I’ve read that hulu will soon start charging users for the use of their site. I don’t watch shows on Hulu that often, partly because I have cable, but mostly because I’m too busy. But I don’t think I know anyone who doesn’t use their site. The question is who will be willing to pay?
Newspapers, magazines and other content providers are all wondering if they can ever recover for the “original sin” of offering the content for free to begin with. How will Hulu compete with other sites, like SideReel, who aren’t charging $5/week for a subscription?
If I weren’t already paying for cable, I might consider paying for an online TV subscription, though $20/month seems a little much for that. I have found myself paying more for content that I might otherwise try to get for free — such as music or newspaper subscriptions — in industries that seem to be struggling. I don’t have that same sense yet about TV networks, which makes me less inclined to pay.
Maybe an iPhone app would help make paid hulu seem more attractive?
“f I weren’t already paying for cable, I might consider paying for an online TV subscription, though $20/month seems a little much for that.”
Friends of mine are planning to buy a DVR now that Hulu may charge–that doesn’t sound like the outcome the pay-for-content advocates are going for. But it is the reality. Young people are Hulu’s largest demographic, and they have college loans, rent to think about along with low paying jobs. On top of cable and internet, how much more money can they really spend on entertainment? Bottom line, they probably won’t pay for Hulu.
I wrote a short piece on this topic if you’re interested in reading more: http://www.thenextgreatgeneration.com/2009/11/16/hulu-gonna-buy/
Jason