The Fox network says it will no longer offer free, next-day streaming of its TV shows over Hulu. Starting August 15, only viewers who pay for Hulu Plus, or subscribe to an approved cable or satellite TV service, will be able to watch episodes of The Simpsons or Bones the day after they air. Everyone else will have to wait eight long days. And another Hulu partner, ABC, might soon adopt a similar policy. Can Hulu survive this policy change?
Fox is hobbling Hulu: Fox appears to be "hamstringing Hulu," says Dan Rowinski at ReadWriteWeb. People hate it when companies mess with services they've "come to rely on, especially if they were once free." This could spark "a user revolt," or an outright boycott. And Fox could be harming itself, too, as it could lose valuable "extra eyeballs" for its ads on Hulu.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.