Students at Cal Poly say they will not pay the price when such popular free Internet video services like Hulu begin forcing users to pay subscription fees.
In an attempt to garner a new, previously untapped source of revenue, the owners of Hulu are in talks to change from their free video service to a subscription service, similar to that found with the video renting company Netflix.
This move could not only bring in more revenue from subscribers, but also from advertisers and networks that would allow Hulu to offer programs otherwise offered only through television or Apple’s digital store iTunes.
“It is ridiculous,” said Joanna Trinh, a first-year business student. “We go to these sites because they are free, and they are fun because they are free. I would not pay for subscriptions because there is still a lot out there that is free to view.”
Like millions of students across the nation, Cal Poly students’ funds are already stretched thin with tuition, books, food and other daily costs.
Many cannot afford to take on the extra cost of unnecessary Internet subscriptions.
There are those, however, who view the change in Hulu’s subscription policy as a positive for both Hulu and the networks that allow their programs to be aired on the popular video streaming site.
“I say whatever generates profit,” said Ibrahim Homsi, a second-year aerospace engineering student. “Companies like Hulu need revenue to continue putting good programming on the Internet. With recorded TV shows and music, [Internet providers] need to cover the cost because broadcast companies, like NBC and Universal, have the rights to those programs.”
Furthermore, some believe subscription-based services hold an intrinsic benefit to the program quality and viewing pleasure.
“I would figure out what programs I wanted to watch,” said Homsi. “After that, I might take getting a subscription into consideration. I have Netflix too, and that subscription is worth the quality, which is impressive.”
It is widely held, however, that on the yet unknown date when Hulu transitions to a subscription-based service, many will utilize other video sites to view the same material for either a lower cost or for free.
“If they charged for a subscription to a YouTube channel [or Hulu], I would not subscribe, that’s stupid,” said Manny Amaya, a fourth-year underclared student. “As for the shows that are posted on YouTube or Hulu, if they start charging, people will not watch. There are various ways to watch something on the Internet and people will not hesitate to find those ways, especially if they are free.”
Although it appears YouTube’s foreseeable future of free video sharing is somewhat secure, there always exists rumors that the popular video-sharing service will also change to a subscription-based service.
In a recent “Los Angeles Times” article, AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson spoke about how Internet pricing may switch to a metered basis, or a pay-per-download basis.
This idea holds the potential to drastically change how often students view videos on the Internet.
“The point of [YouTube channels] is for people to have their own little group of followers or fans,” said Amaya. “If they start charging, the YouTube video makers will have little if any fans or subscribers at all.”
Charging viewers to access YouTube could affect the recent phenomenon of comedy programs like “Saturday Night Live” finding and casting well-liked YouTube video makers.
This occurrence may be best explained tied when popular “SNL” cast member Andy Samberg drew the attention of NBC after the success of his YouTube videos.
Reach Anthony Clegg at: lifestyle@thepolypost.com
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