Sports Figures Among Celebrities To Be Featured On YouTube's New Channels

Google on Friday announced the "creation of around 100 online video 'channels' on its YouTube website that will have new original programming involving" such celebrities as TNT NBA analyst Shaquille O'Neal and skateboarder Tony Hawk, according to Efrati & Schuker of the WALL STREET JOURNAL. The venture, "in partnership with dozens of media companies, Hollywood production companies, and online-video creators, will generate about 25 hours of new, original programming a day on YouTube." Sources said that YouTube is "paying more than $100 million in advances to content partners" (WALL STREET JOURNAL, 10/29). Sources said that some of the channels "will come online in November," but many others "will not be ready until 2012." The channels, "like other professional content on YouTube, will be free for viewers and will be supported by advertisers" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/29). Included among YouTube's partners for the channels are WWE, SB Nation and Red Bull Media House North America (TECHCRUNCH.com, 10/28).