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The BBC has revealed a significant partnership with YouTube that will lead to the creation of content specifically designed for the popular video streaming platform. While the BBC has long used YouTube, owned by Google, to promote segments and teasers of its programming within the UK, this fresh agreement marks a shift toward developing original material targeted at YouTube’s younger, digitally native audience. Although primarily intended for YouTube, some of these new programs may also be accessible on the BBC’s iPlayer and Sounds services.
This new lineup will showcase a variety of genres, including entertainment, news, and sports, kicking off with coverage of the Winter Olympics set for February. According to a joint statement from YouTube and the BBC, the collaboration aims to highlight “the best homegrown storytelling and news from across the BBC.” Notably, adverts will accompany videos viewed outside the UK, creating additional revenue streams to support the BBC at a time when its funding structure faces scrutiny and ongoing debate.
Tim Davie, Director General of the BBC, expressed enthusiasm about the deal’s potential to help the broadcaster engage audiences in innovative ways. He explained, “We’re building from a strong start and this takes us to the next level, with bold homegrown content in formats audiences want on YouTube and an unprecedented training programme to upskill the next generation of YouTube creators from across the UK.” Additionally, Davie emphasized that the partnership will provide new pathways for diverse audiences to access BBC services like iPlayer and Sounds. This initiative also aligns with government efforts, as the BBC and YouTube plan to nurture future talent through a training program led by the National Film and Television School, inviting 150 media professionals to refine their skills via workshops and events.
Pedro Pina, YouTube’s vice president for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, highlighted the innovative nature of the partnership. He said they were “delighted” to collaborate with the BBC to “redefine the boundaries of digital storytelling,” translating the broadcaster’s world-class content for digital-first viewers while expanding its impact among younger and global audiences. Pina also stressed that the training program reflects a long-term investment in the creative sector, aiming to empower the UK’s next generation of content creators and pave the way for future storytellers to thrive on a global stage.
Recent data shows that YouTube’s UK viewership has grown significantly, surpassing the combined audience of all BBC services on certain metrics, as reported by the ratings agency Barb in December, with 52 million viewers compared to the BBC’s 51 million. Furthermore, research from last summer indicated that platforms like social media and video networks have become primary news sources in countries such as the US, overtaking traditional television and news websites. The new agreement between YouTube and the BBC encompasses both the corporation’s domestic public service broadcasting operations and international content produced by BBC Studios. Meanwhile, the UK government continues to review the BBC’s funding model, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy stating last year that the licence fee is “unenforceable” and that “no options are off the table” in revising how the broadcaster is financed
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