Broadcast giant BBC began showing excerpts from its news and entertainment programs on the YouTube video-sharing Web site, becoming the first international broadcaster to ink a major deal with the Google-owned portal, an Associated Press report said.
The Associated Press report said in an agreement that analysts described as a key step for both the BBC and YouTube, the British broadcaster is offering three branded channels on the site, including one showing up to 30 news clips a day.
The deal gives the BBC access to millions more viewers and gives YouTube the credibility of the venerable British broadcaster, the report said.
'It's an easy win-win,' Chris
The report also quoted BBC director general Mark Thompson as saying that the broadcaster hopes to drive extra traffic to its own Web site and bring in commercial revenue to supplement the license fee levied on British taxpayers.
One of the new YouTube channels, 'BBC Worldwide,' will show clips from hit BBC programs including motor show 'Top Gear,' spy drama 'Spooks' and nature documentaries presented by David Attenborough, the report said.