Source Interlink Media (SIM) announced today the launch of the Motor Trend YouTube Channel making original and compelling automotive content available to online audiences immediately. The Motor Trend Channel is part of YouTube's rollout of around 100 new original content channels throughout the year.
The Motor Trend Channel's programs have been developed to create content from the unique opportunities and insights offered by SIM's large portfolio of automotive media brands, from Motor Trend to Hot Rod, Motorcyclist, Lowrider, FourWheeler, Dirt Rider, Car Craft, Automobile, Import Tuner and more. The programs cover first rides and drives and tests of the latest two- and four-wheeled machinery, as well as automotive lifestyle and documentary shows.
"We are really treating this like a TV channel," said Source Interlink Media Chief Content Officer and Motor Trend Channel Executive Producer Angus MacKenzie. "Though a common thread is our focus on cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles and automotive culture, we are offering different content and a range of program formats. There'll be something on the channel for everyone, regardless of their particular automotive passion.
"Automotive is an extremely popular category on YouTube," said Alex Carloss, head of original programming at YouTube. "We're excited to bring a company like Motor Trend to our platform where millions of fans around the world can tune in and watch some of their favorite Motor Trend content."
"One of the most exciting things about this new initiative -- and what separates it from linear or traditional TV -- is how interactive Internet television is," MacKenzie added. "These new channels are very social-media driven. We can immediately communicate with our viewers for instantaneous feedback on what they do and don't like, and what they'd like to see more of."
A full schedule of programming that includes eight separate shows is expected to be uploaded and available by February 17. New videos from each of the shows will be posted on a varying schedule, but there will be new content available every day, Monday to Friday.
Motor Trend's new programming will be produced by Michael Suggett and Julia Sanchez with MacKenzie serving as Executive Producer. Jim Gleason will assume the role of Creative Manager.
"After six years of building our own channel, which counts more than 147 million video views and 153,000 subscribers, we're incredibly excited at what this new development will bring," said MacKenzie. "This was the next logical step for SIM as it continues its transformation from a legacy magazine publishing business to a media-neutral content creation company. The channels and content provided by Motor Trend and others under YouTube's initiative represent a paradigm shift for how enthusiasts watch and consume video online."
Motor Trend Channel original programming will include:
Ignition:
A weekly five-minute show featuring first drives and first tests
of the hottest new cars, trucks and SUVs from around the world.
New episodes uploaded every Monday
Head
2 Head:
Motor Trend channel's comparison test series focusing on
performance vehicles and fast motorcycles.
New episodes uploaded every other Wednesday beginning Feb. 8
Roadkill:
A feature-length, 22-minute program following the exploits of Hot
Rod's David Freiburger and Mike Finnegan as they continue
their love/hate relationship with hot rods, street machines and
other highly strung performance vehicles. New episodes uploaded
every third Friday beginning Feb. 17
Wide
Open Throttle:
A five-minute weekly roundup of automotive news and events from
around the world. The show is hosted and presented from a unique
studio environment, and includes segments from channel experts on
location from around the globe.
New episodes uploaded every Thursday
On
Two Wheels:
This show features first rides and first tests of the newest and
hottest motorcycles from around the world. Presented by experts
from Motor Trend channel's portfolio of motorcycling
brands, including Motorcyclist and Dirt Rider,
it delivers the most complete and in-depth coverage of all types
of two-wheeled machines.
New episodes uploaded every other Wednesday
Hot
Rod Unlimited:
Hot Rod Unlimited is where anything goes in the world of American
performance cars. Every other Friday the show features subjects as
varied as those in Hot Rod Magazine, including muscle cars, street
machines, hot rods, wild trucks, and more.
New episodes uploaded every other Friday beginning Feb. 10
Epic
Drives:
A feature-length program featuring amazing road trips from around
the world. This monthly 22-minute show visits interesting
locations in interesting cars.
New episodes uploaded the first Friday of each month
The
Downshift:
The Downshift airs fascinating stories on interesting
personalities, and incredible machinery from beyond the automotive
mainstream. The show celebrates the diversity of cars and car
culture from extreme off-roading, drifting import cars, lowriders
and action sport stars who love cars.
New episodes uploaded every Tuesday
About Source Interlink Media
Source Interlink Media, LLC is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 70 publications, 90 Web sites, 800 branded products, 65+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division's strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.
About Motor Trend Magazine
Motor Trend, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, was founded in 1949 and has a circulation of 1.1 million and a total readership of 7 million. Internationally recognized as one of the leading brands in automotive publishing, MOTOR TREND comprises Motor Trend Magazine; the award-winning website motortrend.com; Motor Trend Radio; Truck Trend; Motor Trend Classic; Motor Trend International Auto Shows; Motor Trend en Espanol; and the renowned Motor Trend Car, Truck and SUV of the Year Awards program.
SOURCE: Motor Trend
