ABC's AOL Pact Marks Web's Growing TV Allure

ABC became the latest major network to strike a deal with AOL allowing its full-length prime-time shows to be available free on AOL's Web site - as of today, reports the WSJ]

ABC's deal highlights how the online strategy of the major TV networks has evolved over the past 18 months, reflecting rapid growth in the number of people watching online video and increasing advertiser interest. In May of last year, ABC became the first of the major networks to offer its most popular shows in full and free on the Web. Most of the other networks followed.

Initially the networks' focus was to stream shows on their own Web sites, but media companies have changed tack this year, striking deals with major portals to ensure that as broad an audience as possible sees the show.

... ABC's agreement goes into effect days before the networks' fall season kicks off, ensuring ABC fans will be able to watch some of the network's new shows, such as "Pushing Daisies," as well as older shows such as "Grey's Anatomy." The shows will be available one day after they air on broadcast television, and approximately four episodes of every show will be available for viewing at one time.

emily | 1:56 PM | Broadcasters distributing their TV shows online |
The Permanent Link to this page is: http://www.textually.org/tv/archives/2007/09/017366.htm

Tweet