ABC, Warner new digital distribution agreement
November 15, 2011
Disney-ABC Television Group’s ABC Entertainment and the Warner Bros Television Group (WBTVG) have reached a wide-ranging agreement regarding the digital distribution of series produced by Warner Bros Television for ABC for the 2011/12 and 2012/13 seasons.
Under the terms of the new agreement, ABC has the ability to distribute any series produced by WBTVG during the current 2011/12 and the 2012/13 seasons online via abc.com and Hulu’s ad-supported platforms. The series will also be made available as part of ABC’s branded video-on-demand offering available through a variety of cable, satellite and telco providers. Across these platforms, the five most-recently televised episodes of each series will be available the day after their network broadcast.
Additionally, the agreement gives ABC the ability to simulcast its linear feed in all media, including as part of the network’s authenticated product, which is currently under development.
The deal sees WBTVG significantly broaden its domestic off-network distribution rights, gaining the flexibility to make series available earlier and on more platforms. WBTVG is able to offer select, highly-serialised series via Subscription Video on Demand (SVoD) platforms at the end of each broadcast season. Additionally, WBTVG has moved up the off-network syndication window so that it begins at the end of a series’ third broadcast year. WBTVG retains in-season Electronic Sell-Through (EST) and out of season DVD and Blu-Ray rights.
“This new agreement is a great example of our commitment to working with our production partners to find innovative solutions that allow us to offer ABC viewers access to their favourite series,” said Jana Winograde, executive vice president, Business Affairs and Administration, ABC Entertainment Group. “Over the years, the Warner Bros. Television Group has been a tremendous partner, as both of our companies look to experiment and find new ways to build and strengthen our businesses.”
“Our new agreement with our ABC network partners is a win all around. It makes it easier than ever for viewers to watch their favourite shows, it helps expand the ABC platform and ultimately it makes our series more valuable,” said Craig Hunegs, executive vice president, Warner Bros. Television Group.