BBC Global News is to introduce six video news channels on YouTube, extending its relationship with the online video community. The channels in Russian, Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, Persian and Urdu will join the existing BBC World News channel.
“This deal reflects BBC Global News’ determination to reach and engage with audiences across the world in unique and pioneering ways, said Jim Egan, director of strategy and business development, BBC Global News.
In the linear television environment the BBC runs news channels in English and Arabic with a new Persian TV network scheduled to launch in the next few months.
The £70 million three-year government grant was at the expense of foreign language radio services, but with short wave listening figures in decline, the YouTube extension provides a neat way of reaching new audiences.
