In a less-than-shocking turn, Hulu will include channels from joint owners 21st Century Fox and Walt Disney in a virtual live-TV service coming next year.
Disney networks that will be on the new service include its sports powerhouse, ESPN, as well as broadcast network ABC, among others. Fox channels include its broadcast network of the same name, plus Fox News, FX Networks and multiple Fox sports channels, plus more.
Earlier this year, Hulu announced plans to roll out a new virtual cable-like service that combines live channels with the on-demand TV streaming that's been the site's staple for years. It's set to launch in early 2017, the company said.
Hulu is jointly owned by Fox and Disney, as well as Comcast's NBCUniversal. As part of Comcast's deal to take over NBCU in 2009, the company had to give up an active role in Hulu, and it's bound to follow the decisions of the two other partners, meaning NBC networks are likely to show up on the new service too.
Earlier this year, programmer Time Warner, which operates channels like HBO and CNN, bought a 10 percent stake in Hulu and announced an agreement for most of its channels to join the coming service. AT&T is awaiting approval to take over Time Warner.