YouTube announces 60 TV channels at MIPCOM

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The big buzz at international TV content market MIPCOM last week was the news that Google-owned YouTube is to launch 60 new video channels across its service. The news, which came during a keynote by Google head of content Robert Kyncl, is the extension of an internet TV strategy first announced last year.

The channel launches, (dubbed YouTube Original Channels) will see new services such as The Jamie Oliver Food Channel. There are also link ups with content companies like Hat Trick, All3Media, Endemol and ITN, the latter via a citizen journalism service called Truthloader. The BBC’s commercial arm BBC Worldwide is also in on the expansion, via two channels (nature and science-based).

Daniel Heaf, EVP & Managing Director Digital at BBC Worldwide commented: “BBC Worldwide is very excited about expanding our successful relationship with YouTube (which already encompasses six BBC-based channels). Not only is it a place to distribute the best British content around the world it will, through our original content, be a place where we can experiment with new forms of creativity. We couldn’t be more thrilled at the prospects this brings our company, independent producers and audiences alike.”

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