It would appear that video-sharing Web site YouTube is angling for a slice of the more traditional broadcast pie following news that the hugely popular Google-owned service will soon offer its own selection of live channels.
YouTube expects live streaming service to arrive in November of 2008. Credit: jorge.hipster/Flickr.
Though live YouTube channels have long been rumoured as an upcoming addition to the site, UK publication the Manchester Evening News reports that YouTube co-founder Steve Chen recently made a more official announcement during a swanky party in New York.
“We’ve never had the resources to do it correctly,” commented Chen in a video captured during the party, “but now, with Google, we hope to actually do it this year.”
Online search giant Google Inc. acquired YouTube in 2006 for $1.65 billion USD. In terms of subsequent online exposure, YouTube and its 73 million video clips are now placed second only to Google search in terms of the world’s most visited Web sites.
Any introduction of live channels on YouTube would likely lead to the site’s users being able to create all kinds of unique programming rather than merely posting impromptu videos and brief personal clips.
It’s also possible that YouTube might use emergent live content streaming to expand its reach through more conventional media broadcasting, enabling users to watch all kinds of news, current affairs and entertainment content.
Of course, YouTube has not yet officially confirmed its live streaming service, although industry expectation suggests that live channels could well be up and running by November of 2008.
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