Calling it a new breed of TV channel, Verizon has launched FiOS1, a news channel serving the Washington, D.C., metro area. It's the first Verizon owned-and-operated TV channel in the country and is similar to what the cable industry is doing to compete head-to-head with local broadcast stations.
Delivered by fiber-optic cable to the home as part of the FiOS television service, the 24/7 channel carries local news, traffic, weather and sports. In addition to the District of the Columbia, it serves several Virginia and Maryland suburbs.
Verizon said it will partner with professional news organizations to deliver some of the content. It will also televise original features shot and produced by citizen journalists using HD camcorders and provide a platform for local user-generated content.
