Okay, so I’m torn on this announcement that NBC is getting into bed with YouTube to promote its fall line-up. On the one hand, I feel the network has likely had an awakening about the foolishness of yanking the “Lazy Sunday” clip earlier this year, and that would be good news. On the other hand, however, there appears to be much more in it for NBC than YouTube users, so what’s to feel good about?

“The distinction between television and video is becoming murkier and murkier,” said John Miller, chief marketing officer for the NBC Universal Television Group. “Rather than putting our heads in the sand and saying this doesn’t exist, we’re trying to jump in and embrace it.” (Congratulations!)

…Under the deal, YouTube will create a separate channel for NBC video, so that visitors can easily pull up the half-dozen or more items that NBC plans to offer at any given time. It will be similar to channels that other companies, filmmakers and everyday users create.

…NBC and YouTube officials acknowledged the possibility that fans will reject the clips if they appear simply as promotions, but YouTube co-founder Chad Hurley said fans would likely embrace the video if it is compelling and not available anywhere else. (Does everyone see the problem?)