User-generated content crosses over with Sumo TV

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 28-Nov-06, 11:00

LONDON - One of the first TV channels dedicated to user-generated content has been launched on Sky channel 146, allowing people to earn money by having their clips broadcast.

The Sumo TV channel began life showing old clips and films a few weeks ago, but has now started showing new clips uploaded by people via the Sumo TV website.

It expects the proportion of user-generated content to increase over the next few months. Every afternoon, there will be a three-hour compilation of the best user-generated content in the world. Sumo TV is planning show formats that encourage viewers to submit content, such as talkshows and talent shows.

Cellcast, the interactive TV company behind the channel, will pay contributors a percentage of revenues every time their content is shown on TV, downloaded from the website by another user or streamed to mobile phones.

Andrew Wilson, chief executive of Cellcast, said: "It is the first service to integrate user-generated online content into a dedicated television channel, and provides users with new ways of finding that '15 minutes of fame', new ways of making money, and new ways of expressing themselves and making friends."

Cellcast was founded in 2002 to focus on opportunities to make interactive TV programming accommodating mobile and internet channels. Its other UK channels include Psychic Interactive and Bid 2 Win.

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