Fox pulls free shows from Fox.com, Hulu

Following a decision last month to limit online access to complete Fox TV episodes to subscribers from Dish Network (Nasdaq: DISH) and other pay TV providers with licensing deals, Fox pulled free episodes from Fox.com and Hulu.

Web viewers attempting to access full-length Fox episodes instead receive this prompter page. (Image source: Fox.com)

Web surfers who attempted to access full-length episodes from Family Guy, Fringe and other Fox series Monday were prompted to select which pay TV provider they subscribe to. But Dish Network is the only provider listed on Fox.com, since the DBS (direct broadcast satellite) provider is the only distributor that has a rights deal with Fox that gives its subscribers access to the site.

Fox is using its pay wall to encourage viewers to push their local cable provider to reach agreements with the network to give them access to the site. Viewers who subscribe to Dish Network will see this message when they attempt to access full-length episodes: "Frustrated? Join your fellow subscribers and let your TV provider know that you want access to all full episodes on FOX.com. We will send an email when your provider's status changes."

News Corp. (Nasdaq: NWSA) COO Chase Carey said last week that the network will attempt to add online video distribution terms to broader retransmission consent agreements Fox TV stations are pitching to pay TV providers.

For more:
- see story in Multichannel News

Related articles:
Fox ties Web video deals to retransmission consent
Fox unveils online TV paywall, delay for free content