BBC and YouTube Announce “Groundbreaking” Deal for Channels, Winter Olympics

The BBC and YouTube are planning a “strategic partnership” as younger audiences continue to turn heavily to the video platform for their news and entertainment. The deal will reportedly include new channels, original content, and coverage for the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“It’s essential that everyone gets value from the BBC, and this groundbreaking partnership will help us connect with audiences in new ways,” BBC director-general Tim Davie said in a statement, per Variety.

“We’re building from a strong start and this takes us to the next level, with bold homegrown content in formats audiences want on YouTube and an unprecedented training program to upskill the next generation of YouTube creators from across the UK. Importantly, this partnership also allows new audiences different routes into BBC services like BBC iPlayer and Sounds.”

In his own statement, Pedro Pina, who is the VP, YouTube, for business across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), said he was “delighted to partner with the BBC to redefine the boundaries of digital storytelling.”

“This partnership translates the BBC’s world-class content for a digital-first audience, ensuring its cultural impact reaches a younger, more global audience,” Pina continued. “Beyond the content, our first-of-its-kind training program represents a deep investment in the UK’s creative pipeline designed to empower the next generation of British talent to lead the global creator economy. In doing so, we are not just telling the stories of today; we are building the stage for the storytellers of tomorrow.”