YouTube Nabs Exclusive TV Deal

YouTube is beginning to look more like a cable TV channel and less like a ghetto video site. The company announced a deal on Monday under which a U.K.-based TV producer will create new programs exclusively for YouTube, according to a Reuters report. Fremantle Media, producer of British TV hits such as "Neighbours" and "Idols" […]

YouTube is beginning to look more like a cable TV channel and less like a ghetto video site. The company announced a deal on Monday under which a U.K.-based TV producer will create new programs exclusively for YouTube, according to a Reuters report.

Fremantle Media, producer of British TV hits such as "Neighbours" and "Idols" will also participate in the YouTube VideoID program, which scans the site for copyrighted material and lets the owner decide to leave it up and serve ads or have the videos removed.

While Fremantle declined to discuss the value of the YouTube arrangement, the head of Fremantle's new media division commented to Reuters that the "American Idol" web site made $13 million last year.

This isn't Fremantle first experiment with YouTube. The production unit already distributes a few programs on the site, including "The X Factor" which enjoys tremendous promotion on the U.K. version of YouTube.