Michael Eisner, the former Disney CEO and current online video convert, has some fighting words for network video site Hulu.
Speaking at a talk sponsored by Veoh, the online video distribution network that Eisner has invested in, he was adamant that Hulu's methods of repurposing content from the networks are not the future of online video.
"It's not an end game. It's a middle game, maybe," says Eisner."It makes NBC and FOX think they’re in the new media. It makes them feel like their doing something. But I’m not sure it’s the right thing.”
Eisner, the now founder of investment firm Tornante, has been experimenting in original online content with shows like Prom Queen, and Foreign Body and proselytizing about online video of late, thinks that the online space is still in its nascent stages, but that's no reason to refrain from investing in innovative techniques in the space.
"It's more like radio than anything else," he says. "When it becomes original content, then you’ll see the flock of advertisers."
Eisner recognizes that you can be too early to a market and says that original content for the web is currently "infinitesimal," but thinks that advertisers will follow successful programming. "I don’t think you should let the advertisers lead you," he says. "You should lead the advertisers. But I don’t think that’s going to happen."
Before wrapping up, Eisner had another shot at Hulu to get in: "It's not just about taking television and repurposing it on the internet. It's about discovery, It's about community, it's about interactivity. There is entertainment in the community."
