Big Changes for Hulu?

Owners of video streaming service Hulu have acknowledged that the service is up for sale. But that's not the only news. Fox is planning on limiting next-day streaming <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/27/business/media/fox-to-limit-next-day-streaming-on-hulu.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss> of its shows starting on August 15th. Fox's plan is to continue to allow next-day streaming to customers of approved pay TV (cable and satellite) companies. Fans of Fox shows who do not subscribe to these services will have to wait 8 days before watching them on Hulu's free service (This change will not affect access on the paid Hulu + service). Reportedly, ABC is considering a similar move.

Fox's move is the latest step in the authentication movement. The difference is that other authentication decisions, such as those for mobile apps like HBO GO, CNN Live and Watch ESPN, are designed to increase subscribers' access to programming across more platforms. The Fox move with Hulu is seen as a step towards restricting access, given the heretofore availability on Hulu.