The landmark move by the BBC will mark a gear change for the state broadcaster in a bid to stave off dwindling audiences. Viewers are increasingly flocking to streaming services
BBC bosses are getting ready to do a deal with YouTube which would see them produce telly programmes for the online platform in a TV first.
The landmark move will mark a gear change for the state broadcaster in a bid to stave off dwindling audiences because viewers have been lured to streaming services and content on the web.
Chiefs at the Beeb have recognised it makes more sense for them to work with the US-based global tech giant and are now planning to make bespoke shows for YouTube, which can later be aired on iPlayer. It would also mean the BBC could pull in more money in advertising through the new output being viewed outside the UK.
Auntie is not allowed to raise cash from selling ads in Britain but already does through content in other territories around the world, with Ireland being one example – adverts feature when punters view the website in that country.
Execs believe a deal would bolster their coffers alongside the licence fee, which provides the majority of funding for the corporation, and provide them with a war chest to fund more programming.
The BBC has been fighting against mega rich competition in recent years, esecially from streaming heavweights like Netflix, Disney + and Amazon Prime. Those platforms – along with YouTube – have become particularly popular with younger audiences, which the Beeb have been desperate to try and attract and hold on to.
Sources said that the shift to link-up with the video-sharing site will see a focus on that age group with content including shows for children and young adults as well as sport.
Last month, the number of people watching YouTube in the UK – 52 million – overtook the BBC’s combined channels for the first time, with rating agency Barb saying they amounted to 51m.
The BBC refused to comment.
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