Another huge streaming partnership has been announced, and this time it involves the BBC.
This week, the company announced a huge deal with YouTube, which will allow the BBC to produce entertainment content ‘aimed at YouTube's digital-native younger audience', according to the broadcasting giant. As early as February, the BBC will begin showing content on YouTube spanning entertainment, news, and sports, starting with the upcoming Winter Olympic Games.
Though the BBC ensures that some of this new content will still be available to view on iPlayer and Sounds, it raises a lot of questions about the company's ongoing business plan debate. As it stands, the BBC currently relies on the ÂĢ175 television license fee for its programming, but this deal with YouTube will see a major shift in its model.
Why is the BBC doing this?
As mentioned, the BBC has felt a need to rethink the way it connects with younger audiences, many of whom have swapped traditional TV viewing for the likes of the best streaming services. Paolo Pescatore, founder and analyst at PP Foresight, agrees, sharing, âThe BBC needs to reconnect, especially with younger audiences.”
Looks as though the BBC is abandoning public service broadcasting, right? Well, Abi Watson, Head of Publishing at Enders Analysis, believes otherwise, who told us, âIt has an obligation to produce creative, high-quality, distinctive content â and that isnât platform-specific, which does involve the BBC…