James Delahunty
10 Dec 2006 15:10
Fox, Viacom Inc., CBS Corp. and NBC Universal are reportedly in talks about creating a video service that would in some ways, rival YouTube's dominating position. The Wall Street Journal cites information from individuals close to the situation that suggests the four might launch a service that would offer content from their television networks. The networks seek to cut into the fast-growing market for video-based advertising online.
YouTube, which was acquired by Google in November for $1.65 billion boasts over 100 million daily views. It has become a resource for digital video enthusiasts to upload and share their homemade content with the world. Of course, as can be expected, the most popular content on the service is often pirated content from TV.
CBS and NBC have struck deals with YouTube while other companies have threatened legal action. Experts warn that services like YouTube will inevitably face numerous copyright infringement lawsuits if users continue to disregard the rules and copyright laws while uploading content.
Source:
Reuters