Current TV's Gore Sued Over Al Jazeera Sale

Media consultant claims it was his idea, but he was never compensated; wants at least $5 million

By John Eggerton -- Broadcasting & Cable, 3/7/2013 1:06:25 PM

Current TV and owner Al Gore have been sued in a California Superior Court by media consultant John Terenzio, who claims it was his idea to sell Current to Al Jazeera and create Al Jazeera America in order to secure U.S. distribution.

In the suit, which alleges breach of an implied agreement and unjust enrichment, Terenzio's attorneys say he was not compensated following the sale, even though his pitch was based on the "mutual understanding" that he would be compensated if Current were sold to Al Jazeera Networks and would also help arrange the sale.

In early January, Current agreed to be bought by Al Jazeera, which plans to convert it to the 24-hour Al Jazeera America news network later this year.

Terenzio claims that it was his PowerPoint presentation that was made to Al Gore by one of the Current investors.

Terenzio wants at least $5 million in compensation, with interest; court costs; and whatever else the court wants to give him.

A Current spokesman had no comment on the suit.