News In Brief - 3 August 2005

Gore To Appeal Neilsen Ratings On First Broadcast

Current TV, the new cable network aimed at the "Internet Generation", founded by former Vice President Al Gore, went live this past Monday, with the potential to reach some nearly 20-Millions homes.

And, already, there is controversy over results.

Overnight ratings, provided by Neilsen Media Research pegged Current TV at a 1.2-share, over alittle over 1-million viewers. By contrast the top rated cable program, the Nextel Cup Racing/Pocono on TNT drew a 4.7-share, or just over 7-million watchers. The No. 10 Cable program, SpongeBob (Nickleodeon) garnered at 2.4-share, or had 3,054,000 people tuned in.

Gore is contesting those results, believing Neilsen did not take into consideration tattered and broken television sets, poor and confusing instructions and, in some areas, intimidation by local police towards people who were inclined to watch Current TV.

Along with Gore, co-founder and attorney/entrepreneur, Joel Hyatt, has enlisted viewers in the much-desired 18-34 demo to contribute self-generated content that’s meant to give Current a hipster TV news magazine vibe. Thus far, about 25 percent of Current’s programming has been submitted by the audience; the lion’s share is put together by network staffers and third-party professionals.

Current presents its programming in two-to-seven-minute “pods” (read segments) that cover a broad range of topics from politics to Paris Hilton.

A spokesperson for Neilsen disputed Gore's claim, indicating the rating results are correct.

A hearing is set in Los Angeles, where a judge will review the merits of both sides' claim. A ruling could involve a recount of the ratings, having the cable industry replay the same programming so it can be remeasured, or no ruling, letting the original ratings stand.