While neither WWE nor The WWE Network are mentioned in the report specifically, a new article published by AdAge.com is noting that YouTube is prepping to launch paid subscription channels that would allow customers to pay anywhere from $1 to $5 per month for content. The article notes the following:
YouTube has reached out to a small group of channel producers and asked them to submit applications to create channels that users would have to pay to access. As of now it appears that the first paid channels will cost somewhere between $1 and $5 a month, two of these people said. In addition to episodic content, YouTube is also considering charging for content libraries and access to live events, a la pay-per-view, as well as self-help or financial advice shows.
It's not clear which channels will be part of the first paid-subscription rollout, but it is believed that YouTube will lean on the media companies that have already shown the ability to develop large followings on the video platform, including networks like Machinima, Maker Studios and Fullscreen. YouTube is also looking outside its current roster of partners for candidates.
Given the fact that WWE is ending many of its original YouTube programs such as Zack Ryder's show, WWE Download, etc, it's very possible that the company is entertaining the idea of having its content, which could include the WWE Network, as part of the new YouTube plan.
Nick was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and lived there until the age of 18, when he decided to pack his flack jacket and move to New York City.
