Endemol invest £25m in ‘premium online channel network’

Endemol, producer of Big Brother and Deal or no Deal, has announced an initial investment of over £25 million in a new global venture to expand the company’s digital video operations.

‘Endemol Beyond’ will create a “premium network” of “connected international and local channels” across platforms such as YouTube, Yahoo, AOL, MSN and Dailymotion.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the company said the new venture will invest in “high-end original productions” in an effort to engage leading talent and develop international brand partnerships.

The new channels will be themed by genres including comedy, entertainment and fashion and will include some select third-party programming. They will also build upon the more than 100 YouTube channels the company already operates with partners including Sony Music and Mazda.

“We’re a global content creator across all platforms, and we want to further invest in our own creativity and IP to stay innovative,” said Tim Hincks, president of Endemol Group.

“This scaling up of our online digital video ambition is one of the most exciting journeys Endemol has embarked on and we have the international network, the talent and the imagination to make it happen worldwide.”