YouTube is hoping to turn to original content as a way of making content for Google TV and otherwise drawing in viewers, sources said Wednesday. The Google video site is planning to launch about 20 “premium” channels that would have roughly five to ten hours of unique content every week.
The deals would most likely lean towards major professional content, including using actors represented by Creative Artists, William Morris, and ICM. Deals would be broad and focus more on established producers and directors than any one actor.
The move would explain YouTube’s decision to buy Next New Networks. Although ostensibly to help independents and others find their footing for YouTube videos, the podcasting veteran will now likely help YouTube itself produce content that it could use as a draw.
The moved is aimed to help drive video on TV-sized hardware, including not just Google TV but any YouTube-aware TV or a media hub. Google TV may need it as most TV networks block the OS from their regular web video pages and have left the Android-based platform without much professional content to watch.
