Key facts
- The BBC News channel is now available to stream live on YouTube in the UK and US.
- This trial aims to expand access to "trusted, impartial journalism" on platforms people use daily.
- The BBC News channel is already available on YouTube in Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland.
- The move is part of the BBC's strategy to reach younger, digitally-native audiences.
- BBC News's director of AI, innovation and growth, Anjali Kapoor, stated the goal is to reach new audiences.
- The BBC's director general, Matt Brittin, has previously called the TV licence model "a busted flush".
The BBC News channel has launched a live stream on YouTube for viewers in the UK and US, marking a significant expansion of its digital strategy. This trial, which began on Thursday, aims to broaden access to the broadcaster's journalism on platforms frequently used by audiences, particularly younger demographics.
The move follows similar launches in Australia, Kenya, Nigeria, and Poland, reflecting the BBC's effort to adapt to the changing media landscape where audiences increasingly consume content across various digital platforms. BBC News's director of AI, innovation and growth, Anjali Kapoor, emphasized the importance of meeting audiences where they are, stating that "audiences increasingly expect news to be available wherever they are, on the platforms they use throughout their day."
This initiative is also seen as a strategic effort to combat disinformation prevalent on social media and to signal the BBC's commitment to its mission of providing trusted news to a wider audience, potentially influencing ongoing discussions about its future funding model post-2027. The BBC News channel, which merged with BBC World News in 2023, was first launched as BBC News 24 in 1997. Ofcom's latest report indicated YouTube has become the UK's second most-watched media service, highlighting the platform's reach.
However, the enforcement of the UK's TV licence requirement for viewers watching the live stream on YouTube remains a challenge for the BBC. The corporation's director general, Matt Brittin, has previously voiced concerns about the traditional TV licence model, calling it "a busted flush" and "no longer fit for purpose."