Inside Online Video

NBC Joins Viacom in Supporting Frivolous YouTube Suit

by Mike Abundo on May 6th, 2007

You know, NBC was really on its way to understanding the value of online video. In fact, they were one of the first networks to cut a deal with YouTube (after suing them, of course). They’ve even run YouTube contests.

Unfortunately, NBC’s new CEO is a moron. That’s why they’re joining Viacom in supporting a frivolous old lawsuit against YouTube.

NBC Universal and Viacom have filed a request with the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles requesting that they be allowed to file a friends-of-the-court brief in support of journalist Robert Tur, who sued YouTube last summer, stating that his footage of the 1992 L.A. riots appeared repeatedly on their site. Google has filed a summary judgment asking for the dismissal of Tur’s suit, but NBC and Viacom, both very vocal in their regard towards YouTube, want to argue against dismissing Tur’s case.

This Tur guy should do what the law requires: file sworn DMCA takedown requests, with which YouTube complies overzealously. He’s free to sue the uploaders as he pleases. NBC and Viacom supporting his twisted logic shows that small minds think alike.

Just for spite, I’m posting a YouTube remix of LA riot footage here. Fair use on a safe harbor, FTW.

As for me, I’m unsubscribing from NBC’s YouTube channel. They’re such a disappointment.

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POSTED IN: YouTube