The popular online video site Hulu has pulled its TV content from two rivals this past week, sparking some outrage from viewers who enjoyed being able to see content from many distributors on one site.
Hulu is backed by NBC Universal and News Corp. and the sites the content was removed from were CBS-backed TV.com and the startup Boxee.
A few of the popular shows removed from the rival sites were Heroes, Family Guy, The Simpsons, and The Office.
Hulu had previously signed a syndication deal with TV.com allowing the site to play Hulu’s content. Since then, CBS has relaunched the site with ad-supported full-length TV programming from CBS, Showtime and PBS.
NBC added in a statement that it “has contractual rights with regards to our relationship with TV.com, and we are exercising those rights. Out of respect for their confidentiality, we will not disclose our discussions.”
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According to Nielsen SoundScan, the Journey track “Don’t Stop Believin’”, originally released in 1981, has become the first catalog digital download in history to reach the 2 million sold milestone.
“Believin’” is at 2.03 million downloads since it reached legal download services in April 2003 and has seen increased popularity through famous placements such as during the final scene of “The Sopranos” and in episodes of “Family Guy” and “Laguna Beach.” The recent addition of a new lead singer and a tour has also helped bring the song back into the spotlight.
“They are one of the most important artists we have,” Sony Music Entertainment Commercial Music Group president John Ingrassia says. “We’re constantly working with the band and our team to create new products or highlight the catalog.”
Ingrassia added, “We always do search engine marketing and promotion through the Web sites of TV shows or other partners, but now we can go to DSPs (digital service providers) and say, ‘We can do a lot more with this if you’ll work with us.’”
Well done Journey.
