Hulu's days as a free online video site could be ending soon. Comedy Central's decision to pull two of the most popular shows on Hulu - "The Daily Show" and "The Colbert Report" - in a dispute over
splitting ad revenue is the latest blow. Yet Hulu's most viable alternative -- charging for access to some videos -- could turn off viewers and stop growth. Many viewers are drawn to Hulu because of
its ease of use, not because they couldn't get much of the same content elsewhere.
If Hulu charges for a TV show or movie, the viewer could simply watch it over the air live, be more
consistent about recording it to view later or catch the program for free through a video-on-demand service offered by cable TV and other providers. "There are very few people who would be willing to
pay for it," said Bruce Leichtman, president of the Leichtman Research Group. Chase Carey, COOof Hulu co-owner News Corp., has said that the site would have to start charging for some video
eventually, but hasn't said when.
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