Channels V, MTV launch Web 2.0 sites

Music channels "� Channel V and MTV's Vh1 "� are gearing up to enhance their interactive content.

Channel V is soon to launch a 'user-generated ' website (also referred to Web 2.0) channelv2.com.

The website, based on the 'YouTube' model, is an interactive video content site where surfers can post their video and share content with other users and earn an extra buck.

"We hope to extend the brand channel V through the website. While users can download content for free, users who upload their video or audio content will be paid," said Saurabh Kanwar, vice president, content and communication, Channel V.

Users are at liberty to download content and also make copies of the same. "We would like to trust and believe that our content will not be misused and therefore, we'd like to take that risk," said Kanwar.

However, Channelv2.com's content will come under the Creative Commons License. The license enables copyright holders to grant some of their rights to the public while retaining others while the copyright holder retains the flexibility to control the rights to their creative works, notes Kanwar, adding: "If any users finds certain content objectionable, he/she can report the same."

To begin with, the site will host episodes on the Big V Concert held last month which was shot by amateur bloggers under the 'Made by you - the blogumentary' initiative, also to be aired on the channel in 30-minute episode formats.

In addition, the site will also have vintage content from the channel's content library. Channelv2.com developers plan to eventually charge users for downloading content.

Rival channel MTV Network's international music and lifestyle channel, Vh1, too is getting its act together. Early this month, Vh1 partnered with Nokia for its user-generated content initiative, 'Shot by you'. Viewers have to log on the Nokia website and listen to the a music audio 'Voice' sung by Indian rock band Pentagram.

They will then have to shoot video clips appropriate for the track. Vh1 will then integrate the relevant video clips to create a music video to be aired on the channel by the first week of March "We wanted to give our audiences an opportunity to get involved with music and what better way than to make a music video for one of India's hottest contemporary rock bands," said Keertan Adyanthaya, VP&GM, Vh1.

But when it comes to the expected response or targets set for their Web 2.0 content initiatives, they are tight-lipped.