Statement: Current UK due to close in March

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Oh my god, just gone to watch Current TV and couldn't find it anywhere in the listings - had to google what channel number it was and I find this! SO UPSET, I learnt so much from this channel I can't believe it, truly was great :(
Protest to bring back Current!

As those before me have said, I also tried to change channel to Current TV, got a "This channel is no longer available" message and searched the 'net for a reason. I had to set up an account here (as I'm sure many have) to say how disgusted I am by BSkyB and Virgin's decision to pull what I certainly see as a valuable information channel and a public service. Frankly, I don't think anybody should be surprised at Murdoch's empire's castration of underground media (surely it was only a matter of time before the channel tried to run "Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism"!). To be honest, I was actually pretty shocked that Current managed to get a BSkyB contract to begin with and I'd love to see their original proposal! I am, however, deeply saddened that Branson has chosen to follow suit. That man used to have balls, not to mention more integrity than any other five global moguls you could think of put together. Of course, business is about the bottom line. We all know that, and a lack of revenue being generated by the channel is what has been cited as the reason for its axing. If you're here, you probably aren't the kind of person to buy readily into this kind of bullshit whitewash. This is not about money, it's about censorship. More people watch "horror channel" (149)... Really?

Euan Griffith

Went to watch my favourite channel current tv not working search google for a reason came here can't beleive they pulled funding for this channel is the best channel in my opinion all real story's and loads of learning material not like all these fake crap shows that's all actors to make it like real life am so sad right now I am with sky I am cancelling my subscription in the morning and when I cancel will tell them is because ure a bunch of tight arses what am I to watch on tv now absolutely heart broken. David from glasgow

This platform supported some crucial alternatives. It examined where virtually all others feared to go. The Uk content was a True Education.
It is disturbing that it could just end like this. What does it say about freedom of speech?

Virgin media should take over the support of it ! come on Richard sort it out !

THIS IS BAD NEWS FOR FREEDOM ! WHAT A BUMMER. WHAT CAN WE CURRENTLY DO ABOUT IT ?

Gutted the channel is closing down. How can we continue to get stories like this?

Forgot to say I too am really sad.

This is more from the 1%. Easily the best channel on UK television and vital for people to see what is really going on. Shame on BSkyB

This is so sad............/
Current is a great channel for fantastic doc's that no one else shows. I have learned so much about the World. And for a 40+ well traveled bloke that has to be something.
Its a sad day, and odd that a grow bloke is sad about the loss of a TV channel. That alone shows the power of Current TV

So So Sad right now its the final hours and am watching all day to the bitter end.
Will be missed

I had hoped that Current would be the start of an intelligent revolution of tv. I will have to find some other way of finding out the news that does not make it to the "popular" channels.

Current TV I will miss you more than you can imagine. This closure has made me feel so sad about the state of our country and question why people don't care more? Your channel made me feel a part of something and that there were others out there who care and I am gutted that I won't have that anymore. You guys have done an amazing job and should be really proud!! I'm sorry there was no way to reverse the decision and that all my ranting to sky and virgin was to no avail... Know you are loved!! The lessons Current have taught are wedged firmly in my soul forever more. Good luck to you all in everything you do. And thank you! Thank you thank you thank you. In the words of Dr Seuss " don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened" LOVE YOU!!! Annie xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

I have loved Current UK for the past 5 years, and am so so sad to see the UK channel being closed down. In my mind it's the most important digital broadcast channel we have. Thank you for giving us the most interesting, entertaining, educational, heart wrenching, heartwarming and quite frankly brilliant content on TV. You'll be sadly missed. Thank you and warm wishes to all the Current UK team.

I didn't realise how hungry I was until I started watching your channel. The more I watched, the more I realised that I had been hungry for a long time. You have unleashed so many emotions. I have tasted angry, sad, fascinated, righteous, indignant, admiration and a multitude of others. My senses have been in overdrive, sampling morsels of some, chunks of others. Until I heard you were shutting down in the UK. Now, the familiar hunger which I thought was in the past, can be felt lurking in the shadows, playing the waiting game until Monday 12th March. I feel the old pangs welling up, just waiting to pounce into the void you will leave. To have been able to see the whole sky rather than just a picture on the wall has been a privilege. I feel truly sad, but so honoured that the information you have provided will be with me for a lifetime. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Thanks for all your amazing comments and messages of support! We've been completely overwhelmed by the response we've had from our viewers and from people who've been involved in the channel since 2007. Sorry not to reply individually but we have read all of your posts and shared them with the team. Hope you can join us as we show some of the highlights from the past five years before we close at midnight on Sunday 11th March. Thanks once again from everyone at Current UK.

Im a Virgin customer and couldnt believe we are losing Current. I watch most documentaries on TV but have a particular interest in substance use/social issues/mental health and sexuality and Current provided the best content around these subjects. It has to be one of the most educational channels on TV, in fact, possibly THE most educational. The big tv companies seem more content to throw money at mindless drivel that seems to bulk out most of the daily viewing. What a sad waste.

I can't believe it, so gutted. Current is the only channel worth watching. People like watching 'fake' reality programmes but don't want to learn about the actual reality they are living in. Best of luck to all the team who work for Current.

Totaly guttted , the best channel on sky my a mile .

I am so going to miss this channel.

I will lookforward to watching programmes on the web.

good luck to the uk staff in your futures.

simon

I'm stunned. You have great programmes, addictive documentaries, and if you actually did a little promotional work you would've been epic. Instead you opted to let Murdoch cut the only decent station related to him.

You lost the plot, but there is one shining star out of this.One less outlet for Murdoch to crawl out of. I look forward to the day when he has a warrant for the bottom-feeding empire he thinks we Brits want.

Gutted.

So Sky wants my money to watch all the F1 races that have been on terrestrial channels forever but withdraws funding from one of my favourite channels? Obviously it's not all about what I want to watch but I feel disinclined to part with my money to fund broadcasting a million football matches I couldn't give a shit about.

Yet another reason to dislike News Corp. Surely there would be opportunities for more advertising revenue as many of Current's viewers are either currently ABC1's (to use marketing speak) or will be within the next few years?

I'll be looking out for your return, however as I thought same about The Daily Show and Colbert Report I won't hold my breath.

Current, you will be missed.

Tragic. But I'm not surprised. What do you expect when your very existence relies on BSkyB / News International for funding? What about independent ad revenue? Low-level subscription model? Surely there are other creative ways of generating revenue sustainably? Really poor leadership - like when they randomly canned SuperNews.

Complain to sky - I did. 0844 545 6511

How can this be? This is my favorite channel - I admit to watching some rubbish too :) but I always tune into Current. I can't believe it is not going to be on in the UK - I feel like getting rid of my tv. Every single programme has been entertaining, informative and worthwhile. Boo BSkyB - you stink!!

:-(

I recently discovered current.
I got to see Supersize me, Food Inc, Boys in the Dangerzone.
I got my heart broken watching Hoop Dreams.

And I'll miss the babe that is Mariana van Zeller and the Vanguard stories. Loved the Occupy and Angola ones.

Unbelievable. How can this happen. Current is the only channel that can be watched without fear of your brain turning to mush from kardashians choosing what colour lipstick they might paint their nails with.

I am seriously considering cancelling my subscription and reverting to freeview.

How can such a challenging enlightening channel be taken off air- I think I've answered my own question. Mr Murdoch methinks doesn't like to see and hear the truth. Great channel, nothing else like it. Will UK have full access to US programming I would willing pay for your channel on a PBS model. As MickW says, we have billions spent on TV through subsidy and tax in the UK and not one of them has mentioned the closure current, shameful . I will miss Current as it by far the best channel on the Sky platform.

As long as we have a monopoly on TV viewing money through the likes on the BBC (3.4billion pounds a year, yes, billion pounds a year, as a TAX) and Channel4 then forget great TV channels like 'Current'.

I discovered you guys about a month ago; I'm beside myself that now you are shutting down. Is there any chance of subscription/PBS model option? I would certainly pay for your superb output :)

OMG I cant beleive it ! I am a 50 year old ex para ex special forces lump who has tears in his eyes as the only tv channel available that tells the truth warts and all and informs those that wish to be informed announces its demise something must be done and I agree its more than likely sky that needs addressing rather than virgin but why has sky stopped supporting i dont remember seeing a documentary on the corrupt goings on at NOTW and The Sun and everything else Murdoch has his sticky fingers on

Is there a site somewhere to petition to save Current TV? Its the only channel I actively watch and it brings really important and interesting issues to light! Its definitely the only channel that is worth watching!
I watch it on Virgin but it seems that it is Sky who need to be petitioned/begged, correct?

Marky750 complain!!! Sky's number is further down the page. Do it!!

I've emailed Charlie Brooker!! This seems like his sort of thing!! Think I might be going through the stages of grief... This is the bit where I won't believe it. Or maybe it's bargaining?! Whichever, complaining is helping. Love Annie x

C'mon Current you seem resigned to your fate.
Is this worth fighting for? If so tell us what we can do, who to contact, lobby. Addresses and phone numbers of people and companies so we can try to change this outcome or find an alternative outlet.

Really gutted current is by far the best and most interesting channel on the whole of sky ,infact i dont need sky really because i only watch current mainly, what a set of bigdogscocks the plug pullers are sad, sad indeed, best of luck.

I meant it took 8 minutes not cost... iPhone syndrome!!

Lots of people on hear saying they'll consider cancelling but we need to actually do it... I will not fund them and their distorted ideas of reality. Seriously that new dating bollicks so
with the oh so annoying Chris Moyles?! That's worth funding?? Over current?! Sickening. Maybe nothing can be done for current but the more we sit back and watch the crap that's produced the more of it we'll get. We get what we deserve. Complain!!!!! Now. Before we're stuck watching repeats of repeats of repeats and bemoaning Current tv's fate. You're not allowed to moan if you do nothing. 8 minutes my call to sky cost. Just 8 little minutes... xxx

Well I love you too! And now you made me cry. Wish I could do more xx

Devasted!!!. Can't believe Current TV is closing. The only decent channel to watch. Seriously rethinking the value of paying for Sky as this is pretty much the only channel worth watching.

Now complained to virgin also. They offered me a discount! I refused as it tied me into a new contract and I repeatedly told them it would not be worth it without Current TV. Not much they can do as its not them who've cut the funding but he is passing the info on and saying that we'll be leaving virgin because of it. Bring it on!!! Who else can I rant at on your behalf Current??! X

Complain people. I have just contacted Sky. If you ate not a customer with them just ignore all the options and you'll eventually get through to someone. The lady hadn't even heard of the channel but I told her how amazing it was and how it's folding because if BSkyB removing their funding. Someone is calling me back... This is the number 0844 545 6511. Current tv is worth a little phone call right? Will probably change nothing but at least we' ll know we did something. And sky will know how loved Current is. Please call today. Big Love Annie x

I'll say it...WTF!!???? How can the one decent channel on virgin get pulled by BSB? This is so depressing, I just found Current and now it's closing. Don't give up ppl at Current, there will be someone out there with the funding to bring this awesome channel back! Don't let this die, we NEED Current TV!

The one bloody decent channel on sky is closing.Gutted

Completely gutted to lose this channel. Been watching for years... The best docs on ANY tv channel!!! I used to see a lot of Google advertising/stings on it though... What happened to THEIR sponsorship. I agree... EVERYONE contact Richard Branson and get him to take this channel! I am a virgin customer and I watch this channel more than any other!! VERY SAD

Gutted. Can't believe you're finishing. Wasn't too sure what the channel was about until I found a documentary I liked the look of the other week and me and my hubby have been hooked ever since. Really interesting, well informed and researched documentaries. Nice to see documentaries about different things and ones that aren't afraid to say what they think.
Really can't believe Sky have cut your funding, such a pity.
Good luck all at Current and hopefully you'll find someone somewhere who'll back you again!!

Really, really gutted! I could think ov 50 other rubbish channels I would take off sky rather than getting rid of current tv. I have this channel on my tv more than I do any news channel. Will be watching a lot less sky now. Probably go back to freeview. Keep up the very intreasting work current and very hopefully we might see u back!!

Absolutely gutted. Found the channel too late, but i have seen some brilliant documentary films. Thankyou.

Absolutely gutted.Only discovered Current about 3 months ago and i've seen some of the best television of my life!! Gonna miss you guys!

Shame your going off the air, I've been watching current for the last couple of years and have enjoyed watching some of the best and most interesting journalism and documentaries that have been broadcast in the uk. I only became a sky subsciber so that I could watch current, I guess I'll just stick to freeview from now on.

I'm devastated :( I only just found you - please continue what you're doing!

The revolution will not be televised.

There must be a way for Current to continue right? either with a subscription model and or as an online broadcaster do not give up on the most exciting TV channel Ever!!

I've only just started to watch current TV, hard hitting facts about the rich, powerful ,fat greedy bastards making gross amounts of money at the expense of the planet and life. it would not surprise me that these people have put pressure on sky to turn current TV off air so we don't get to know the real truth and we only get censored programs through our political run channels.

ssuch a bloody shame that Current TV is being switched off in UK by SKY. Been with you since the launch.

Very sad and not entirely unesxpected news once I became aware that Sky helps fund the UK channel. You just have to look at some of the crap that is broadcast on their 'closed platform' channels and you have to wounder how many viewers those networks have and they picked Current for closure?

Lets not fools ourselves the move by Sky is politically motivated, any programming that rocks the boat these days is gonna have a problems especially in a world that is taking a clear move to the evangelical right (the home land of the parent companys share holders, just speculation you understand).

I would gladly pay a subscription to watch this channel, I hope you guys get something sorted with the likes of Freeview or FreeSat (I live in Ireland) in order to keep getting the word out, and I don't believe the official viewing figures either.

SAD, SAD, SAD DAY

Mike.

Terrible shame, I hope virgin take the channel it is superb tv and not a kardashian in sight! Everyone write an email to Richard Branson lets get this sorted

There must be some way around this!

If its a funding issue then couldn't we start a campaign amongst us UK activists? We NEED Current TV in the UK, period!

This is the saddest news!!! I found you by accident one night several months ago and watched "King of Kong". Have been gripped by your programming since. I for one would pay a subscription to keep you going. I have to pay a TV license fee for the shite the BBC put on that i dont watch!

I will REALLY miss you Current. I hope to see you back soon! ;(

This is madness!!!!!!! Have learnt so much from this channel - Strange that there's always money to produce shit about people getting pissed up but programming that educates have funding stopped

Absolutely gutted, Current has been on my TV constantly since I discovered it a few months back. it seems so stupid that a channel so informative can have its funding cut yet TOWIE, My big Fat Gypsy Wedding and various other monstrosities get commissioned for return series. What is the world coming to?

PLEASE at least make YouTube videos viewable in the UK! It seems ridiculous that they haven't been available until now, and we definitely need access after the channel shuts down!

It's too sad. Is there anywhere still normally (and greatly) alive in British T.V. after Current? I don't think so, not as much, that is. The closure of Current will mean perpetual channel surfing in The UK!!!

However, the point is that Current is and was great (mostly), and will be much missed in the UK. Wouldn't the B.B.C. & I.T.V. help support Current through Freesat? (I know there are people who would pay £40 for a cheap Freesat box and £30 for a cheap dish just to watch their favourite channel, Current UK.)

I didn't watch it enough, and just had made a resolution to watch it more before I read this news of closure. The mark of something truly worthy is that it just being there, for whenever you can avail of it, if at all, is consolation and inspiration, quieting and exciting, at the same time. While the worth comes from each time one did watch it. I just had started to watch most days I could. Ah well.

Thanks Current, and very good wishes. (Current made all the difference.)

Boooooo, gutted, bskyb tossers wouldn't know good tv if it smacked them in the face!

Shame on BSkyB, if Current regurgitated ten year old sit coms getting support would not be a problem, it would be great if Virgin took up the baton,
It is rare to find a channel that ask's you to use your mind,

Will Current UK still be on Virgin TV?
Or will that the US version of Current?
Or will it be nothing?

when it closes, how can people in the UK (and beyond) get access to these documentaries ?? Sticking just to a corp Sky tv ... you may have guessed this may happen..how can 'we' and support the work and ideals of current.tv.. can we recreate it i some way, and to link with current US ?

Really that big a surprise? The main Current shows, you know which ones I'm talking about, were never licensed for the UK. It's no shock this happened, it is very sad though.

I'm really bummed to hear the news. I watch Current UK regularly and enjoy the documentaries. What's up with SKY?? Afraid of a little controversy?

This is extremely sad news for me as I believe there should be far more channels like Current. Too much money and effort is put into making Britain stupid by putting on TV shows that lack education or morals. How do you make people stupid enough to never question us and always believe what we say? I know, promote consumerism and make them think the most important thing in the world is to spend all your hard earned cash on looking good and looking better than everyone else. Lets disconnect everyone from society so they forget what it really is to be human and they will also not think of the murdered, starved innocent people as human, therefore they will not care anymore. This is the very thinking that made Rupert Murdoch manage to control the Country. Current TV you are better without Sky as it goes against any principles your fans have anyway!

I thought it was too good to be true that Murdoch would allow this content via his outfit. A real find and worth our full support, where ever that may be.

Forgive me if i mis-understand, but is it just Sky ending transmission in the UK.

What about Virgin / NTL?

I was part of the original team that helped launch Current in the UK and have always kept an eye on what's been happening. Sad to have heard the news.

boo

It's sad news for all of us, Current TV was and still a unique platform for independent filmmakers to showcase their works, it's a shame to loose it. When it's gone we will miss it.

It's rubbish news and really gutting. Hope you're all alright at Current Towers. - you took a chance on me and I really enjoyed having the opportunity to do a couple of docs for you. Thank you.

This is indeed a great shame, but perhaps if you had listened to the people begging you to carry the US channel's news programming (ie, Olbermann), you might have had a chance to build a bigger audience and better profile, which might have helped you fend off this nakedly political act by Sky/News Corp.

UK IS DOING THE SAME TO PRESS TV:IR.
USA ALSO GOING AFTER PRESS TV:IR
WHY BECAUSE WITH INDEFINITE DETENTION THEY DON`T NEED LAWS TRIALS; ONLY DISAPPEAR YOU AND PRESS TV CURRENT TV TELLS THE TRUTH THEREFORE ATTACKED AND SHUT DOWN BY CORPORATE GOV`T: HIDE THE TRUTH NO MATTER WHAT: CREEPS IN UNIFORMS AND SUITS SHAME ON HUMANITY

damn British what do you expect

Whoa, very sad to hear this. Staffers: be proud of what you've accomplished in this too short adventure!

More silencing of the voices of reason.

If "independent television" means over commercialized profit driven television, I don't really have a need... Or is that just what we get in the states...? Doesn't seem very "independent"...

Actually rather codependent, because once BskyB pulled out......

Another voice , silenced . These are grim times . Good luck to all , i hope another door , a better one , presents itself ....

Dammit! Sorry guys. Never meet you in person but still we have been part of the same family. :(

Corporate media domination of our information takes us further away from a democratic existance, why ? ...becouse the printing of money is more powerful than the printed word. we may have lost the battle but we WILL win the war.

For those of us who believe Current to be a truly liberal outlet and home to a wonderfully progressive forum, this is bad news, no matter where we are located. Hopefully there will emerge a new and better positioned media source to maintain the Current brand in the UK.

This is shocking and terrible news. Another independent voice silenced as the power of the media rests in fewer and fewer hands.

What can be done about this? What can we little people, the 99% - what can we do?