NBC removes YouTube channel
NBC is taking a multi-pronged approach to online video. While you'll be able to watch clips and possibly full length videos on Hulu, the network also plans to launch an ad-supported download service. You can also pay to download NBC content from Amazon Unbox.
But we have to say, eliminating the YouTube channel seems like a bad idea. While Saturday Night Live clips including Lazy Sunday and (anatomical part) in a Box were huge hits on YouTube, the network probably got more publicity from the clips than YouTube.
The best way to drum up publicity for your TV programs and to generate online revenue from advertising/direct downloads is to offer up your content in as many places as possible -- especially the places where the eyeballs are already hanging out like YouTube. Hulu may or may not become a huge success. But millions of people are already using YouTube. And the site is making it easier and easier for content owners to monetize their videos. So why pull a sure thing in order to pave the way for an untested new service?
