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Much has been lamented about the impending buyout of NBC Universal by Comcast. Among the expected consequences of this deal would be the switch at Hulu from an ad-generated business model to a subscription or fee-based service for consumers.
However, with new announcements made by News Corp. (a part owner of Hulu) Deputy Chairman Chase Carey, it seems that merger or no, Hulu plans to charge users a subscription fee for content as early as 2010.
At Broadcasting & Cable’s Onscreen Summit in New York yesterday, Carey warned, “It’s time to start getting paid for broadcast content online… [to] deliver that content to consumers in a way where they will appreciate the value. Hulu concurs with that, it needs to evolve to have a meaningful subscription model as part of its business."
Carey insists that not every item on Hulu will be pay-to-play, but certain exclusive content and special TV or film previews almost certainly will require a fee.
From a consumer standpoint, this move is unlikely to help Hulu in the long run. In response to the story on BroadcastingCable.com, one user commented, “All this is going to do is send people back to torrenting shows instead of at least watching a few commercials.” Indeed, with the wide variety of free choices online, from illegal downloads to YouTube, Hulu’s move is less likely to raise revenue and more likely to send consumers running to other sources of web-based content.
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Hulu has already started to degrade by having on certain episodes of shows available, meaning its always a guess as to whether you will be able to catch an episode after its aired, or if you have to watch it soon or can dip into the archives.
This will be the nail in the coffin for at least one user. I might actually consider paying if all content providers could agree on one system. $20 a month to watch anything. Yes. $5 to subscribe to one show, free for another, and $10 to subscribe to another one. I don't think so.
And this means I will be spending a ton of time finding free bootleg television shows elsewhere on the internet. I watch at least 80% of my TV shows on Hulu, but I still wouldn't pay for it.
poor hulu-cut down in the prime of its relevance...the first victim of net neutrality...
the tree of internet liberty is going to have to be watered with the blood of a few of my favorite websites.
For my own sanity-I have accepted the loss of Hulu-and it no longer exists for me-for the greater good of a free and open internet.
'rebels are we...' woody allen 'sleeper'
I like Hulu for catching up on shows I miss, but pay for it.. not likely.
Comcast has become useless really. I just need a High speed internet connection.
They overcharge for using the same data line anyways. Comcast's dvr/boxes are basically IP addressed networkable computers anyways.
Maybe I'll have enough money to pay for TV when 2010 rolls around, but I guess I'll just delve deeper into my Netflix queue...
Maybe I'll have enough money to pay for TV when 2010 rolls around, but I guess I'll just delve deeper into my Netflix queue...