BBC to put comedy on Google Video?

MediaGuardian.co.uk reports that the BBC is in advanced negotiations with Google to make its programming available via a branded channel on Google Video and maybe further down the line on YouTube as well.

It is understood that BBC executives are keen to do a deal with the search giant so they can use the service as a vehicle to raise the profile of its content. The Beeb are no doubt attempting to copy the success of CBS in the US which has claimed it now gets an extra 200,000 viewers to its late evening shows thanks to the clips it puts up on YouTube.

If the deal goes ahead it is understood the BBC will be putting up much of its new comedy content onto the site for fans to watch for free as well as short teaser clips from older comedy series being released on DVDs by 2entertain (the new name of BBC Worldwide).