Deep Jive Interests

Saul Hansell queries why Hulu was pooh-pooh’d in the first place, and then takes the position that its peculiar and non-disruptive to broadcast network television on teh internets

It seems odd to say, but “American Idol,” “Heroes” and the rest of the prime-time lineup have many millions of fans who don’t get the same satisfaction from YouTube (even though many of them turn to YouTube for other entertainment). So not only did Hulu have something people wanted, it had a brand promise that was clear and distinctive: Hulu is where you go for network TV. That’s different from YouTube, which is where you go to watch the biggest collection of video that isn’t on TV. Hulu, in effect, is Amazon.com to YouTube’s eBay.

I’m not so sure.  I’d say it *was* disruptive, since prior to Hulu there was no way to quickly and legitimately (sorry bit torrent) and *easily* (watching 5 minute clips on daily motion?  No thanks) watch full length clips of network TV.  You can pooh-pooh network television all you want with respect to its quality, or where its trajectory is in the overall decline against online media, but facts are that millions of people Still Watch Television.  Much of it is good.  Some of it is really good.

And to all my Canadian and European bretheren who have never tried it, believe me when I say that it is wrapped up in one gloriously slick package.

Even better?  Its totally free.  Yes, its ad supported so its not really “FREE!”, but its free enough that it could allow any reasonably minded person to meaningfully cancel their cable bill.  In a real way, it could even save you money.

In my mind, the broadcast networks always held the keys in this regard, because they were always so tight-fisted with the licensing of their content.  And rightly so.  With Hulu they’ve got a slam dunk.  Now, there’s always time to still screw things up, but until they do (start suing their users, for example), everyone should enjoy their free (and generally ad-limited) ride with gusto.  Revenue?  Revenue is an issue for another post, children. :)