

“Looks like Hulu’s live-streaming service just scored some potential subscribers,” Madeline Berg reports for Forbes. “The platform announced this morning that it had sealed deals with Walt Disney and 21st Century Fox that would add major networks from both companies to the line-up of programming available through its new live stream and on-demand service that launches early next year.”

“These channels will include ABC, ESPN, Freeform and Disney Channel from Disney and Fox, Fox Sports, Fox News, FX Networks and more from 21st Century Fox. This deal comes after Hulu and Time Warner came to an agreement earlier this year that provided networks from the Turner suite–including TNT, TBS, CNN and TruTV–would be available for live or on-demand viewing,” Berg reports. “‘We’re building a service that offers subscribers the most sought-after programming on television–and channels from 21st Century Fox and The Walt Disney Company are essential to that mix,’ says Mike Hopkins, CEO of Hulu.”

“The new live TV streaming service, which will cost about $40 a month, resembles a (not so) skinny bundle,” Berg reports. “These services attempt to provide consumers the content they want without a costly middleman like a telecommunications company (such as Comcast) or a tech giant (like Apple). Additionally, customers can choose to pay for only the content they want, rather than shelling out more for the extra channels that are so often part of cable subscriptions.”

“Live TV, particularly sporting events, seems to be one of the most common reasons people stick with cable, which makes Hulu’s announcement–specifically its implications for ESPN and Fox Sports–all the more compelling to potential subscribers (and more expensive for Hulu),” Berg reports. “‘Hulu likely paid the highest carriage fees for those channels’ says Neil Megly, an analyst at Moody’s. But it may just pay off. ‘Sports is the linchpin for a lot of folks who pay for television,’ he adds.”

Read more in the full article here.

MacDailyNews Take: Once again, at least somebody is capable of getting ink.



As we’ve written umpteen times, Apple’s Internet TV service, if it ever happens, would have to have ESPN. It will also likely require the “Big Four” networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) – although it could launch with three out of four and eventually hammer out a deal with whichever one is being the most reticent. That said, at this late date, Apple might as well wait until they have a full dance card.

What else would you consider to be must-haves?


2. Fox News Channel
2. USA
3. TBS
4. Disney
5. Discovery Channel
6. History Channel
7. TNT
9. Nickelodeon
10. AMC
11. Adult Swim
12. FX
13. Cartoon Network
14. Food Channel
15. Lifetime
16. ABC Family
17. Syfy
18. TLC
19. Hallmark
20. Investigation Discovery

Source: Nielsen estimates, Live plus-3 for 12/29/14 – 12/16/15 (M-Su 8-11 p.m.)



  1. Meanwhile over at Apple Campus 2 new supplies of cobwebs have been delivered to the new AppleTV offices, to prepare the ideal backdrop to the latest Apple exec to be wheeled out to explain why such a service is not deemed viable and that anyway HDTV 1080 is the future for streaming. Musk is right we must have woken up in some computer generated nightmare where the antiApple is King.

  2. Even “IF” Jobs were alive today, he would have no chance against “TODAYS SYSTEM”. Ponder the release of iTunes for Windoze. Game changer to be sure. iRemember vividly (unlike technology FacePlant neophytes today). iTunes for Windozes’ was Steve Jobs Trojan Horse (anybody remember iPod nano first gen.?). Does ANYBODY honestly think that the BIG content owners of “VISUAL CONTENT” entertainment would cave and relinquish to Apple’s terms and wishes? Not a chance in HELL. The ultimate goal of FANG and the CORRUPT U.S. gubermut factions is to take AAPL down. Connect the dots people. Once you do? The Result? ….. Global Collusion Against Apple. HELLO!. WORLD? FCK YOU MOLE! The “Ring Leader” Scumbag.

  3. This isn’t interesting to me, either. Slim or skinny bundles are just more of the same at a lower price. You still have to sit through commercials, AND you still pay for the service.

    This doesn’t change the paradigm, it just conforms to it.

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