Thoughts on Current TV

Current is the San Francisco based user-generated-news-network-and-more for young people. It was founded just a couple years back by Joel Hyatt and Al Gore. They just won an Emmy. The Chronicle reports that they don't have a lot of web visitors or television viewers.

They're supposed to be groundbreaking, and and good for democracy. (I wholeheartedly support making this front and center). They have a good, hip editorial voice. Here, watch some.

---

Here are some thoughts on what Current can do to be in order to be successful with its target audience:

1. Young people aren't using portals, even news portals. Get your content where they are.

2. Go beyond video. Just because you have a TV network doesn't mean that news is always best told via video. And video isn't always convenient when I'm at work or using my mobile phone to get news.

3. Useful participation. While Paris Hilton is probably the most popular story among this audience, it's probably not what's most important to young people.

4. Make it personalized, of course

5. Give users a chance to play editor (if not for everyone, then their friends). Maybe this looks like a social network.

6. Make it political! (not partisan, political). And make viewers and contributors feel like their voices count.