Lost free online with ads

Disney tests delivery of hit titles with commercials

By Jennifer Netherby -- Video Business, 4/10/2006

April 10 | In another experimental first, Disney-ABC Television will offer free, full-length episodes of its most popular shows, Lost and Desperate Housewives, through the Internet in May and June, the company announced Monday.

The shows will debut at ABC.Go.com the day after they premiere on broadcast TV and will include commercials.

The studio is calling the two-month offer an experiment and said users will be able to fast-forward, pause and rewind through parts of each show, but will not be able to fast-forward through advertisements. ABC has signed on 10 advertisers including AT&T, Cingular and Ford, which have all created interactive video ads for the Web TV airings.

Also available for streaming will be Commander in Chief and the entire current season of Alias.

ABC was the first network to offer its shows for download through iTunes last October. All three shows that will be streamed for free on ABC.Go are available through iTunes for $1.99 without commercials.

“The evolution of ABC.com is just one piece of our comprehensive, digital media multi-platform business initiative,” said Anne Sweeney, co-chair of Disney Media Networks and president of Disney-ABC Television Group. “This announcement highlights the momentum we've achieved both in launching new broadband services and working with strategic partners in the digital media space to ensure that our high-quality, informative and entertaining content is available to consumers whenever and wherever they choose.”

ABC said it is looking into ways to work with local broadcast affiliates for the online offerings.