MUMBAI: To explore the huge potential that the user-generated content offers in an online environment, Yahoo Inc. has associated with the US-based media company Current TV, promoted by former US vice president Al Gore, to create online video programmes.

The service, christened the Yahoo Current Network (video.yahoo.com/currenttv) will launch on 20 September with four channels.

One of the channels named Current Buzz will feature segments related to the news. The other channels will cover travel, sports and cars.

According to a New York Times report, each channel will have one professionally produced segment a day and about 10 segments designed by users. Amateur videographers whose clips are chosen for online delivery will receive $100. If a clip is also broadcast on Current's television network, the producer will receive between $500 and $1,000.

The development underlines the market's keenness towards web-based user-generated content. Microsoft on Tuesday announced its entry into the segment with the beta release of Soapbox on MSN Video. With this, Microsoft plans to take on YouTube, the market leader.