Former US vice president Al Gore has signed an agreement with Sky CEO James Murdoch which will see Current TV secure its first presence outside America.

Current TV launched last summer in the US and is a user-generated channel whereby viewers are able to submit their video segments via Current's web site and if selected for broadcast they will be shown on the channel.

When the UK version of the channel does launch it will tailor its content for viewers in the UK and Ireland within a channel carried on Sky's digital satellite platform.

Gore said: "We are grateful to be working with BSkyB in our first international venture. This is a big step in fulfilling Current's mission of sparking a global conversation among young adults.

"Bringing our viewer created content model to the UK and Ireland will give millions of young viewers the opportunity to not only watch, but also to create, television programming that is relevant to them. We're excited about being able to unleash the creativity of young people in the UK and Ireland, enabling them to share their stories with their generational cohort here and around the world."

James Murdoch said: "Current TV is bringing the web's sense of empowerment to television for the first time. It has a uniquely collaborative approach to working with viewer producers that stands out among other platforms for user-generated video. As a first step towards Sky's own moves in this fascinating field, we're pleased to help give a voice to millions of young people throughout the UK and Ireland."