The cable giants apparently want to expand into the online video industry.

According to a report in the Wall Street Journal, Comcast and Time Warner are holding discussions with the major cable networks about ways to provide cable subscribers with online access to programming.

In order to differentiate itself from web sites like Hulu, the cable companies would offer network programming that is currently unavailable online.

The parties involved in the talks do shed some light on the potential programming. NBC and Viacom (owner of MTV, TNT and USA) execs have reportedly been involved in the talks with Comcast and Time Warner.

According to the WSJ (via Reuters), NBC Universal is “intrigued” by the idea, while Viacom’s MTV Networks called the concept “a great testing ground.”

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