Hulu Prepping Subscription iPad App?

If you're like us and enjoy watching your favorite TV shows free online at Hulu.com you may find this article the bearer of bad news. Hulu is reportedly prepping an iPad app to allow video playback with a subscription-based service. The only thing slowing the release of such app is the need to secure rights clearances. A path Hulu is going down following intense pressure from content providers to rake in the advertising cash for them. Could we finally be seeing the end of free Hulu with a pay-to-watch iPad app?

While discussing the rumors of a subscription-based service, Jason Kilar, Hulu's chief executive, told The New York Times, "We're certainly open to subscriptions as a complement to an ad-supported model." This is not the first time rumors have spread claiming Hulu was considering this. Just last year, we had prepared ourselves for Hulu to make the switch for their regular website. Meanwhile, we've yet to see them change the service or increase the amount of advertising. The better question is, can a subscription model survive against the influx of free to watch applications from ABC and other major networks? Hulu will have to provide a good reason if they hope viewers will stick with their service in the move to the iPad.

Tags: hulu, tv shows, apps, paid apps, news