Endless pre-roll ads, companion display advertising and the deep pockets of its corporate owners don't appear to be enough to keep the "FREE" sign on the door at video-sharing service Hulu, at least not forever. Chase Carey, News Corp.'s deputy chairman said fees for the ad-supported service could start hitting consumers as early as 2010.
It shouldn't come as a surprise. Carey, speaking at the Broadcast & Cable OnScreen summit in New York, essentially reiterated his boss'--News Corp. Chairman Rupert Murdoch--comments of a month ago. Murdoch said News Corp. was considering charging for the service, which allows users to upload their programming for free.
"It's time to start getting paid for broadcast content online," Carey said. "I think a free model is a very difficult way to capture the value of our content. I think what we need to do is deliver that content to consumers in a way where they will appreciate the value."
For more:
- see this Broadcasting & Cable blog
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