[CMA TV] Google rolls out video store UK

[Michelle McGuire]

Google rolls out video store UK
Matt Hemley
12:00pm


Google has launched a new video online service allowing consumers to  
upload their own videos and view content from a selection of  
television networks and independent producers.

A number of UK media partners have signed up to the service including  
Talkback Thames and ITN. They will initially use the site -  
video.google.co.uk - to offer "free promotional excerpts".

Unlike the US version, Google Video Store, which launched in the  
beginning of January, there are no immediate plans to enable UK  
customers to rent or buy premium content.

ITN said it would take relevant content from its moving imagery  
business ITN Source, and find new ways to package through its  
multimedia division ITN On.

Mark Wood, chief executive of ITN, said: "As one of Google Video's  
original launch partners in the US earlier this year, ITN is very  
excited to enter into the next stage of global roll out of this  
unique service."

Alex Mahon, chief operating office of Talkback Thames, which is  
behind comedies Green Wing, Smack the Pony and Bo Selecta, said the  
site was a critical route to reach viewers directly and "promote  
content in brand new markets".

He said: "It also allows us to gain invaluable experience and  
knowledge of new audiences enabling us to more effectively target our  
content direct to the viewer".

Patrick Walker, Google Video's head of content, said more and more  
partners were joining up to be a part of Google Video, which is also  
being rolled out across much of Europe and Canada.

He stated, however, that the most important aspect of the site is  
that it will be user-generated, allowing anybody to upload their own  
video clips and share them with Google Video users worldwide. There  
is no limit to the file size that users can upload.

Joanna Shields, European director of partnerships, said: "The rise of  
online video is making it easier for people to express themselves. By  
launching Google Video in these new markets we will enable more  
people in more countries to search for, upload and share video  
content in more languages."


Source: www.broadcastnow.co.uk



Michelle McGuire
Editor, Airflash Magazine
http://www.commedia.org.uk
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