Media

Intel boss joins Hulu CEO contenders

Intel’s Erik Huggers, central to the company’s nascent OnCue TV service, appears to have one eye on the exit door, The Post has learned.

Erik HuggersTwitter

Huggers has recently expressed interest in the long-vacant Hulu CEO post, sources close to the situation said.

The Intel Media honcho joins former NBCUniversal Executive Vice President Lauren Zalaznik and Fox Networks Group President Mike Hopkins, the executive in charge of distribution and digital outlets, who are also said to be interested in the Hulu top job.

Huggers’ name is interesting in that the OnCue TV service aims to rival Hulu. However Intel’s new CEO Brian Krzanich has been less than enthused about the prospects for the over-the-top service, which has yet to sign any major program contracts.

Huggers did not respond to requests for comment.

Intel said it had no comment.

Hulu’s leadership has been an open question since founder and CEO Jason Kilar exited with a $40 million pay-out last Dec. 31.

Hulu, the premium online video company owned by Disney, NBC Universal and 21st Century Fox, has been counting on acting CEO Andy Forssell since March.

Forssel was the content boss at Hulu under Kilar.

While some outsiders have expressed interest in the job, Hulu is leaning toward an internal candidate, sources said.

But that could change quickly, sources added.

“Each side has been alternating in shooting them [the candidates] down!” said another sources close to the situation.

“I think Hopkins is the favorite but [ABC digital chief] Albert Cheng is in the mix as well,” the source added.