YouTube video to fly free under Google's wing?|?Top Business News?|?Reuters.com

is one of a multitude of Web stories on this big deal affecting Online video delivery sites.

The ability to retain independence and the YouTube branding were cited by YouTube CEO Chad Hurley as key factors in sealing the deal.

It will be interesting to watch the ongoing discussions with content owners in ironing out negations for licensing video for delivery and other projects.

With the deep pockets of Google meeting those of Hollywood and involving Web 1.0 VCs, is it possible that a user-driven viewer experience might emerge from this marriage?

Some quotes from the Reuters article that relate to why this deal is especially notable:

• "YouTube will retain the YouTube brand and its own corporate offices -- a first among the numerous acquisitions that Google has made."


• "YouTube serves up more than 100 million videos a day to Web users. Some 72 million visitors view the site each month, according to data from Internet measurement firm comScore."


• "The Wall Street Journal, citing a person familiar with the details, said on Monday Sequoia owned 30 percent of YouTube. Hurley declined to comment on the company's ownership structure."


• "He (Hurley) said talks with media companies, including Hollywood film studios, are ongoing. On Monday, YouTube and Google announced a variety of distribution agreements with Universal Music Group, Sony BMG, among others, in an effort to lessen the threat of legal challenges."