US online TV in UK launch talks

US online TV platform Hulu is in talks with broadcasters for a UK launch, according to reports.

A report on paidContent UK said the joint venture between NBC Universal and News Corp is in talks with all possible partners.

Peter Smith, NBC Universal president, said the plan was “local partners with local content – put that rich cocktail of local and US content together.”

Hulu, which is currently only available in North America, has spoken in the past about plans to expand internationally, particularly to Europe.

The news comes after Project Kangaroo, the proposed video-on-demand service between BBC Worldwide, ITV and Channel 4, collapsed after the Competition Commission blocked the venture last month (nma.co.uk 4 February).

Hulu offers shows such as The Simpsons and The Office and has US distribution deals with Dailymotion, Yahoo and MSN.

Hulu announced yesterday it is has launched a documentary section, featuring short and full-length documentary films such as Super Size Me.

Hulu was unavailable for comment.

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