Google and TV

November 3, 2011

Last year, we worked on a project about Google’s rich media plans. We uncovered a number of interesting initiatives, including a wild and crazy plan to provide back office services to those who would make motion pictures. Alas, that information is part of our for fee service. We can, however, offer several observations based on the announcement that Google is cutting deals for original content. The idea is that YouTube.com will become the next big thing in television, cable, entertainment, etc.

It’s the new face of search at Google: browsing for shows. PhysOrg.com reveals the company’s plans for a key asset in “YouTube Making Deals for Original Content: Report.” Discussing a recent Wall Street Journal article, the write-up reports that YouTube will soon announce content-producing partnerships with media companies and celebrities:

The Journal, citing people familiar with the matter, said expected media partners include IAC/InterActiveCorp.’s Electus, News Corp.’s ShineReveille unit, RTL Group’s FremantleMedia Ltd., skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and “CSI” creator Anthony Zuiker.

An interesting collection; I think we can look forward to some innovative new programming here. Probably some flops, too. Maybe lots of flops. The approach triggered three ideas or thoughts:

Throw lots of content out “there” and see what works
Googlers have a non consumer approach in many of their products and services and this play is the very opposite of some competitors’ angle of attack
How will some of these high profile individuals produce content to fill a “channel”. Video takes time, money, and, oh, did I mention time.

YouTube, bought by Google in 2006, is the king of amateur video. However, it is up against some real powerhouses in the professional arena. Amazon, Hulu, Netflix, and iTunes are all fighting tooth and nail for digital domination. The “real” television industry is in the game for keeps too just like the nice people sitting around pools in Los Angeles May the best streamer win!

And search? Hmmm.

Cynthia Murrell November 2, 2011

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Stephen E. Arnold monitors search, content processing, text mining and related topics from his high-tech nerve center in rural Kentucky. He tries to winnow the goose feathers from the giblets. He works with colleagues worldwide to make this Web log useful to those who want to go "beyond search". Contact him at sa [at] arnoldit.com. His Web site with additional information about search is arnoldit.com.