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Google’s YouTube Loses Content per Viacom

Posted at 10:25am EST on 02/02/2007

This just came in from Reuters, but Viacom, which operates MTV and Comedy Central, has asked Google’s YouTube to remove a lot of their copyrighted videos.

Viacom said its pirated programs on YouTube generate about 1.2 billion video streams, based on a study from an outside consultant.

That’s a lot of content that YouTube will be missing soon. Let’s see how it plays out in court if it goes that far.

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5 Responses to “Google’s YouTube Loses Content per Viacom”

  1. UrbanReason

    Feb 2nd, 2007

    Yeah, it’s a pretty bad thing to have more people watch your programming online than on TV. Viacom should be greatful for youTube, unless they have plans to make shows available on GoogleTV………

  2. Jonathan

    Feb 3rd, 2007

    In what regard do you think Viacom should be grateful?

    If I was Viacom, I would be furious just as they are doing because YouTube and Google Video has been displaying copyrighted material and Viacom hasn’t gotten any kick-baks for the content at all.

  3. shorty114

    Feb 4th, 2007

    I think it would be a good idea for YouTube/Google to start up a “TVTube” or something and share profits, etc. with the big media companies. That way, you leverage the audience of the web, and everyone gets money to take home with them.

    But I don’t know how feasible that would be. Why can’t Viacom just be like CBS and take it as good publicity?…

  4. UrbanReason

    Feb 4th, 2007

    Jonathan, the internet and on-demand video will inevitably replace traditional television and for many people it already is. I doubt, however, that Comedy Central is LOSING viewers to youTube. If anything youtube only serves to give greater publicity and viral buzz to their hit tv shows by highlighting moments from episodes that resonate with the audience.

    If full episodes were being posted on youTube and google video I’d be a little more empathetic. But that RARELY happens and all you see are “teasers” to shows that just make you want them in context. Unless Viacom has plans to unveil some sort of internet television service then I think they’re making a bad move by chopping off the internet buzz that surrounds their hit shows. Even networks that offer their shows online are to a certain extend not realizing the full potential of the internet. Right now youTube and the like are one of the greatest tools for networks to score new viewers without having to invest a penny.

  5. Jonathan

    Feb 5th, 2007

    Urban, I completely agree that on-demand video is replacing traditional television. But at the same time, I think that those broadcast stations will be moving too, not staying just with television.

    There is a large crowd of “old school” users that will never switch to purely online video, but rather stay with television. The next generation, you and me, think a little differently and the companies will need to adapt to that.

    I think they will adapt and move towards the Internet more and more.