YouTube plans to align with the stars
YouTube is moving into offering more original content on the video site by creating about 100 new online “channels” that will offer programming created in conjunction with some of the biggest celebrities in the entertainment industry. The Wall Street Journal reported that the new venture involves YouTube, which is owned by Google Inc., partnering with several media, Hollywood production and online-video companies to develop programming for the channels. Most of the channels are expected to launch in 2012 and create about 25 hours of original programming a day for YouTube. Among the celebrities said to be developing content for the new channels are Madonna and Ashton Kutcher.