Hip To Be Cool

From NY Post:

Al Gore may or may not have invented the information superhighway way back when, but with the debut yesterday of his newest venture, a 24-hour news-features channel called "Current," there's no doubt that he has definitely invented something not before seen on TV. Current is (or will be) largely viewer-produced television. And with some exceptions, it's good — very, very good.

Since the channel is aimed at under-30 viewers, I immediately assumed we'd be assaulted with that same sort of free-floating junk you see on cable access, replete with really unattractive geeks who stick their faces and backsides into their home video cams. "Current" is anything, er, butt. It's a channel that is not only connected to what's going on on the Internet, but is actually driven by it. It's constantly changing, with "Current" staffers receiving and evaluating material submitted by viewers online (www.current.tv) and putting it on as it arrives if it's deemed worthy. It's an honest melding of the Internet and TV, creating an environment that immediately delivers the goods. It's like the Fresh Direct of television.

Instead of programmers deciding what we see — and often being so isolated that they are clueless (I'm thinking "Meet Mister Mom" and "The Law Firm" for starters) — there is a constant stream of short features, mostly done by viewers, on topical issues. And it is definitely non-partisan.

The only downside to Current — and it's a big one — is some of the on-camera "talent." They come across as semi-moronic hipsters who use "ass," "damn" and "hell" constantly in an attempt at coolness but are instead incredibly annoying.

Host Amaya Brecher thinks she's posing for "Maxim," standing in a miniskirt, legs wide apart, making sexy faces at the camera. She belongs at a frat party at the University of Miami — not on TV. (-----remember her from Real World: Hawaii???? No wonder they describe her as moronic!!!!)

Clearly, Current found some very, very talented young people out there to make its videos. Now they need to find some of them for hosting duties.

---I watched Al Gore on Leno last night and must say he was really funny. He clearly has been working at loosening up his image. No doubt about it!! I'm excited Current is on DirectTV... now I just gotta see if it's available or if I gotta pay more to get it.