Yahoo Current Network

Filed in archive Internet TV on September 20, 2006

Yahoo plans to launch a new online-video network with Al Gore's Current TV today that will add four channels of ad-supported video programming. The service will combine professional and user-generated video clips.

Current's editors will have control over the content that airs on Yahoo's video site, weeding out videos containing offensive or copyrighted materials. Most clips will be preceded by a 15- or 30-second commercial, marking the first time Yahoo has included ads on user-generated content. Creators of clips that are featured online will earn $100. Also, Current will air the site's most popular videos on its television channel and pay their creators $500 apiece.

The service will be called the Yahoo Current Network, and is set to begin today with four channels: news-related segments, travel, sports and cars. Each will feature one professionally produced segment per day and eight to 10 segments contributed by users. The service will be overseen by former "Daily Show" executive producer madeleine Smithberg.