April 13, 2006
Free Net TV threatens telecoms and cable
Walt Disney's bold move to let people download TV shows for free could spell trouble for cable and satellite providers, but it also could threaten current content-distribution models used by cable operators and phone companies, which charge for shows delivered over their networks and have invested heavily in network upgrades. News.com reports.
"On Monday, Disney-owned ABC announced plans to put "Lost," "Desperate Housewives," "Alias" and "Commander-in-Chief" on the Internet for free as part of a two-month trial beginning in May. The Net-accessible episodes, which will be available the day after the shows air, will be archived so viewers can watch any shows they miss.
Disney's decision to distribute several ABC prime-time shows over the Net for free could threaten current content-distribution models used by cable operators and phone companies, which charge for shows delivered over their networks and have invested heavily in network upgrades."
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