Video sharing giant YouTube has struck a deal with the CBC in a venture that could result in more authorized Canuck television online.

Jordan Hoffner, head of YouTube’s content partnerships, says the company is eager to establish a foothold in Canada through a deal with the public broadcaster.

He says the company is seeking more alliances that could include other television networks and media companies.

Hoffner says YouTube can drive ratings for Canada’s TV networks just as it has in the U.S., where CBS credited a ratings boost to Internet postings of <em>The Late Show with David Letterman.</em>

Most recently, YouTube partnered with the major U.S. networks to offer online previews of the upcoming TV fall lineup.