Hulu, long known as the destination for TV episodes a day or two after they air, wants to get into live broadcasting. They announced an online streaming package last week that would include broadcast and cable channels. If successful, this could be a game changer, as cable-free households could have a new, perhaps better option for live TV.
Most Networks, Some Cable, and Even DVR for $40 a Month
Customers would be able to stream entire channels in the package for a monthly fee. Partners include 21st Century Fox, Walt Disney Company, and Comcast's NBCUniversal, so their channels are likely to be part of the deal. Hulu wants to introduce the package early next year, and while there aren't exact pricing details yet (that's something still being discussed), executives do expect the new service package to cost about $40 per month.
Personalized Viewing, Targeted Ads
The new service reportedly won't resemble a regular cable channel. Instead, it's going to offer a more intuitive, personalized experience. The bad news (or good news, depending on how you feel about commercials), is that it would also allow for more targeted ads. You wouldn't be able to completely do away with commercials, but at least the ones you see might be more relevant.
Rivalries Could Lead to Similar Services
This is a bold move from Hulu, but there's a chance that traditional cable and satellite providers might see this move as a declaration of war. Additionally, any networks left out of the new package could band together and form a rival service.
Traditional cable companies like Comcast and Time Warner Cable are customers of Disney, Fox, and other TV networks. If Hulu is able to license live content from these networks as part of its digital service, Disney and Fox could end up competing with their own biggest customers.
