Disney-ABC Television Group announced a deal with its Affiliate Association that expands the network’s ability to make content available on an on-demand basis through cable, DBS and Telco distributors. The agreement allows local affiliates to participate in the “fast-forwarding disabled” VOD offering through local advertising sales opportunities.

Additionally, this landmark agreement lifts ABC’s re-purposing restrictions, allowing for expanded opportunities to re-purpose 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.”

Under the new agreement, ABC will provide network programmes through a local advertising- supported video-on-demand service in both owned and non-owned

station markets to cable, DBS, telco and landline operators who agree to disable the “fast-forwarding” capability. The number of commercials in the VOD episodes is still being determined, but will be less than the number featured during a live broadcast. Each broadcast 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.

Categories: Articles, VOD