Internet, Online Video | featured news

According to a new report issued by Strategy Analytics, consumers may be far more willing to open their wallets to purchase Web video content, much as they do with music, than many once believed. The Boston-based research firm forecasts that worldwide consumer spending on online video content could reach $3.8 billion in 2009 despite the recession. That figure would exceed the $3.5 billion in online video ad revenue expected this year, the report says.

Hulu CEO Jason Kilar won a big battle against Google's (GOOG) top dealmakers in April, successfully convincing Disney (DIS) CEO Bob Iger to put ABC's full-length content on Hulu instead of YouTube.

Google wanted to make Disney the cornerstone of its new focus on premium content, but Disney ended up taking an equity stake in Hulu alongside prior investors News Corp (NWS), NBC (GE) and Providence Equity Partners.

A couple months later, the fruits of Jason's labor are here in the form of mega-hit "Grey's Anatomy," now live on Hulu.

Nothing free and awesome lasts forever. Case in point: Hulu.com. According to Jonathan Miller, News Corps.'s chief digital officer, Hulu may begin charging for some online content in the near future.

Whether or not such online attention hurt "Wolverine" at the boxoffice is debatable, but Fox's assertion of 4 million is about FOUR times greater than previous estimates.

Walt Disney Co. reached a deal to buy a nearly 30% stake in Hulu, the Web-video site, and will put full episodes of ABC TV shows on it.

The website known for its user-generated videos will showcase Hollywood content in an effort to boost revenue and compete with the growing popularity of Hulu.

Wonkette has the latest video offering from used-up 2008 Campaign Celebrity Samuel J. "Joe the 'Plumber'" Wurzelbacher, and look, this is just getting very depressing.

A 47-year-old British charity worker who says she has never been kissed has become a YouTube sensation after singing in front of Simon Cowell.

YouTube and Disney are close to a deal to distribute video clips from ABC, ESPN and other Disney properties on the video-sharing site.

Cal Expo officials are turning to "YouTube" to sell a new NBA arena plan to the public. The decision comes amid criticism the negotiations have been secretive.