Prime ABC shows the day after they air, for free, anyone?
The game is changing big time kids.
Disney plans to make premium TV shows available online the day after they air, for free.
Ohh, and did I mention, CBS already does it.
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Walt Disney Co.’s ABC Television will offer some of its most popular shows, such as “Desperate Housewives” and “Lost,” for free on the Internet in a two-month trial, the company said on Monday.
Advertising revenue will support the trial run on ABC.com, with advertisers AT&T Inc., Ford Motor Co., Procter & Gamble Co. and Universal Pictures already signed up.
“Commander in Chief” and “Alias” along with “Lost” and “Desperate Housewives” will be available on the Web in May and June, starting the day after they are first broadcast.
Viewers will be able to pause and move between “chapters” in an episode but will not be able to skip ads that are technically embedded.
So, what does this mean? Well, it means that they’re bypassing traditional distribution and going direct to the consumer with a traditional ad supported model no less.
Just when you thought that iTunes was going to rule the world it seems there may be an alternative.
I like the idea of straight to consumer.
I also don’t mind the advertiser-supported thing either. They’re really not doing anything different that we’re not already used to.
No doubt that all of this fun will exclude Aussies. It will be a totally different world down here if we can buy (or get for free) direct from the networks. I the only real TV I watch is some of the major shows, like Prison Break etc. If I can watch them online, I see no need for Foxtel saving me $80/month.
Its not like anyone really watches American blockbuster shows on Aussie TV anyway.
-dg
The CBS on demand website advises you have 24 hours after you download it to watch it before it expires. Great idea but if you are like me and like to watch the episodes of Newlyweds over and over again, this won’t really work. I think I will stick to downloading via BT and Emule.
Yeah, totally agree with you Daniel (except for the newlyweds bit :-))
But at least it’s a step forward.
-dg
WTF!!!!!!!!! Newlyweds?
Hey, we tolerate (almost) all kinds here :-)
I still love you Dan. Despite your poor taste in television.
-dg