Hulu To Stop Being Free By 2010
We knew it was going to happen, there were rumors and murmors, shadowy figures in the background concocting deals. Well ok, maybe it wasnt quite that mysterious but the signs have been on the wall. And now we have pretty much cast iron proof that Online tv website Hulu will become a pay per view website as soon as 2010.
The evidence? Deputy Chairman of News Corp, Chase Carey said at the Broadcasting & Cable OnScreen summit that there’s no formal timeline for Hulu to start charging, but he “supposes” Hulu it will be by 2010.
He said:- “I think a free model is a very difficult way to capture the value of our content. I think what we need to do is deliver that content to consumers in a way where they will appreciate the value,” Carey said. “Hulu concurs with that, it needs to evolve to have a meaningful subscription model as part of its business.”
To put this into simple terms, Carey is indicating that much of the website’s streams should continue to be free. Any paid content should add value for users and revenue for broadcasters, he explained — unlike some proposed “TV Everywhere” authentication schemes which give the same content through a different venue. Hulu premium products could include exclusives, previews, shortened windows, mobile and behind-the-scenes content.
Pay to breathe fan and News Corp Chairman Rupert Murdoch said last month that the company was considering charging for Hulu, but hadn’t made a final decision. But then you have to consider that this guy wants us to pay to read a news story online!
“Are we looking at it with a view of adding subscription services in there and pay-per-view movies? Yes, we are looking at that. No decision has been taken yet,” Murdoch said.
News Corp. spokesman Jack Horner said Hulu believes that a free online video site supported by ads is still the model that will “resonate most” with its largest group of users.
Could the proposed purchase of Hulu by Comcast Corp. affect Hulu? Not in a million years.
Hulu isn’t the only site planning fees as online operations struggle to make enough money from advertising alone.
So the writing is on the wall. Start watching Hulu 24 hours per day because the off button is going to be pressed before you know it.
Related News:
- Hulu Considering Charging For Internet TV
- Hulu looking to Launch its Free TV in The UK Within Two Months
- Hulu Free Status Attacked By CBS Executive
- Is Hulu coming to the UK?
- ITV Close To Signing A Deal With Hulu But May Delay UK Launch
[...] The Internet, in fact the world has been awash this week, with reports that Hulu, the NBC, Fox and Disney owned Free TV website – is going to make us pay to view. [...]