ABC Television and Warner Bros. TV have entered into a new agreement over how shows will be delivered to viewers and how revenues are split, reports Variety.
Under the agreement, ABC will have the exclusive right to stream episodes of WBTV-produced shows in its online player for up to four weeks after broadcast. The network will also keep ad revenue generated from those streams.
These points cover year one of a two-year deal.
In year two, Warner Bros. will have the right to distribute shows elsewhere online, as well as on DVD. Where episodes might be distributed online is undecided, but the space is not lacking for options.
The deal does not cover permanent downloads such as those sold through iTunes. The focus is on the streaming player, since experience suggests consumers are willing to accept ads in exchange for free streams online.
