ABC to offer VOD offering to affiliates

Disney-ABC Television Group announced that ABC and its Affiliate Association will make on-demand content available through cable, DBS and Telco distributors. ABC will provide network programs through a local ad- supported VOD service in both O&O and non-owned station markets to operators who disable the fast-forwarding capability. The number of spots in the VOD episodes is still being determined, but will be less than for a live broadcast. Each affiliate will have the opportunity to insert one locally-sold, 30-second commercial spot within each half-hour of programming in those markets where ABC VOD is available. For the past several months, ABC and Cox Communications have been participating in a free VOD trial in Orange County, CA.

This agreement also lifts ABC’s repurposing restrictions, allowing for expanded opportunities to repurpose network programming at any time through this VOD arrangement, as well as through download services, including iTunes and Xbox, with whom ABC has current distribution deals.

 “We remain focused on our consumers and finding innovative ways to make our content more widely available to them; and we believe that this can be achieved by continuing to evolve the ways we work with our distribution and advertising partners,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney-ABC Television Group. “This new arrangement provides further proof of the dedication the network and our affiliates have to working together in unique and inventive ways to create new opportunities that build all of our businesses.”

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