Channel 4has signed a deal with YouTube that will
make the broadcaster's programmes available for free on the
video-sharing site.
It is the first time a broadcaster has made its programmes
available on the site. Channel 4 expects to increase its
advertising revenue and audience size with the deal, which starts
early next year.
YouTube announced last week it is now streaming over one billion
videos every day, and the channel hopes the 20m UK
YouTube users will boost viewing figures.
Channel 4 is not revealing the value of the deal but said that
programmes would only be available in the UK and that advertising
revenue would be split between the two companies.
Nikesh Arora, president of global sales operations and business
development at Youtube's owner Google, said, "Channel 4 have been
visionary in their online strategy and are consistently at the
forefront of new uses of YouTube to engage their viewers and unlock
new revenue streams. This significant new agreement brings Channel
4's great full length content to the YouTube community, helping
Channel 4 to grow their online revenues and to continue to invest
in the creation of high quality original content."
Andy Duncan, Channel 4's chief executive, said "Making our
programmes directly accessible to YouTube's 20 million UK users
will financially benefit both Channel 4 and our independent
production partners and help bolster our investment in quality
British content."