YouTube Courts Independent Musicians
YouTube launches a program Wednesday aimed at luring independent musicians to its Web site. It offers independent artists an easy way to create their own home page or channel, and to share in the ad revenues generated by their videos. The Los Angeles Times reports YouTube's move is part of a larger push to become an "entertainment destination" that generates revenue, and not just a repository for homemade cat videos.
RENEE MONTAGNE, host:
NPR's business news starts with a battle for the bands.
(Soundbite of music)
MONTAGNE: YouTube is expected to launch a new program today aimed at luring independent musicians to its site. The Los Angeles Times reports that YouTube will offer independent artists an easy way to create their own home page or channel, and to share in the ad revenues generated by their videos. YouTube is moving in on the social networking site MySpace, which has been the dominate place for independent musicians who want to promote themselves online.
The Times says YouTube's move is part of a larger push to become an entertainment destination that generates revenue, and not just a repository for homemade cat videos. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright National Public Radio.
