at Strange Brand described quite thoroughly some of the inherent concerns with this idea and quite frankly, what he doesn't want Current TV to be. Take a look at his post about Current TV. Like Archer, I would support the efforts of a network that encourages content submission from amateurs. After all, I love what podcasting is doing and where it's headed. My skepticism comes with this concept that the network's content will come directly from amateur submissions.
Great idea, bad implementation.
According to Fox News, "Current is also requiring its filmmakers to sign an agreement giving the network three months' exclusive use of material it has accepted for air." That means that these"amateurs" would have to refrain from using their material on their own websites. Apparently, Current had initially sought six months exclusivity, which lead to widespread complaints from the networks' much needed content sources.
David Neuman, Current's programming director, states that they "... can't apologize for doing what we need to do to get this business off the ground,". So, if amateur filmmakers/videographers/etc. aren't willing to hand over their material to Current, where will the content come from? Wouldn't their lack of cooperation make the network less appealing?
Progress: 95%
One of the neat features of Current, will be the implementation of an "Internet-like on-screen progress bar" which will display the length of a show, or "pod" as Current is now calling it. These "pods" will consist of approximately two to seven minute shows with topics ranging from careers to technology to current events and even spirituality.
Current is says it is targeting "the Internet generation". What does that mean exactly? Archer's article describes the stereotypical idea that this demographic is "looking for quick-hit news, extreme attitude, and anything that includes cool words like “blog” and “pod.”"
Ironically, this "Internet generation" that Current seems to have so well studied, seeks content that contains in-depth information about a specific topic and not flashy gimmicks. Yes, Current will flop, because of the lack of valuable and appealing content. Someone needs to remind Mr. Neuman that, to the "Internet generation", content is king.
posted by Emma at 11:37 AM
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