Hulu to roll out internationally

Hulu, the online web video joint venture between News Corp and NBC Universal, is set to rollout internationally and some local versions may launch before the end of the year.

News Corp president Peter Chernin says it hopes to roll out a number of joint venture sites in local markets. "Hulu will eventually be the leader in premium online TV worldwide – that’s the aim. We are working on going international and you will see this in the future. We will probably look to do a series of joint ventures in local markets to roll out Hulu internationally," he told TBI.

News Corp and NBC Universal are currently in talks with producers, distributors and broadcasters outside of the United States as they look to untangle complex digital rights.

Hulu is also looking to hire an international business development director to lead this charge. It recently launched Joss Whedon’s Dr Horrible’s Sing Along Blog on the site and made the 3x15mins original web series available to all viewers, marking the first time international audiences could gain access to content.

The service currently airs shows from NBC and Fox as well as other programmers including E! and the Sundance Channel and has just added The Daily Show and The Colbert Report from Viacom’s Comedy Central.