Google Adds Warner, Sony Music Videos

NEW YORK — Google Inc. on Monday announced it signed content deals with Warner Music Group and Sony BMG Music Entertainment to show music video's on the search leader's video site.

Google has been rumored to be in talks to acquire YouTube, a video-sharing startup company, for several days. On Monday morning, YouTube announced several content partnerships of its own, including one with Sony BMG.

Google said its ad-supported video site will offer thousands of Sony BMG music videos, along with Warner Music videos, behind-the-sceens footage and other artist-related content, under two separate revenue-sharing agreements.

The company said users can also purchase and download Warner Music video clips.

Google added that in coming months, Web sites on its AdSense network will also be able to display music videos from both companies, generating additional advertising revenue.

Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

The Mountain View, Calif.-based search company said it also plans to develop technology to let users mix some of the content from music companies into their own amateur videos.

Monday's YouTube deals allowed for similar use of copyrighted materials. YouTube also announced technology that lets copyright holders track down unauthorized video clips.

Shares of Google Inc. rose $8.30, or 2 percent, to $429.80 in morning trading on the Nasdaq. Warner Music Group's stock fell 32 cents to $26.51 on the New York Stock Exchange, and Sony American Depositary Shares lost 23 cents at $37.55.

© 2006 The Associated Press
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/fn/4245718.html