Google To Buy YouTube?
According to the Wall Street Journal and TechCrunch, the “do no evil” company that self-censors content for Chinese customers is in talks to buy a video service that censors content for liberals. Rumored valuation is $1.6B.
10/9 Update: The WSJ says the $1.65B deal will be announced after the market closes today.
10/9 After Market Close Update: It's a done deal. Reportedly YouTube will remain relatively independent within the Google hegemony. No news on whether YouTube will cease “doing evil.”
When the acquisition is complete, YouTube will retain its distinct brand identity, strengthening and complementing Google’s own fast-growing video business. YouTube will continue to be based in San Bruno, CA, and all YouTube employees will remain with the company. With Google’s technology, advertiser relationships and global reach, YouTube will continue to build on its success as one of the world's most popular services for video entertainment.
This does not bode well for a lack of evil:
The separate agreements with CBS, Vivendi's Universal Music Group and Sony BMG Music Entertainment come less than a month after YouTube reached a deal with Warner Music Group Corp. On Friday, Google was reported to be in talks to acquire the video site for $1.6 billion.
So, now we have “fake but accurate” CBS and “rootkit” Sony in the mix with “no gun rights” CNN/Time-Warner.
Do I have any more high-tech bridges I can burn in this posting?
Josh Poulson
Posted Friday, Oct 6 2006 08:43 AM
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