By Tim Ferguson, 2 March 2007 14:45
NEWS
The BBC and YouTube have joined forces to bring specially commissioned content and news clips to the Google-owned video site.
The deal will see a number of channels - BBC, BBC Worldwide and BBC World - appear on YouTube, with some content partially funded by advertising.
BBC director-general Mark Thompson said the deal is a ground-breaking partnership between the BBC and YouTube and "fantastic news for our audiences".
He added in a statement: "It's essential that the BBC embraces new ways of reaching wider audiences with non-exclusive partnerships such as these."
The BBC channel will include news clips along with short-form promotional content linked to popular programmes such as Doctor Who. Video diaries by stars of the shows - including tours of the sets - will also appear.
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The BBC Worldwide entertainment channel will show clips from shows such as Top Gear and Spooks, along with factual programmes and a "limited amount of advertising".
BBC World will offer around 30 news clips per day to users outside of the UK and will also be funded through advertising.
Users will be able to rate videos and recommend them to others in the same way as with other YouTube content.
Comments
There are 3 comments. Join the discussion
1. Keith Mawdsley
I don't mind the Beeb using advertising on the web if I can ignore it - if they want to put it in-between my viewing time then it's a no-go. Have you tried Topgear's website - pain in the neck with the popup ads - so I don't go there much now.
2. Richard Percival
As an expat Brit in California I can say that this is perhaps very good news. The current offering available on TV cable, called BBC America is truly dire (think three antiques roadshows back to back, followed by changing rooms and just occasionally an ancient Fawlty Towers episode) - absolutely no access on satellite. Have been toying with setting up a TVoIP link with a relative in the UK to do remote access with time-shifting box, but what a hassle! I just hope the streaming technology can be brought up to something that is actually watchable on my 100Hz TV set.
3. anonymous
Why should BBC World contect be limited to those "outside the UK", and how is that enforceable on the web?
Sounds as if the BBC do not understand the vehicle they wish to use.