Hulu to Distribute Original Content Worldwide with FremantleMedia
Television shows can be profitable based on ad sales during an initial run if the ratings are high enough, but the real long-term value is in distribution and syndication, selling the rights to replay a show on another network and in other markets. Tapping into this revenue stream is the primary reason so many cable networks have raced to join the traditional broadcast networks in developing original programming. For streaming networks like Netflix and Hulu, launching original programming has been seen as a means of establishing an exclusive and differentiating feature for attracting subscribers, but Hulu is demonstrating that they are also looking at distribution as a means of leveraging the value of their original programming. Hulu has inked a deal with FremantleMedia Enterprises that gives FremantleMedia a first look option on Hulu’s original shows for distribution worldwide, with the exception of the US and Japan where Hulu is currently active. The first show that FremantleMedia is taking global is A Day in the Life, Morgan Spurlock’s documentary series. Is it just me, or is this a classic snake-eats-tail story? Television networks establish Hulu to stream their shows. Hulu creates their own shows for streaming. Hulu’s original shows are distributed to television networks.
Our role as a producer of great original TV programming takes a big step forward today. We are proud to announce our partnership with FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) on a major new first look deal which provides FME international distribution rights to Hulu’s original commission programming. FME is the name behind some of the most watched TV programs in the world, and this deal marks the first time a distributor has signed such an agreement with an online video service. FME can now distribute Hulu original series globally across platforms, including traditional media.