Cablevision (NYSE: CVC) has signed on to be the first pay-TV operator to distribute Hulu.
The news comes just days after the Bethpage, N.Y.-based cable operator announced the debut of its new "cord-cutter" broadband packages that include over-the-air antennas.
"The partnership with Hulu reflects Cablevision's desire to meet customers where they are," said Kristin Dolan, chief operating officer, Cablevision. "There is a new generation of consumers who access video through the Internet, and whatever their preference, Cablevision will facilitate a great content experience."
Cablevision didn't disclose when its Optimum video customers will have access to the SVOD service.
Co-owned by Comcast/NBCUniversal (NASDAQ: CMCSA), 21st Century Fox and The Walt Disney Co., Hulu mixes original programming with current-season and archival shows from ABC, Fox and NBC. As part of its 2011 agreement with federal regulators when it purchased NBCU, Comcast must act as a silent partner in Hulu's management.
However, a report surfaced last week that the conglomerate has been seeking to make Hulu the dominant SVOD platform of the cable industry.
"At Hulu we believe users should have the ability to consume their favorite content, when, where and how they want," said Tim Connolly, senior VP, distribution, Hulu. "Even with the rapid growth in streaming, there is a huge audience that consumes television through their cable provider, and we want to be there for them too."
For more:
- read this Cablevision press release
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