Hulu preps ad-free offering

US streamer Hulu is preparing to offer an advertising-free service that could be rolled out to subscribers later this year.

The ad-free version would be available at an increased cost of between US$12 and US$14 per month, according to the Wall Street Journal – a substantial rise on the current US$7.99 premium subscription price.

The additional service from Hulu, which is owned by 21st Century Fox, Walt Disney Co and Comcast’s NBCUniversal, is seen as a move to compete with fellow US streamers Netflix and Amazon’s Prime Instant Video, which don’t show ads to subscribers.

Hulu has been ramping up its programme offering over recent months, having agreed deals with Discovery Communications, Turner Broadcasting and AMC Networks.

It has also added shows such as The Slap from Matchbox Pictures and Tiger Aspect Production’s animated version of Mr Bean.