In the first deal of its kind, Google's YouTube and Hearst-Argyle Television announced Hearst will distribute news, weather and entertainment video to YouTube in a revenue-sharing arrangement. YouTube will pay licensing fees for the content and Hearst will receive an undisclosed portion of the ad revenue sold against the video clips it makes available. Both companies will be selling the inventory for the variety of ad options available, including banner, search and audio/video.
Five of Hearst-Argyle's biggest stations yesterday begin posting local video content to channels on YouTube. The stations include WCVB Boston, KCRA Sacramento, WTAE Pittsburgh, WBAL Baltimore and WMUR Manchester, NH. Other stations will follow.
The channels will include local television programming such as "Chronicle," on WCVB, one of New England's most honored television programs. YouTube will also serve as a platform to support Hearst-Argyle's new digital video initiatives including high school football, basketball and local amateur entertainment as well.
