Regional U.S. TV network Hearst-Argyle Television and Google's YouTube recently announced a revenue-sharing deal to run the network's news, weather and entertainment videos and original Hearst television programming on YouTube. The arrangement marks YouTube's first distribution agreement with an independent television broadcaster.
"We're constantly looking at innovative ways to not only bring the YouTube community the best content out there, but also to find ways to bring them the most relevant programming," said Jordan Hoffner, head of premium content partnerships for YouTube, in a statement. "Local creates relevance, and this agreement will ultimately deliver Hearst-Argyle's programming to an even broader audience looking for local content."
Hearst-Argyle owns 29 local TV stations in the United States affiliated with Walt Disney's ABC, GE's NBC, CBS Corp. and News Corp.'s MyNetworkTV broadcast TV networks. Revenue will be generated from advertising; however specific financial details remained undisclosed.
Despite being in the middle of legal battle with media owners including conglomerate Viacom Inc and the English Football Association, YouTube continues to expand its service offerings. Last week the popular video website scored a deal with EMI allowing YouTube users to watch and play authorized videos and recordings from EMI artists, as well as incorporate elements of these videos in their own content. Apple also announced last week a free software update that will allow the Apple TV to play YouTube videos.