More competition for NBCU/News Corp.’s Hulu: FremantleMedia, producer of “American Idol,” Brit soap opera "Neighbours" and other reality shows, has signed with YouTube to produce programs to be shown exclusively on the video-sharing site. Ad revenues will be split.
Fremantle, part of Europe’s RTL AUDK.LU broadcast group, said the deal would seal a partnership that has already begun with Fremantle YouTube channels for shows such as UK hit talent contest "The X Factor" and Australia’s "Hole in the Wall".
"Following a period of creative experimentation, FremantleMedia is cementing its relationship with us for content distribution," Patrick Walker, YouTube’s director of video partnerships in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, told Reuters.
Fremantle will use YouTube’s VideoID technology, which recognizes and scans YouTube for copyright-infringing video and then allows the copyright holder to block the video, leave it there to promote the content or place ads next to it.
Last month, YouTube forged a similar partnership with CBS Corp.
