They’ve got a catchy name, and they’ve got the talent. My Damn Channel, using the combined abilities of comedian Harry Shearer, musician and producer Don Was and filmmaker David Wain, debuted yesterday.
The site, which sprang from the mind of former MTV and CBS radio executive Rob Barnett, hopes to take advantage of the demand foronline video, but mix it with the freedom they have on the Internet, away from the constraints of more traditional media. Barnett feels there’s an audience for programs beyond network TVreruns.
“The old media companies don’t know how to program for this medium,” Barnett said. “There is a focus on reruns and outtakes, and I don’t think that cuts it.”
He may well be right. My Damn Channel has already signed a distribution deal with YouTube, and plans to gain revenue by advertising and syndicating itscontent to other sites.
Shearer, best-known for voicing many of the characters on “The Simpsons,” is producing a weekly satirical show, focusing on politics and pop culture.
Was,whose credits include Was (Not Was) and productions for artists as varied as Bonnie Raitt and the Rolling Stones, will be hosting a weekly music interview show with actor Paul Reiser. Wain, who has written and directed “The Ten,” is set to make comedy shorts.
