Disney, Fox nets join Hulu live service

The Walt Disney Company and 21st Century Fox have committed to making their networks available on Hulu’s forthcoming internet TV service.

Mike Hopkins

The US video streamer, co-owned by Disney, Fox, Comcast and Time Warner, announced in May that it was to launch a streaming TV service that lets subscribers watch broadcast and cable channels over the internet.

The new deal with Disney and Fox will add more than 35 TV networks to the service, including ABC, ESPN and Fox.

Hulu has already signed a similar deal with Time Warner, owner of CNN, TNT and TBS. It came as Time Warner agreed to buy a 10% stake in Hulu for US$583m in August.

Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins said there would be “additional partners to come” for the new internet TV service, which is expected to launch next year.