NEW YORK (AFP) - Hulu, a joint venture between News Corporation and NBC, began testing the delivery of TV shows online Monday including some of the most popular programs on American television.

The new company, drawing on News Corporation's and NBC's stable of television shows, is planning to deliver TV programming online, allowing people to watch their favorite shows anywhere at anytime as long as they are logged onto a computer or laptop.

"Consumers are clearly interested in easily accessing a broad spectrum of programming," said Peter Chernin, News Corporation's president and chief operating officer.

Rupert Murdoch's News Corporation owns the Fox television network in the United States. Hulu will offer Fox shows as part of its menu.

Hulu said its on-demand online video service will provide programming on a free ad-supported basis.

In a boost to its test launch, Hulu announced it had signed licensing deals with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., and Sony Pictures Television.

As a result, over 40 television shows from Sony and other television shows and feature films from MGM will be available through Hulu which can be accessed through www.hulu.com.

The online TV service also plans to offer programming carried by more than 15 US cable television networks.

In a boost to its financial position, Hulu said it had also won 100 million dollars in investment from Providence Equity Partners, a private equity firm.

Jason Kilar, Hulu's chief executive, said the service would deliver episodes and clips of shows such as The Simpsons, The Office, House, and Heroes to users.

Hulu has signed online distribution agreements with AOL, Comcast, Fancast.com, MSN, MySpace and Yahoo!