C4 pulls YouTube content

UK broadcaster Channel 4 has pulled its full-length programming from YouTube, as it refocuses attentions on its own VoD service 4oD.

The broadcaster has removed shows such as Gogglebox, Peep Show and Big Fat Gypsy Weddings from its C4, E4 and More4 YouTube pages, although it will continue to offer short-form content via new strands like 4Shorts and Mashed.

C4 posted a message on its YouTube channel informing users about the move.

“As a not-for-profit broadcaster funded by advertising, we put our money back into the programmes themselves,” the message read. “To make the best of this investment, we’ve decided to focus on bringing online viewers of our full-length shows to our own 4oD apps.”

The move marks the end of a landmark agreement between C4 and YouTube that was struck in 2009 – the first time a broadcaster agreed to offer full-length shows via the service. YouTube UK added a TV shows section in 2010 following that deal, which ultimately foiled Hulu’s hopes of entering the market.