Web-TV Divide Is Back in Focus With NBC Sale

For 60 years, TV could be watched only one way: through the television set. Now, though, millions watch on demand and online on network Web sites like ABC.com and on the Internet's most popular streaming hub, Hulu.com. How people watch TV on demand — and whether they should pay for the privilege — is a critical issue in the landmark deal, announced Thursday, that will give Comcast control of NBC Universal. In the deal, Comcast will become a co-owner of Hulu. Comcast, the country's largest cable operator, has already been using its considerable muscle to limit how many shows are available online, lest people think they can cancel their costly cable subscriptions and watch free online. Now the company — which, if the NBC deal passes government muster, will own a piece of the biggest site that threatens to undercut its core business — is looking for ways to charge for ubiquitous access to shows. With millions now watching TV on their computers, can the media companies put the Hulu genie back in the bottle?