I think the expression is three strikes and you’re out. And with three execs involved with Hulu now having hinted at paid content on its way, I think it’s safe to assume this is more than just an idea of something that could happen in the future. In fact, I’d suggest it’s now guaranteed to happen.
Free Hulu
Hulu is currently the free home of premium online video content in the United States. The fact it’s only available in the U.S. is annoying for those of us outside the country but there is at least hope of an international roll-out to come.
The problem is that it doesn’t look as though Hulu will be completely free for much longer. In fact, if the people in charge have their way, which they undoubtedly will seeing as they are indeed in charge, Hulu could be charging by 2010, which is just over two months away.

CBS is the only one of the four major U.S. television networks which doesn’t offer any content through Hulu. And doesn’t look like changing anytime soon.
Hulu is a brilliant service which has truly brought American television to the online masses. Part of the appeal of Hulu is the fact it’s free, with revenue coming from a purely advertising-based model. But certain parties want to change all that. Could Hulu survive the transition to a subscription-based model?
Online video is growing all the time, both in terms of popularity and frequency. Which is all good for the sector.
Those of us outside of the U.S. have been looking on with envy at the glorious job Hulu has been doing for the last couple of years.
Online video is very young in the big scheme of things, which means it’s a business still finding its way in the world. Revenue is a topic only now starting to be seriously debated. Will free services with ads win out or will we eventually be charged for content?