From CNet:
New studies claim that online video is driving viewers away from broadcast television. But at least one network thinks it may have found a way to reverse that trend.
CBS inked a deal with YouTube in October, and since then has uploaded more than 300 clips. Those clips have been viewed 29.2 million times, the companies said in a press release.
But what may be more important to CBS is a related spike in ratings for the broadcast versions of the shows. “Late Show with David Letterman” has added 200,000 new viewers, and “The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson” has gained 100,000 viewers, since the YouTube postings started.
“Professional content seeds YouTube and allows an open dialogue between established media players and a new set of viewers. We believe this inflection point is the precursor to many exciting developments as we continue to build bridges rather than construct walls,” Quincy Smith, president of CBS Interactive, said in a release.
It’s so much more enjoyable to watch David Letterman and Craig Ferguson on YouTube than trying to navigate around the Comedy Central Website to view Daily Show clips – and I’d usually much rather watch Daily Show Clips.
