(Telecompaper) Hulu, the web streaming service controlled by Walt Disney and 21st Century Fox, is close to naming Fox executive Mike Hopkins as its chief executive officer, two people with knowledge of the matter said, reported Bloomberg Businessweek. The appointment is expected to be announced in the near future, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the deliberations are private. Hopkins, current president of distribution for Fox Networks, would succeed Any Forssell, acting CEO of Hulu. The appointment of Hopkins would bring to Hulu an executive who is experienced in negotiating with pay-TV services. The company is working toward becoming an online partner to the industry, providing cable subscribers mobile and online access to programmes, and is creating its own shows. The selection signals Hulu is becoming more of a media property than a technology innovator, said Laura Martin, an analyst at Needham & Co. Disney and Fox, the controlling investors of the company, discontinued plans to sell the TV service in July and agreed to enhance its technology, buy and develop programming and increase marketing.