Hulu has long held ambitions to break out of its self-imposed U.S. borders and head to foreign lands. Japan was the first country to welcome the company in, but Europe is the big prize. And Germany could be Hulu’s way in.
Hulu Expansion Plans
Hulu is, at this point, almost entirely a U.S. company. It’s owned by U.S. networks and investors, and the content on offer is mostly American. However, Hulu has looked abroad quite extensively, but only Japan has so far signed on to accept the service.
Rumors persist of a move into Australia, but the latest country being targeted is Germany. At least according to NewTeeVee.
Hulu In Germany
Hulu Senior Vice President Johannes Larcher and consultant Olaf Kroll are alleged to be in Germany discussing options with German TV networks. A full-blown launch looks unlikely due to a lack of content, but there should be enough to allow for a Hulu Plus-style, subscription-based offering similar to the one operating in Japan.
Why Germany? Because unlike other countries, Germany has regulated to stop its biggest networks from setting up their own on-demand, catch-up TV service. Which leaves a nice gap in the market for Hulu to swoop in and fill the void.
This is just a rumor at this point based on a report from a German news site. But the site is drawing its information from the TV networks Hulu is trying to tempt into partner with it, so there is a very good chance of there being at least some truth in the story.
Conclusions
will always struggle to find enough content partners to launch in countries where individual networks have their own successful online services.
In the U.S. it worked because Hulu got in early, had the backing of most networks, and pushed the service in a big way. But that ship has sailed in many other countries. Germany looks to be one of the few where it has not, and it’s all thanks over-zealous regulation.
Related Ad
Buy ‘The Everything Learning German Book’ on Amazon
