Hulu is planning to complement its on-demand video service with a new subscription-based internet TV service that would offer live streams from major networks, according to unnamed sources cited by the Wall Street Journal, according Telecompaper. The company is looking to launch the new cable TV-style online service in the first quarter of 2017, said the sources, with Hulu’s owners – Walt Disney, 21st Century Fox and Comcast – close to finalising agreements to licence many of their channels for the platform. Disney’s ABC, ESPN and Disney Channel are expected to be available on the service along with the Fox broadcast network, Fox News, FX and Fox’s national and regional sports channels, said the report.
In addition to the live streams, the service would also offer a cloud-based digital video recorder as well as on-demand functionality, allowing Hulu to compete for cord-cutting consumers across the US. Cable providers such as Dish (Sling TV) and Sony (PlayStation Vue) have already launched similar OTT TV services for prices ranging from USD 20 to USD 40 per month.
