BBC Close To Google Deal

BBC programmes could be made available via a branded channel on Google’s video sharing site, with the two media giants said to be in talks to decide a deal.

Executives at the Corporation are said to be keen that the deal, which involves BBC Worldwide and the BBC, is eventually expanded to include putting content on Google-owned YouTube (see Google Buys YouTube).

BBC Worldwide is understood to be looking at commercial options for the agreement, such as a share on contextual advertising that will run alongside BBC content. The BBC will use Google Video as a vehicle to raise the profile of its content by posting clips of popular programming.

Last July, Google rolled out eight country-specific versions of Google Video in Europe and signed up content partners including ITN, IMG Media, A&E and Buena Visa International Europe.

Several large broadcasters in the US have similar arrangements with Google-owned YouTube, including CBS, which claimed 200,000 extra viewers for The Late Show With David Letterman after clips from the show were posted on the video-sharing website.

BBC: 020 8743 8000 www.bbc.co.uk Google: 020 7031 3000 www.google.co.uk