NBC will use the YouTube video-sharing site to promote its fall television lineup in a strategic partnership that further underscores the Internet’s growing role in generating buzz around traditional media shows.
Even with the deal, announced Tuesday, YouTube visitors are not likely to find legal clips of “Lazy Sunday,” the “Saturday Night Live” parody rap that circulated widely on YouTube and other video-sharing sites before NBC Universal lawyers requested their removal.
Rather, the deal will highlight promos made by or for NBC. They may include clips from new shows or old ones such as “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” behind-the-scenes interviews and other features largely exclusive to the Internet. NBC also is sponsoring a contest for fans of “The Office” to create their own promotional videos.
“The distinction between television and video is becoming murkier and murkier,” said John Miller, chief marketing officer for the NBC Universal Television Group. “Rather than putting our heads in the sand and saying this doesn’t exist, we’re trying to jump in and embrace it.”
That’s a good idea I guess…