Current TV says former MSNBC anchor Cenk Uygur will serve as host of a U.S. prime-time TV version of the online news program "The Young Turks."
"'The Young Turks,' led by Uygur, are a group of progressive, outspoken journalists and commentators, whose daily 'TYT Network' shows on YouTube have built a fast-growing, loyal network of viewers," Current said in a news release Tuesday. "The TV show on Current will be produced from Los Angeles-based studios and will launch in the fourth quarter of this year."
The television program is scheduled to air weeknights at 7 p.m. ET.
"Cenk Uygur has a strong grasp of what audiences seek: context and insight about the news and complex issues that affect their lives, unfettered by corporate influences. He has a unique and compelling way of boiling it down for his viewers," Current Chairman and co-founder Al Gore said in a statement. "He and his collaborators have exploded in popularity because of 'The Young Turks'' authentic and passionate voice. Cenk understands that we live in a multi-screen world, and he speaks to an audience who wants to hear the truth."
"Current is the perfect home for our show," Uygur added. "We wanted to be in a place that is both independent and truly progressive, not owned and encumbered by a media conglomerate. Does it get any better for a progressive than working where Al Gore and Joel Hyatt are your bosses, and Keith Olbermann is your colleague? It's an honor to be the lead-in program for Keith Olbermann. Add to that we will work with David Bohrman, who has been creating unique and great television programming for decades. His vision for Current is exactly in line with ours. When you bring all of these people together with 'The Young Turks,' watch out -- we're coming!"