Sure, for a year now, YouTube has trailed Hulu in the number of TV shows and films it offers, but in recent months all the momentum appeared to be with Google’s video site. That was until Thursday, when Hulu announced a partnership with Disney that at least one industry analyst believes has smashed YouTube’s chances of becoming an online hub for top TV shows and feature films

Source: CNET.com

Date: 5/01/2009

Keys: Marketing, distribution channels, strategic alliances,

Link: http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10231195-93.html

Questions for discussion:

• Do you think this alliance is good for everyone or better for some players and not very good for others? Explain your thinking?
• Do you think television shows will eventually be distributed wherever they can be sold?
• What other distribution deals make sense to you today, given the way viewing habits are changing?