Criterion Collection is a channel based out of San Francisco, California in the United States. The media provided is in the form of digital content and fully produced by Criterion Collection and its collection of partners around the world. Initially, the channel began as a simple interview at a G8 conference in Antwerp, Belgium. The content consisted of interviews, recordings of conversations, and a wrap-up panel of experts who voiced their opinions on the proceedings.
In 2003, the company was acquired by Turner Broadcasting. Since that time, the content has been focused around providing a voice to academia and researchers in particular that is not typically covered in mainstream television shows. Criterion Collection has strict standards when it comes to the shows allowed on its channel. Shows must meet a number of criterion, hence the name of the company.
Viewers can access the channel via a number of methods including their smartphone, television, or computer. The online content is longer and uncut whereas the cable programming is edited to allow more time for commercials. In addition, you must pay for a cable package to watch the majority of the live broadcasts, whereas older series are available for downloading or even live streaming on the website from any internet connection in the United States and most countries in the world.
Currently, Criterion Collection is endorsed by a number of famous authors, artists, and academics including Stephen Hawking, Rolf Potts, Eddie Redmayne, and Julie Starrett. The channel plans to provide a 20 year anniversary episode in 2016.
