BBC Group and YouTube have announced a new strategic partnership, focused on investments in new programming, collaborating to showcase more BBC moments that bring the UK together on YouTube, and upskilling the next generation of future creators and producers from across the UK.
Partnering with YouTube is part of the BBC’s value for all strategy, ensuring more BBC content is accessible to all audiences where they are, in addition to its hugely successful services such as BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds, where the new programming will launch at the same time.
However, having said that and with plenty of people unhappy to be forced to pay the License Fee to watch live broadcasts (even when they’re not on the BBC), with traditional TV, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, and now YouTube (not to mention Channels like Dave that stream many BBC repeats), they are going to be spreading content far and wide in their quest for viewers.
BBC YouTube activities focus
The BBC will expand its YouTube activities, focusing on four areas:
- Build targeted communities for UK children and young adults – with the launch of new targeted channels including Deepwatch (w/t), featuring new and existing BBC documentaries and seven new children’s channel including The Epic Facts channel featuring content from CBBC’s Operation Ouch, Horrible Histories, Horrible Science and Deadly 60
- Promote key BBC programme brands – especially for those people that don’t come to the BBC often to ensure they get value from the BBC
- Deliver trusted, high quality news – by providing news that cuts through the noise with new global channels, real-time live story streams and innovative story formats
- Drive commercial growth through global fandoms – through a deeper connection with fans and partnerships with brands, partners and creators
It’s essential that everyone gets value from the BBC, and this groundbreaking partnership will help us connect with audiences in new ways. We’re building from a strong start and this takes us to the next level, with bold homegrown content in formats audiences want on YouTube and an unprecedented training programme to upskill the next generation of YouTube creators from across the UK. Importantly, this partnership also allows new audiences different routes into BBC services like BBC iPlayer and Sounds.
– Tim Davie, Director-General, BBC
We are delighted to partner with the BBC to redefine the boundaries of digital storytelling. This partnership translates the BBC’s world-class content for a digital-first audience, ensuring its cultural impact reaches a younger, more global audience. Beyond the content, our first-of-its-kind training programme represents a deep investment in the UK’s creative pipeline designed to empower the next generation of British talent to lead the global creator economy. In doing so, we are not just telling the stories of today; we are building the stage for the storytellers of tomorrow.
– Pedro Pina, VP EMEA, YouTube
