Although Bert is loath to pay the monthly fee for MVPD service, or any OTT
service for that matter, there is one area where the distribution oligopoly has
a major strength - collecting money from subscribers.
With the prospect of moving from the big, expensive extended basic bundle, to a
variety of customized OTT services, the MVPD/ISP services could still play a
major role by handling the billing for the OTT services. Perhaps this is the
future Cablevision is preparing for.
Regards
Craig
http://www.multichannel.com/news/technology/cablevision-distribute-hulu/390159
Cablevision to Distribute Hulu
Cablevision Systems Corp. announced Tuesday that it has become the first cable
or satellite provider to ink a deal to distribute Hulu, the online TV hub.
Under the deal, which comes on the heels of Cablevision's deal to distribute
HBO Now, HBO's new standalone OTT service, to broadband subs, and the
introduction of service packages tailored for cord-cutters, the MSO said it
will offer Hulu to Optimum customers, offering full back seasons from networks
such as FX, Fox, Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, NBC, and TNT, as well as current
seasons of some shows and older, library fare. Hulu is co-owned by
NBCUniversal, Walt Disney Co., and 21st Century Fox.
Update: Cablevision and Hulu did not announce pricing or when the MSO will
start to sell Hulu, but confirmed that it will include full access to the Hulu
service. A Cablevision official said more details will be shared at a later
date.
“The partnership with Hulu reflects Cablevision’s desire to meet customers
where they are,” said Kristin Dolan, chief operating officer, Cablevision, in a
statement. “There is a new generation of consumers who access video through the
Internet, and whatever their preference, Cablevision will facilitate a great
content experience.”
“At Hulu we believe users should have the ability to consume their favorite
content, when, where and how they want,” added Tim Connolly, senior vice
president, distribution, Hulu. "Even with the rapid growth in streaming, there
is a huge audience that consumes television through their cable provider, and
we want to be there for them too.”
