TF1 talking to M6, Canal to counter Hulu threat

PARIS, Oct 22 (Reuters) - France's main TV group TF1 (TFFP.PA) is talking with rivals M6 (MMTP.PA) and Canal Plus (VIV.PA) on how to counter the potential threat to local channels from U.S. video-viewing site Hulu in Europe.

Last week, French newspaper Les Echos said the three groups were in talks to create a common catch-up TV platform to broadcast their programmes.

"Today it is true that we are thinking about the threat Hulu...could represent for French companies", TF1 Chief Executive Nonce Paolini told a media roundtable.

"What we told ourselves was that we should not necessarily leave the door open to external players on the rights that we own", he said.

"Today, the matter is far from being finalised. We are holding talks but nothing more," he added.

M6 and Canal Plus declined to comment.

Hulu is jointly owned by General Electric Co's (GE.N) NBC Universal, News Corp's (NWSA.O) Fox Entertainment and Walt Disney Co's (DIS.N) ABC. Canal Plus' parent Vivendi has a 20 percent stake in NBC Universal.

Hulu has emerged as one of the most popular online video destinations since its launch in 2007, though it still lags Google Inc's (GOOG.O) YouTube. It is now among the top three online video sites in the United States.

Hulu has said it was looking at expanding the service outside the United States in 2010.

(Reporting by Cyril Altmeyer, Dominique Vidalon; editing by Elaine Hardcastle)