Hulu signs up A+E Networks for live TV service

Hulu has struck a deal with A+E Networks to stream the channel operator’s six networks as part of its forthcoming streamed TV offering.

The deal adds live and on-demand streaming access to the A&E, History, Lifetime, LMN, FYI and Viceland cable networks.

Broadcaster-backed, on-demand service Hulu has already reached agreements with CBS Corporation, 21st Century Fox, The Walt Disney Company and Turner Networks and saidthat the service will launch this spring with a “core package of more than 40 live channels”.

“As we begin to finalise our new live TV service, we’re pulling together the most valuable, well-rounded package of channels available for under US$40,” said Hulu CEO Mike Hopkins (pictured).

“We know the A+E Networks brand of award-winning storytelling is important to our viewers, and we’re very excited to add their networks to the core service we launch this spring.”

A+E Networks president and CEO Nancy Dubuc said: “We are thrilled to expand our partnership with Hulu to offer our A+E Networks’ portfolio of brands on their live TV streaming service at launch.”

“Having our top six networks available on their core package speaks to the power of our entertainment portfolio in reaching men, women, adults and millennials.”

Separately, Bloomberg reported on Friday that Hulu has been unable to agree terms with Viacom for its new streaming service, meaning that it will not include channels such as MTV, Comedy Central, and Nickelodeon.

Hulu first revealed its live streaming TV plans last year, and the service will go head to head with OTT competition in the US from the likes of Sling, PlayStation Vue and Google’s recently announced YouTube TV service.

Hulu said in January that its new over-the-top service would go live in the “next few months” priced at under US$40 per-month – which will include access to Hulu’s existing US$8 subscription on-demand package.

Speaking at Citi’s Internet, Media and Telecommunications Conference in Las Vegas, Hopkins said that the service would include a“world-class DVR service from launch”, and that download-to-go viewing options are “on our roadmap” but wouldn’t be available at launch.