NBCUniversal's Peacock to join YouTube Premium

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Set us as preferred NBCUniversal’s Peacock is stretching its wings by joining the subscription YouTube Premium service — a significant boost for the streaming platform that has struggled to find its niche in the increasingly crowded landscape.NBCUniversal and YouTube on Monday announced the multi-year partnership.

Beginning early next year, Peacock will be available as part of YouTube Premium’s U.S.subscription bundle, which also includes ad-free videos and music.The pact represents Peacock’s largest wholesale distribution agreement to date, one that will introduce the service into millions of new homes.

On Friday, NBCUniversal owner Comcast disclosed the service had finally reached profitability in the second quarter after billions of dollars of investment.Hollywood Inc.

NBCUniversal’s Peacock turns a profit for the first time, boosted by audiences tuning into the World Cup and “Love Island.”The important benchmark comes as Comcast prepares to spin off NBCUniversal entertainment and news media businesses into a separate company.Peacock, which launched in 2020, grew its paid subscribers by 4% to 48 million in the second quarter, compared to the first quarter.Comcast has long tried to make Peacock an asset for its Xfinity broadband and cable TV subscribers, but recently began to expand its partnerships in recognition that consumers were getting overloaded with pricey choices.As part of the agreement, NBCUniversal’s linear television channels will remain on the YouTube TV service.

“This partnership brings NBCUniversal’s world-class content and iconic franchises to YouTube’s unmatched scale and global platforms,” Mike Cavanagh, NBCUniversal’s chief, said in a statement.“We’re excited to deepen our relationship with YouTube through a collaboration that reflects our strategy of partnering with ind...