Disney joins Hulu

The Walt Disney Co. has agreed to join News Corp., NBC Universal and Providence Equity as a joint venture partner of online video site Hulu.

Disney will offer full-length episodes of its most popular prime-time shows from its ABC network, including "Lost," "Grey's Anatomy," and "Desperate Housewives," as well as such cable offerings such as ABC Family's "Secret Life of the American Teenager" and Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place." It will also provide older episodes from ABC's library, such as "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" and "Dancing with the Stars."

"From our landmark iTunes deal to our pioneering decision to stream ad-supported shows on our ABC.com player, Disney has sought to meet the constantly evolving viewing habits of our consumers," Robert A. Iger, Disney's president and chief executive, said in a statement. "Today's Hulu announcement is the next extremely important step in that ongoing journey."

Disney views the move as a way to reach a new audience that isn't coming to the network's own website. While the ABC.com website has attracted regular viewers of its shows, Hulu offers the opportunity to tap into a new group of viewers.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Once a regulatory review is completed, Disney will gain three seats on the Hulu board, to be held by Iger; Anne Sweeney, president of Disney/ABC Television Group; and Kevin Mayer, executive vice president of corporate strategy and business development.

“At the end of the day, both Disney and Hulu needed each other,” said Tim Hanlon, managing director of
VivaKi Ventures, an investment arm of advertising giant Publicis.

“It’s very hard to be ubiquitous,” Hanlon said.  “Disney ‘s ABC and ESPN has been among the most conservative media companies but even they recognized that they needed alternative distribution methods. We are in a world of distribution neutrality.”

-- Dawn C. Chmielewski

 

Selena Gomez doesn't want to talk about whether or not she's dating Nick Jonas (though she most recently denied it -- again -- to reporters.) But it's hard to blame the 16-year-old star of Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place" for wanting to downplay her personal life when her brand is booming. She's busy working on a new album for next year and running her just-unveiled production company, July Moon Productions. And while she won't be voting in today's presidential election, Gomez has spent the last half of 2008 encouraging teens to get involved in politics, as the national spokesperson for the organization Ur Vote Counts.

"We prepare them for the election as though they were going to vote, talking to them about issues like national security, the economy and education," Gomez said. "When I thought about the fact that I'd be voting in two years I freaked. I wanted to prepare myself. What's awesome is I can get other kids involved as well."

During some rare free time, Gomez talked about being in the limelight, the first time she got recognized in public, and the one thing she likes to do all by herself.

Do you read the tabloids?

Recently, I have not. I'm actually very, very proud of myself. Honestly, the blog sites and everything -- I'd be on them nonstop. I've gone four weeks total without looking at them and I'm very proud and very happy. I was addicted. It was bad.

Do you mind being in the tabloids?

Regardless how much someone says, 'I don't believe what they say,' people do. I'm a person, and I have feelings. I love what I do, and I want to do this the rest of my life, but I do not want it to run my life.

Unfortunately, sometimes [celebrities] let the media control their life. I've seen that happen. It's not fun for me.

What was it like the first time you got recognized in public?

I actually got recognized for being on 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.' I was 13, and I only did one episode and had maybe seven lines total, and this little girl recognized me and I thought it was the weirdest thing. I remember back then my signature was totally like my full name and I took my time to write it all out. Now, I can't even understand what I write when I sign autographs.

After getting that first fat paycheck, what was your first big splurge?

 

I spent $200 on a phone. Made me nauseous. But I really wanted it. It was a present for someone.

The Secret life of ... Disney star Selena Gomez

Selena Gomez doesn't want to talk about whether or not she's dating Nick Jonas (though she most recently denied it -- again -- to reporters.) But it's hard to blame the 16-year-old star of Disney Channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place" for wanting to downplay her personal life when her brand is booming. She's busy working on a new album for next year and running her just-unveiled production company, July Moon Productions. And while she won't be voting in today's presidential election, Gomez has spent the last half of 2008 encouraging teens to get involved in politics, as the national spokesperson for the organization Ur Vote Counts.

"We prepare them for the election as though they were going to vote, talking to them about issues like national security, the economy and education," Gomez said. "When I thought about the fact that I'd be voting in two years I freaked. I wanted to prepare myself. What's awesome is I can get other kids involved as well."

During some rare free time, Gomez talked about being in the limelight, the first time she got recognized in public, and the one thing she likes to do all by herself.

Do you read the tabloids?

Recently, I have not. I'm actually very, very proud of myself. Honestly, the blog sites and everything -- I'd be on them nonstop. I've gone four weeks total without looking at them and I'm very proud and very happy. I was addicted. It was bad.

Do you mind being in the tabloids?

Regardless how much someone says, 'I don't believe what they say,' people do. I'm a person, and I have feelings. I love what I do, and I want to do this the rest of my life, but I do not want it to run my life.

Unfortunately, sometimes [celebrities] let the media control their life. I've seen that happen. It's not fun for me.

What was it like the first time you got recognized in public?

I actually got recognized for being on 'The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.' I was 13, and I only did one episode and had maybe seven lines total, and this little girl recognized me and I thought it was the weirdest thing. I remember back then my signature was totally like my full name and I took my time to write it all out. Now, I can't even understand what I write when I sign autographs.

After getting that first fat paycheck, what was your first big splurge?

 

I spent $200 on a phone. Made me nauseous. But I really wanted it. It was a present for someone.