YouTube to power global iPlayer – Rumour

Mon Jun 1 2009, 18:35 PM

Google is reportedly holding talks with the BBC about launching an international version of the BBC’s iPlayer, supported by Google-owned video site YouTube. UK viewers can already watch BBC content on YouTube, but only in short clip format. The new project could allow viewers from anywhere in the world to watch full-length BBC shows online, for free.

However, the BBC says there are a “significant number of obstacles” to such a scheme. Most challenging are the problems of obtaining international rights clearance for BBC content. Because of these difficulties, the BBC is claiming there are “no firm plans” for an international BBC iPlayer. However, reports that BBC director general Mark Thompson is leading talks with Google CEO Eric Schmidt suggest that the corporation is interested in the project.

YouTube is already thought to be working with the BBC’s commercial arm, BBC Worldwide. The project could see BBC Worldwide content appear in full-length form on YouTube. BBC Worldwide already owns international licences for its content, meaning this scheme faces fewer hurdles than unified global iPlayer project. YouTube is also reportedly talking with several UK broadcasters, including the BBC, on a project to host full-length UK TV content.

YouTube’s motivation for holding talks is to secure more premium content and so increase its ad revenues. Advertisers are typically suspicious of user-generated content, which makes up the bulk of YouTube’s catalogue. As Google attempts to cash in on its hugely popular video asset, the rush to bring premium content online is intensifying.

YouTube is refusing to confirm reports of a global iPlayer project. However, the video site described the BBC as one of its “oldest partners”, and admitted that it has worked with the corporation on various schemes to promote and distribute BBC content in the past two years.