In a huge move that could signal the beginning of a reversal of free, timely programming on the web, Fox is planning to institute a eight-day delay on streaming its shows on Fox.com and Hulu, reports the WSJ. Paid subscribers to Hulu Plus ($7.99/month) and DirecTV Dish subscribers will be able to watch episodes the day after they air. Fox is trying to get more cable and satellite providers to sign up, as well.
Fox is likely the first of many to tie pay TV subscriptions to web video access, by extension pulling back on the free programming already available online. WSJ reports that Disney is talking with Time Warner Cable about a similar arrangement. Earlier this month, CNN opened up its live streaming via the TV Anywhere initiative, checking to see if users are subscribers with Comcast, Cox, Dish and other pay TV subscribers.
In the next few months, we could see many of the top TV shows following a similar arrangement, pulling the freshest episodes off Hulu for Hulu Plus. On one hand, it improves Hulu’s economic potential, combining advertising with subscription revenue. On the other hand, it only works if Hulu Plus can aggressively grow its paid subscriber base as it expands its service on new platforms, such as the addition of Xbox 360 earlier this summer.
All this comes at a critical time for Hulu, which is shopping around for a buyer.
What do you think? Will viewers pay for Hulu Plus to watch shows eight days earlier?
