The major television networks must be sick and tired of seeing their content streaming for free on YouTube. Viacom, Fox, CBS, and NBC have been in talks to jointly develop a YouTube competitor that would let the networks keep the advertising proceeds.

But is such an arrangement possible?

Perhaps. On one hand, the major networks have shown an interest in online content streaming. Many have their own portals that show the network's content with commercials. Developing a joint service would enable the networks to combine their expertise and create a central location for television network media. (Source: arstechnica.com)

Then again, sometimes ideas that sound great in theory are not so practical.

One issue that plagues the success of a potential alliance is the corporate network culture. The television networks' potential YouTube rival will likely by an online version of the content available on television.

But is YouTube's success a result of offering online video, or is its popularity a product of the user-generated, carefree aspect of the service? If the answer is the latter, the networks' model may not be the YouTube killer it aspires to be. (Source: arstechnica.com)

This brings us to another issue. If the networks do indeed join together to offer an online model of showing their content, will this service just bring more television watchers away from their sets and online? If so, a collaborative effort may not be the best way to go. A single service for four networks has "potential conflicts" written all over it. (Source: fool.com)

A further obstacle for the networks to overcome is the fact that their new model would be competing with an extremely well-known and well-established website. YouTube is known as THE destination for streaming video content. Attracting YouTube viewers to another destination will not be easy. (Source: arstechnica.com)

Despite the plethora of barriers that the networks face, we may end up seeing a collaborative model in the future. Whether or not it will succeed in snatching away YouTube viewers -- well, don't hold your breath.