Hulu Likely to Charge for Content in 2010
Internet video giant Hulu is likely to start charging users for content as early as 2010 according to recent reports. The streaming video service—which currently provides web syndication for dozens of programs and a rotating selection of feature films—is a joint venture between NBC Universal, Fox Entertainment Group, and ABC. With those media giants at the helm, it was only inevitable that the free ride would come to an end sooner or later.
"It's time to start getting paid for content online," says News Corp. Deputy Chairman Chase Carey. And what better time than now? The viability of online video has gone from buggy pipe dream to high-definition reality in a few short years and Hulu already has a strong user base. Though they'll certainly lose a chunk of that if they begin charging for content, there are enough people hooked on Hulu at this point that they just might turn a juicy profit.
Come next year, we may begin to learn just how much money people will be willing to pay for access to media online.
