Channel 4 Signs On-Demand Content Deal

Channel 4 has signed a content deal with Disney-ABC International Television which will see US shows made available free of charge for 30 days on Channel 4’s video-on-demand channel 4oD.

Viewers will be able to watch shows such as Ugly Betty and Desperate Housewives with ads on PCs via 4oD for up to 30 days after they are originally broadcast.

The deal marks the first time that Disney-ABC International Television’s shows have been made available on-demand for free in Europe.

Jeff Ford, Channel 4’s director of acquisitions and Film4, and Catherine Powell, vice-president of sales in the UK & Ireland for Disney-ABC International Television negotiated the deal.

Ford said: “This deal means that viewers can now catch up on some of their favourite US shows, alongside home grown products, free of charge at a time convenient to them which can only be good news.”

Jim Brehm, senior vice-president of sales at Disney-ABC International Television, said: “We’re committed to working with partners who have strong brands in the digital space, like Channel 4, to enhance consumers’ viewing experience of our content, and expand its distribution.

“Building on this partnership, we’re pleased to bring these series to UK viewers in a free, ad-supported model for the first time, allowing them to enjoy these much talked-about shows whenever, wherever and however they wish.”

Once the 30 day mark is reached the shows will be available on a pay per view basis on 4oD.

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com