CBC, Fullscreen create digital partnership

Canadian pubcaster CBC and digital content company Fullscreen have entered into a multi-year partnership aimed at empowering Canada’s next generation of creators.

The CBC|Fullscreen Creator Network will at launch comprise more than 2,000 Canada-based content creators that currently work with Otter Media-owned Fullscreen. More are expected to join in coming months.

CBC will provide media platforms for content distribution and production, provide support and talent development services, and directly manage sales in Canada; while Fullscreen will create and manage a joint co-branded talent management system and creator platform. It will handle international advertising sales.

US-based Fullscreen has consistently ranked as one of the biggest multichannel networks, with around 70,000 content creators on its books around the world. Former Fox president Peter Chernin and AT&T acquired the company last year as traditional media players invested heavily in YouTube-focused channel creators.

CBC, meanwhile, like other public broadcasters has been forced to adapt to rapidly-changing market forces, especially in the younger demographics Fullscreen services.

“With CBC|Fullscreen, we’re building a new model in the Canadian marketplace that puts the next generation of talent at the core of linear and digital entertainment in collaboration with one of the most respected broadcasters in the world,” said Fullscreen president Ezra Cooperstein (pictured). “This is a major win for creators and brands.”

“This new partnership will allow CBC to deepen its leading digital relationship with audiences by supporting this emerging group of Canadian YouTube stars,” said Heather Conway, executive vice-president, CBC English Services.

“We’re excited to bring this new opportunity to brands that are looking to authentically connect with Canadians at scale. Fullscreen is the ideal partner for CBC to help enable our digital strategy and continue to deliver on our mandate for all Canadians.”

Fullscreen is currently in the throws of launching its own SVOD platform, which will focus on original premium content.