In a shocking move. Online TV website Hulu has decided that it doesnt want its TV content being streamed on and via other websites.

It has forced both Tv.com and Boxee to remove all Hulu content from its services. Boxees Blog said:-

Two weeks ago Hulu called and told us their content partners were asking them to remove Hulu from Boxee, Boxee said in the post. We tried (many times) to plead the case for keeping Hulu on Boxee, but on Friday of this week, in good faith, we will be removing it. You can see their blog post about the issues they are facing.

Hulu have said that the problem lies with its content partners who are not happy with their streams being shown on other platforms other than via the official Hulu site. The commented:-

Our content providers requested that we turn off access to our content via the Boxee product, Hulu wrote. We are respecting their wishes.

CEO of Boxee Avner Ronen said that he is disappointed and is hoping to convince Hulu executives that Boxee is good for the topstreaming TV and movie website and its partners.

I hope that they will realize the opportunity is greater than the threat,

Hulu has also removed all content from TV.com who were showing big viewing numbers online. TV.com owned by CBS has been affected due to a contractual issue.

On the face of it, it seems a very shortsighted way of doing things that may well backfire on the mighty Hulu. They should take a lesson from the music industry. If people want to see content then they will. It may also be the networks wanting more viewers watching the traditional broadcast.

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