Online ‘channel’ launched

With its debut Tuesday on the Web, My Damn Channel became the latest attempt by Hollywood professionals to cash in on the huge popularity of online video.

Comedian Harry Shearer, filmmaker David Wain and music producer Don Was, among others, also hope to find creative freedom seldom offered by traditional media companies.

The site is the brainchild of former MTV and CBS Radio executive Rob Barnett, who believes Internet audiences want to see professionally produced shows other than network TV fare.

“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.”

Shearer, who provides the voices for several characters on “The Simpsons” TV show, will produce a weekly political and pop-culture satire show for the site.

Was will host a music interview show with actor Paul Reiser, while Wain will produce 10 comedy shorts.