We reported earlier this week that Hulu was planning on launching a live streaming television service sometime in 2017. The service confirmed its plans on Wednesday, via Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins, speaking at today’s Hulu Upfronts in New York. (Via TechCrunch.)
While Hopkins was light on details like pricing, content, channel selection, and product, he did say that the new service would arrive in 2017.
The service will offer a combination of feeds from broadcast television and cable TV, including news and sports. Hopkins said:
“This means our viewers will be able to enjoy live sports, news and events all in real-time without a traditional cable or satellite subscription,” said Hopkins. “We’re going to fuse the best of linear television and on-demand in a deeply personalized experience optimized for the contemporary, always-connected television fan.”
The report earlier this week indicated Disney and Fox, which are both partners in the Hulu service, were on board, but that another partner, NBCUniversal hadn’t yet agreed to participate in the new service. However, a report from Variety noted talks for NBCUniversal to join the party were in the early stages of “active negotiations.”
No details are yet available as to the complete channel lineup, or what the pricing will look like, but Hopkins told the gathering more details will be available later in 2016.
Apple has long been rumored to be putting together a live television streaming package for its Apple TV set top box, but recent reports indicate the plans are on hold. Apple is said to be running into roadblocks due to its desire to offer a “skinny” bundle of channels for around $30 per month, while content providers are unwilling to exclude any of their channels, which would lead to a higher priced bundle.
