Forget iTunes Store: Disney Offering Free TV Programing at ABC.com

[link to media.seekingalpha.com]


Forget the iTunes Store: Disney Offering Free TV Programing at ABC.com
Posted on Oct 3rd, 2006 with stocks: AAPL, DIS

Frank Barnako (MarketWatch) submits: If you want to watch ABC-TV's (DIS) new "Ugly Betty," forget buying it at Apple's (AAPL) iTunes Store. "Betty" and about half a dozen of the network's hit shows are available for streaming viewing, free, on the broadcaster's site. Alexis Rapo, v.p. of digital media at ABC Entertainment said, "We're adding a significant amount of unique content, especially video, to make ABC.com the primary destination for fans of our programming."

This echoes statements made a week or so ago by Bob Iger, Disney's chairman, that he wanted the company's Web sites to become "the networks." While iTunes is selling past seasons of ABC shows, the broadcaster is primarily using it as a promotional vehicle by producing "official" podcasts for series including "Grey's Anatomy," "Lost," and The Bachelor."