Audio Video News

The video streaming site Hulu got a new high-profile partner last week with the announcement that Disney movies and TV shows would be available. This is a leg up for Hulu, in the thick of an ongoing race with YouTube to sign up new content partners.

Look for older Disney movies to appear on Hulu. The deal will also cover TV shows like Lost, Grey's Anatomy, and Wizards of Waverly Place, which will hit Hulu after their initial broadcast runs. YouTube also has some Disney content, including ESPN and ABC shows, indicating that the studio may not want all its eggs in one basket.

Still, this is big news for Hulu, the number four online video site in the U.S. It puts ABC in the company of NBC and Fox as network partners of the streaming site. In fact, Disney/ABC will also be buying a 30 percent stake in Hulu, similar to cash investments made by NBC and Fox. And Hulu will be advertised on Disney properties.

Hulu will have to keep the deals coming to keep up with YouTube, which has goodies from Sony Pictures, Lionsgate, CBS, MGM, and Liberty Media.

See Associated Press story.