Peacock decides if it can't beat 'em, join 'em.
The Web has snared a bird.
The latest illustration of the Internet's power can be seen in a deal NBC has made with online video site YouTube. The peacock network will create an "official" NBC Channel on YouTube and broadcast its fall previews for The Office.
Over the course of the next year, NBC will upload clips and promos for Saturday Night Live, The Office, and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. YouTube will also promote NBC on its site.
NBC will also launch a special contest for The Office, wherein YouTube users are encouraged to create their own 20-second promo clip for the sitcom. The contest runs now through July 21, and the network will feature the winning clip on air in August, during an episode of The Office.
"The YouTube and NBC partnership symbolizes what can happen when traditional media companies and new media companies find common ground," John Miller, Chief Marketing Officer, NBC Universal Television Group, said in a statement.
"We are delighted to work with NBC on an official basis. Bringing more entertaining and exclusive content to YouTube helps further our goal of providing the best video entertainment experience on the Internet," added Chad Hurley, cofounder and CEO of YouTube.
The marriage between the two got off to a rocky start.
In February, NBC Universal ordered YouTube to remove hundreds of clips the network said violated its copyrights. The main offender was a Saturday Night Live video short titled "Lazy Sunday," which featured the novel concept of white guys rapping. "Sunday" was streamed millions of times by Tube users, and for a brief moment SNL was again in the minds of the public. NBC, however, didn't see the benefit.
In his statement, Miller referenced the incident.
"We applaud YouTube for their continued willingness to work with us to remove any unauthorized NBC content and protect our copyrighted material. We are thrilled to be partnering with this forward-thinking company," he said.
YouTube is proving to be a staging ground for TV talent. Earlier this month, Carson Daly swooped down and picked up YouTube contributor Brooke Brodack to develop and pitch projects for his production company.
