Google closes video shop

ITN will distribute more than a thousand video clips for free via YouTube after Google announced it would end its paid-for online video service. [ALL]

ITN will distribute more than a thousand video clips for free via YouTube after Google announced it would end its paid-for online video service.

ITN was among the content partners at Google Video's international launch last summer, providing a mix of archive material and web-only short-form packages of contemporary content.

Other partners such as US network NBC and UK indie Talkback Thames are expected to follow suit, at least to promote programmes with short clips.

Google has sold video content on the site in the US since January last year.

Programmes on offer included Survivor, CSIand Star Trek, which were available for around $1.99 (£1) per episode.

Less relevant

Google bought YouTube for $1.65bn at the end of 2006. The purchase has been seen to render Google Video's similarly-pitched, but less wide-ranging content, less relevant.

An ITN Source spokeswoman said: 'It was a good shop window for our content rather than a way to make money. By offering the content on YouTube, we still hope to direct people to our site to see more.'

But Google's move is likely to upset some users.

People who have bought or rented content will be unable to view their videos and will receive fixed credit on online payment system Google Checkout rather than refunds.

Google Video will continue to host free videos including user-generated content, supported by advertising revenues.