Hello Hulu

It’s been no secret that NBC and News Corp have been hard at work on a joint video venture, formerly referred to as NewCo.

Well, NewCo just got named Hulu, and it looks like they’re ready to take on YouTube with some of television’s finest content. 

“Why Hulu? Objectively, Hulu is short, easy to spell, easy to pronounce, and rhymes with itself,” said CEO Jason Kilar via variety. “Subjectively, Hulu strikes us as an inherently fun name, one that captures the spirit of the service we’re building.”

I’ve long thought that established networks ought take on YouTube by leveraging their vast vaults of content, but a catch-all website strikes me as moving against the grain.  What would be better?  Hundreds of micro channels like the ones created for Arrested Development

and Southpark, each with distinct communities and interactive elements.

What the web has needed is investment in quality content, and this major influx is certain to bring more attention to the medium than ever . 

Hulu will be available in beta in October.  Beginning today, interested users can submit their e-mail address at Hulu.com to be included in an invite list for the private beta.