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Hulu starts testing online delivery of TV shows in US

Hulu, a joint venture between News Corporation and NBC, began testing the delivery of TV shows online on Monday, including some of the most popular programs on US television.

The new company, drawing on News Corporation's and NBC's stable of TV shows, will deliver TV programming online, allowing people to watch their favorite shows anywhere at anytime as long as they are logged onto a computer.

"Consumers are clearly interested in easily accessing a broad spectrum of programming," News Corporation president and chief operating officer Peter Chernin said.

Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation owns the Fox TV network. Hulu will offer Fox shows as part of its menu.

Hulu said its on-demand online video service will provide programming on a free ad-supported basis.

In a boost to its test launch, Hulu announced it signed licensing deals with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) Studios Inc and Sony Pictures Television.

As a result, over 40 TV shows from Sony and other TV shows and feature films from MGM will be available through Hulu.

The online service will also offer programming carried by more than 15 US cable TV networks.

In a boost to its financial position, Hulu said it had also won US$100 million in investment from Providence Equity Partners, a private equity firm.

Hulu chief executive Jason Kilar said the service would deliver episodes and clips of shows such as The Simpsons, The Office, House and Heroes.

Hulu has signed online distribution agreements with AOL, Comcast, Fancast.com, MSN, MySpace and Yahoo.
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