C4 and Disney launch free video on demand catch-up service

LONDON - Channel 4 and Disney-ABC International Television have linked up to enable US shows such as 'Ugly Betty' to be made available free of charge for 30 days, with ads, on Channel 4's video-on-demand channel 4oD.

Shows including 'Desperate Housewives', 'Brothers & Sisters' and upcoming series, such as 'Reaper' and 'Dirty Sexy Money', will be available free on 4oD via PC for up to 30 days after their original TV broadcast.

Each series will be supported by multiple adverts and sponsorship packages.

Tonight's episode of 'Ugly Betty' will be the first show to be made available through the new partnership.

This is the first time in Europe that Disney-ABC International Television has made its network series available on demand, free of charge to viewers, and supported by advertising.

The deal was negotiated by 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.

Ford said: "We want Channel 4 viewers to be able to see our shows in a format, time and platform to suit them and to make the process as simple as possible.

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

After programmes hit the 30-days post transmission mark, they will continue to be made available on a pay per view basis on 4oD.

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."

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