The world of online media content is about to take a dramatic turn. I’ve been using Hulu religiously now for over a year and I’ve become accustomed to its “free” content. Of course, it’s not free, I’m forced to watch a few 15 or 30 second commercials while watching Hulu’s programing, but I always considered that to be a fair trade. Apparently I was wrong.

News. Corp, Hulu’s parent company, has announced that it plans to roll out some kind of subscription or payment model in 2010. This is what News. Corp’s deputy chairman, Chase Carey, had to say on the matter:

“It’s time to start getting paid for broadcast content online. I think a free model is a very difficult way to capture the value of our content. I think what we need to do is deliver that content to consumers in a way where they will appreciate the value. Hulu concurs with that, it needs to evolve to have a meaningful subscription model as part of its business.”

I guess it was only a matter of time, but now the question is: would you be willing to pay Hulu for its content?

I’m gonna go out on a limb and say that a majority of Hulu users (myself included) would be willing to pay, but only if the price is right. I wouldn’t want to dish out $30 a month, but a few bucks would be more than worth it. I do realize that there are less-than-legal ways of getting free TV, but what I like so much about the site is that it keeps my conscience clear, while still providing me with some of my favorite shows.

And let’s not for get movies, which Hulu has plenty of. Carey’s quote only talks about “broadcast content” but I’m sure this applies to movies as well. Currently, the site’s movie collection is a bit old and maybe a payment model would allow them to stock some more current films, which would be a definite plus.

Whatever your take is on this, I suggest reserving judgment until an official subscription model is announced. Like I said, if the price is right, I’ll pay.

Source Gizmodo