January 21st, 2010 10:31 pm

Google to compete with TV networks for sports coverage

Google has signed a two-year global deal to stream live and on-demand coverage of all 60 Twenty20 Indian Premier League matches on YouTube.

Google are set to compete with TV broadcasters this year, after securing a two-year global contract for the Twenty20 Indian Premier League.

The internet giant will begin offering live and on-demand video coverage of all 60 matches on YouTube when the competition begins on March 12.

Last year, the IPL averaged 40,000 to 50,000 viewers per match on Network Ten’s digital channel One HD, the Australian television broadcaster of the IPL.

With another four years left in their contract, Network Ten don’t seem to be too afraid of Google’s entrance into the game. The network believes that the YouTube deal will simply compliment their extensive coverage of the IPL.

“Online and mobile give sports fans the chance to follow the action regardless of where they are,” said Ten spokeswoman Jeannette McLoughlin. “Viewers prefer to see the broadcast in its full glory on a TV screen.”

Google’s deal with the IPL is believed to be just the beginning of a more aggressive push to make YouTube a premier online TV destination.

“We’re investing heavily in YouTube and look forward to making similar content more readily to YouTube,” said Google Australia’s head of business development Ryan Hall.

Last October, YouTube streamed a U2 concert live from the Rose Bowl, California — the largest event in the company’s history. The one-off show generated over 10 million streams across 7 continents, including Australia.

More recently, the video search engine partnered with Katalyst Films and advertiser Hewlett Packard, to host the unseen episodes of US TV network The CW’s cancelled drama series ‘The Beautiful Life’. The pilot episode has already seen over half a million hits in just over a month.

Online video content is expected to be in high demand this year, with the majority of new televisions, Blu-ray players and game consoles being sold having internet and YouTube connectivity.

Hall said Google was looking to buy all types of content including entertainment, music and live sport events to stream and provide on-demand via YouTube.

Source: The Australian