YouTube launches paid channel in major shake-up of online video

Until now, the Google-owned site has relied solely on advertising to generate revenues from the more than 1 billion viewers who watch its 1 million-plus channels every month.
Under the new scheme, 30 video creators will be able to charge between 99 cents and 7.99 dollars a month to view their channels with an average monthly subscription of 2.99 dollars.
Users get a free 14-day trial period and can pay the monthly fee via Google Wallet, the credit card-supported service which Google uses to collect for its other paid content such as smart phone app or international calls over Google Voice.
Subscribers can access the channels on their computers, smart phones, tablets and Internet-connected televisions. Over time, other YouTube content creators will be able to opt into the subscription program, the company said.
Among the launch partners are the producers of Sesame Street and the Ultimate Fighting Championship. But major media players like Comcast Universal, ABC, and CBS were absent from the service, which could compete with conventional cable as well as web favourites such as Netflix and Hulu.com, where their programming is already available.//DPA