Google boss to reach out to TV industry

Google chairman Eric Schmidt is expected to tell a UK TV conference that the internet giant and TV companies need to work together to each other’s benefit.

Ahead of the MacTaggart lecture speech this Friday at the MediaGuardian Edinburgh International Television Festival, UK newspaper the Guardian reports that Schmidt is planning to make a ‘heartfelt’ message that Google needs the TV industry onside and can reap the rewards of working with the company.

Many producers and broadcasters have hitherto been cautious of Google, primarily because of concerns about fragmenting their audiences and protecting their intellectual property. The Guardian speculates that Schmidt may announce the launch of an original production programming fund to help win over and engage with the production community.