BBC Worldwide launches 'Top Gear' channel on YouTube

by Nikki Sandison, Brand Republic 18-Aug-08, 10:40

LONDON - BBC Worldwide is launching a 'Top Gear' channel on YouTube, showcasing classic moments from the motoring show such as the epic race between a Bugatti Veyron and a light aircraft.

It marks the first time BBC Worldwide has launched a dedicated section on YouTube for a single programme brand and reflects 'Top Gear's' global popularity, with versions of the programme airing in Australia and NBC planning an American version.

The 'Top Gear' channel will also include celebrity interviews from the show with the likes of Jamiroquai and Simon Cowell, who have raced on the show.

BBC Worldwide said that the 'Top Gear' channel will complement its existing YouTube page and create an official online space for one of its biggest brands.

'Top Gear' content on the existing BBC Worldwide YouTube channel has already proven to be popular with one clip of Jeremy Clarkson driving the Arial Atom generating over 3m views in the past year.

New content to be added on the channel will include the race between an Aston Martin DB9 and a train to Monte Carlo, the team's attempt to cross the English Channel in converted cars and their attempt to buy a decent Porsche for under £1500.

The channel will also feature content from the presenters' other shows such as 'Jeremy Clarkson's MotorWorld', 'Clarkson's Car Years' and 'Richard Hammond meets Evil Knievel'.

Simon Danker, director of digital media at BBC Worldwide, said: "'Top Gear' has a massive audience across the globe so we thought it was time it had its own place on YouTube.

"The BBC Worldwide YouTube channel has already proven its value to users, having generated millions of views since its launch in March last year. We're now expanding our portfolio of YouTube channels to reflect the massive online popularity of certain programme brands and to give fans of shows like 'Top Gear' a dedicated destination on YouTube."

Comments

ryan mcl - 20/08/2008

Its great to see the BBC using may different 'channels' to distribute Top Gear coverage We've got BBC2, Dave, iPlayer and now youtube, not to mention the DVD's and magazine Its one of the few shows that i bother to watch and really enjoy and the fact i can watch it whenever i want is a bonus